Posts by Richard Kruml:
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kozuke, Harunasan setchu, “Kozuke [Province], Mount Haruna Under Snow.” From the set of sixty-nine prints, Rokuju-yoshu meisho zue, “Views of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published 1856 by Koshihei, although sealed between 1853-56 (this being 1853). A red bridge spans a gorge with precipitous cliffs and a fast flowing river. Fantastic crags point upwards into the sky. In the distance is Mount Haruna, a sleeping volcano.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The warrior Ritchitaisai Genshoji in a boat attacked by grappling-hooks thrown by his adversaries. A design from the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi’Nai’an, […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The ghost of Genta Yoshihira, having been executed by Taira no Kiyomori, springs into the air causing a thunderstorm and exacting revenge. The best design from Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” Published 1889 by Sasaki. Very fine impression, colour and condition. The first edition. Signed […]
MADOYA (Active c. 1830s)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono by an Osaka artist from a series with title Hasoku shunsho juhachi-ban no uchi,”Eighteen Pieces Praising Spring Near the Water.” Sub-title: Tenpozan (the name of the new port in Osaka Bay). Shows a girl in a boat beside the prow of a larger vessel. The Osaka […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. Hokkei, a pupil of Hokusai, is best known for his fine surimono. This rather enigmatic example shows an ox being led by a farmer and his son. There appears to be a festival element in the headgear. Presumably issued for the Ox year (1829). The poetry club logo, […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. The ghost of Genta Yoshihira. The best design from Shingata Sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts”. Published 1889. Fine impression, colour and condition. First edition. Signed Yoshitoshi. Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Sukiya embankment in snow, Toto Sukiya-gashi, from Fuji sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. The rampart on the inner side of the moat of Edo Castle on the right. Figures cross a bridge leading to Sukiya Gate. In the distance the […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850) (Attrib. to.)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing a new year’s throng of musicians, a monkey trainer, a samurai and children with a large kite. Possibly one sheet of a diptych or triptych. A beautiful example of the art of the surimono. Rare. Superb impression. Fine colour with extensive silver, gold and […]
Utagawa TOYOHIRO (1773-1829)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing a mechanical doll with movable eyes and mouth. It holds two puppets of Chinese boys, karako, playing cymbols. These automata, karakuri ningyo, were popular in Edo-period Japan and those made by Takeda Omi were the most famous. The doll stands on a small table with […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Taira no Kiyomori haunted by strange sights, Taira no Kiyomori kaii o miru zu. Hiroshige’s finest musha-e. A triptych showing the dying Taira no Kiyomori, head of the Taira clan, tormented by hallucinations and seeing, from the veranda of his palace, the garden covered in snow and transmogrified […]
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing two dancers performing the Sparrow dance, Suzume odori. From a set of six prints forming a hexaptych (this being the top left sheet) for the Katsushika Poetry Club, Katsushika rokubantsuzuki, c 1827-8. The vertical gold bands suggest a birdcage.Illustrated in Surimono, in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono, Watakuri uma, from a series Uma tsukushi, “Horse Series.” The set of at least thirty surimono was issued by the Yomo-gawa Poetry Club for the Horse Year, 1822. The title alludes to the appearance of the watakuri, “cotton gin” usually seen atop a wooden sawhorse-like stand. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Fulling cloth beneath a full moon. Toi Tama-qawa in Settsu Province from the set Six Tama Rivers. One of the two best designs from the set. Published circa early 1830s. Fine impression and colour. Minor repair extreme top edge, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. A beautiful print. […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as the medicine peddler in the play Uiro-uri and Ichikawa Danjuro IV in the votive panel above as Kagekiyo in the play of the same name. Both these plays are included in the Kabuki Juhachiban ” Eighteen Favourite Plays” chosen to illustrate the […]
Tomikichiro TOKURIKI (1902-2000)
Click here to view image full size. The original keyblock woodblock for print 20, Distant View of Fuji from Ise Asama Mountain from The Thirty-six Views of Fuji, published by Uchida Bijutsu Shoten, 1939-40. Sold together with the annotated finished print. The reverse of the block has another unidentified image. Block size 11.5 x 16.75 […]
Tomikichiro TOKURIKI (1902-2000)
Click here to view image full size. A complete set of 5 double-sided original woodblocks comprising the keyblock and 9 colour blocks. Sold together with the finished print. Although late, it’s very rare to find complete sets of blocks and shows clearly how the prints were produced. Some of the blocks retain the keyblock proofs […]
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786?-1868)
Click here to view image full size. A sailing junk caught in stormy seas, driving rain, and under a threatening sky. The masterpiece from a set of six prints issued in album form with title Naniwa meisho, Tempozan shokei ichiran, “A Famous Place in Osaka, Selected Views of Mount Tempo.” Published in Osaka, 1834, by […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. A koban surimono from a kyoka set ( of one hundred ? ) published c. 1805. Shows a kyoka poet with poem by Mikumi Himemari. Seemingly the only large group illustrated is in the Katsushika Hokusai Exhibition from The Peter Morse Collection, Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art, […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Kido Maru learning magic from the forest tengu. Possibly Kuniyoshi’s greatest design in this genre. He is shown, cross-legged,atop a giant python, two wrapped pine sprigs (aomatsuba) in his mouth. A long dagger is driven into the python’s head and snakes curl around its blade. Robinson SIF.1. Illustrated […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical diptych showing the famous poet and court noble, Ariwara no Narihira (825-880), on horseback with his attendant before Mt. Fuji on their way to the east. The eastern journey was one of the main parts of the Ise Monogatari. Published by Marukyu, c 1845-6. Fine […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A rare vertical diptych showing the famous Daimyo Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578). He ruled Echigo Province and was known as a skillful administrator as well as warlord; also for his rivalry with Takeda Shingen who he fought at the fourth battle of Kawanakajima. Published by Jubei Yorozuya, 1846. […]
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the Shinto Storm God Susanoo about to slay the eight-headed dragon, Yamata no Orochi, at the head of the Hi river in pouring rain. The dragon devoured virgins and had eaten the seven daughters of two earthly deities, seen top right. The eighth, Kushi-inada-hime, also […]
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1850-1880)
Click here to view image full size. The Dragon Princess rising from the sea to the amazement of Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181) and his court. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, 1861. Fine impression and colour. Very slightly trimmed, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitora ga. Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing a scene during the siege of Nagashino Castle by Takeda Katsuyori. Torii Suneemon Katsutaka was sent to get help and managed to evade the guards. He insists on returning to his comrades but meanwhile Takeda has fastened bells to the cables on the castle’s exit […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The brothers Goro and Juro battling Kikko Kojiro and Aiko Saburo in the pouring rain. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Hakomaru (Soga no Goro) stands on top of a steep cliff holding a huge boulder. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Asahina Saburo tugging on Goro Tokimune’s armour. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A noblewoman is directed to the Soga shrine by a wood-gatherer. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Goro Tokimune comes across the wrestler Goromaru. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Onio and Dozaburo, the retainers of the Soga Brothers. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his […]
Katsukawa SHUNTEI (1770-1820)
Click here to view image full size. Yamamoto Kansuke (Haruyuki) (1501-1561) overpowering a gigantic boar. Takeda Shingen’s most valuable general and one of the Takeda nijushi-sho, “Takeda’s Twenty-four [most trusted] Generals.” Kansuke was involved in a lengthy feud with Kenshin Tora and is killed in one of their skirmishes at Kawanakajima on 12 Oct. 1561. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Sukiya embankment in snow, Toto Sukiya-gashi, from Fuji sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. The rampart on the inner side of the moat of Edo Castle on the right. Figures cross a bridge leading to Sukiya Gate. In the distance the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Tadasugawara no yudachi, “Evening Shower on the Bank of the Tadasu River” from the early set Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous Views of Kyoto.” The set of ten masterpieces was published by Eisendo, c 1834. Shows figures running in the rain to get to the tea-houses which lined […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The cantilevered Monkey Bridge from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke 1853-6 (this being 1853). This bridge – one of the three most famous bridges in Japan – is situated in Otsuki and purports to be 1300 years old (albeit rebuilt […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Yoroi no watashi, “Yoroi Ferry” from the set Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Edo.” Published by Ai-To, 1862. Shows the laden ferry crossing in heavy snow. The Koami-cho warehouses on the right. Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. Taira no Tadamori (1096-1153) grappling with the oil thief from a set: Honcho komei kagami, “A Mirror of our Country’s Renowned Heroes.” Published by Joshuya Kinzi, c 1835. The story relates how the Emperor Shirakawa was perturbed by a monster in the precincts of the Mido Temple at […]
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono from a fine set of eight prints: Ichiyoren bunbo shiyu, “Four Companions of the Writing Studio for the Ichiyo Circle.” Issued c 1827 for the Ichiyoren poetry club. The set alternates Chinese and Japanese subjects with the literati tradition of brush, ink, inkstone and paper. In […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA ( 1822-1866 )
Click here to view image full size. Takamatsu Naizen and Tateshina Danjo Masatada grappling during the Battle of Kawanakajima in the mid 16th century. They are heavily entwined in the red ribbons of the standards. Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke in 1857. Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya. […]
Mori YOSHIYUKI ( 1835-1879 )
Click here to view image full size. Shows Hido Hachiro holding the decapitated head of an enemy from Honcho buyu kagami, “Mirror of our Country’s Military Elegance.” Yoshiyuki was a pupil of Yoshiume and designed the set A Hundred Views of Osaka. He moved to Tokyo in 1868. Published by Tsutaya, c 1868. Rare: The […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The ronin Yazama Shinroku Fujiwara Mitsukaze ) from Seichu gishinden, “Tales of True Loyalty.” From a rare uncompleted set of the 47 Ronin published 6/1868 by Masudaya. Thirteen designs extant. It has been suggested that the set was completed but that the others are not known based on […]