Posts by Richard Kruml:
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A vertical diptych: Mongaku shonin aragyo no zu. One of a series of 16 vertical diptychs published in the 1880s. Shows the priest Mongaku atoning for his sins in the icy waters of the Nachi waterfall but being saved just in time by Seitaka doji, one of the two main boy servants of the Buddhist guardian deity Fudo-myoo (shown above). Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1885.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. The first edition with the title printed in red at the bottom. On thick deluxe hosho. Slight bleeding of the red seal, otherwise fine condition with the extra paper at left and top. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Kai Otsukinohara, the Otsuki Plain in Kai Province. A meandering stream with flowers and pampas grass from Fuji sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji” published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. This set was started 5 months before Hiroshige’s death. Early impressions, as here, were printed very carefully as a tribute […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido, Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki. The best design from a Toto meisho set of 21 prints published by Kikakudo (Sanoki) c 1832-5 and then extended to 55 in c. 1839-42. Also one of the best known places in Edo with […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Musashi Tamagawa, “Tama River, Musashi” Musashi Province. A view from Koganei with flowering cherry trees from Fuji sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji” published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. This set was started 5 months before Hiroshige’s death. Early impressions, as here, were printed very carefully as a tribute to […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The Shin Yoshiwara from a Toto meisho “Famous Views of the Eastern Capital” set of 10 prints published by Kagaya Kichibei, c. 1831. The “Shin” or “New” Yoshiwara was so named after its relocation after a fire in 1657. It can be seen in the distance. In the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Two tanzaku prints from a Toto meisho “Famous Places of the Eastern Capital” set that were printed two-to-a-sheet. They were cut down the middle but in this case the two prints were kept together which is extremely rare. On the left: Kanda Myoujin, “Kanda Shrine.” On the right: […]
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing a game of rock-paper-scissors, although this might be a variant called Kitsune-ken, with fox-hunter-village chief. The game originates (as so much in Japan) from China and eventually made its way to the west. This was (and is) a dangerous game to play with ladies who […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Izu no sanchu, “In the Mountains, Izu” the Joren Falls flow down between hills from Fuji sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji” published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. This set was started 5 months before Hiroshige’s death. Early impressions, as here, were printed very carefully as a tribute to Hiroshige. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Minamoto Tametomo (1139-70) decapitating Yamaotoko from a set of ten prints: Tametomo homare no jikketsu, “Ten Famous Glories of Tametomo.” A great archer (it being said that his left arm was four inches longer than his right), and a wild and colourful character. The story shown here relates […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Satomi Jibu-no-taifu Yoshizane, a daimyo in control of Takita Castle from Satomi Hakkenden, the eight heroes of Bakin’s novel Hakkenden. Published by Mikawa-ya Tetsugoro, c 1849-51. See the Kunichika triptych of the same subject on this current selection. Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Kuniyoshi ga. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Shiba Zojoji setchu, “Snow at Zojoji Temple” from a set Edo meisho mitu no nagame, “Three Special Views of Edo” published by Uoya Eikichi, c 1840-42. The temple, together with Kan’ei-ji, was the Tokugawa’s family temple. Rare. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Nitta Tadatsune encountering the goddess of Mount Fuji and her dragon in a cavern with numerous stalactites and a fast flowing river and waterfall. She complimented Tadatsune on his courage while his compatriots were stricken with terror. Statues of the goddess Kwannon ( Chin: Guanyin ) are often […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing two beauties by the pond at Tsunowazu Kumano Shrine in Yotsuya. The title is: Yotsuya Juniso, referring to the twelve shrines at Tsunowazu in Yotsuya. The poem on the large stone is by Shibanoya and refers to the peacefulness of the place with the willows […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1785-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing the actors Ichikawa Monnosuke III (right) and Ichikawa Danjuro VII walking in the emado of Asakusa Temple in Edo. This was a pavilion at the Shinto shrine used for displaying votive tablets. This seems to be part of a three or five sheet set showing […]
Kubo SHUMMAN (1757-1820)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing court figures dancing from a series: Shofudai Hisakataya Bunbunsha Tosa Nikki, “The Tosa Diary for the Shofudai, Hisakataya and Bunbunsha Poetry Groups.” Issued late 1810s. For another from this series see: Jewels Of Japanese Printmaking: Surimono Of The Bunka-Bunsei Era 1804-1830, Joan B. Mirviss, Ota […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1785-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing Ichikawa Danjuro VII and Bando Mitsugoro III as Soga no Goro and Asahina no Saburo in the armour-pulling (kusazuri-biki) scene from the play Tsukisenzu haru gohiki Soga. Issued 1827. The story relates how Soga no Goro was feasting at a banquet when he learns of […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono, Umazakushi, showing a saddle and cotton-gin from Watakuri uma, “A Series of Horses.” Issued for the Yomogawa club, 1822. Shows a horse’s saddle, a cotton-gin, basket of cotton floss and a branch of plum. A smoking set in the foreground. This set followed on from the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido, Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki. The best design from a Toto meisho set of 21 prints published by Kikakudo (Sanoki) c 1832-5 and then extended to 55 in c. 1839-42. Also one of the best known places in Edo with […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Soshu Enoshima Benzaiten kaicho mode Hongu Iwaya no zu, “Pilgrimage to the Cave Shrine of Benzaiten on Enoshima.” A triptych showing the back view of the island (the causeway being on the other side) with the Iwaya cave on the right. Groups of women from Edo schools of […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Midono from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi , “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). The conjecture is that Hiroshige was the better known […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A snow scene: Atago shita yabukoji, “Bamboo Lane Below Atago Hill” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo”. Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 (1856-58). This design dated Dragon 12 (1856). The large building on the left housed the daimyo’s servants and […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Araki Matayemon standing, examining his sword from Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The set published by Kadzusaya Iwazo in c 1845-6. Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Solid yellow ground. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshioka Kanefusa defending himself in an attack by police from Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The set published by Kadzusaya Iwazo in c 1845-6. Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Solid yellow ground. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A bust portrait of the sumo wrestler Nuregami Chogoro holding a pipe from the series Kuniyoshi moyo shofuda tsuketari genkin otoko, “ Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion.” The title derived from a contemporary kabuki play Shofuda tsuki kongen kusazuri. Poem above by Rosho. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A bust portrait of Goshaku Somegoro playing a shakuhachi from the series Kuniyoshi moyo shofuda tsuketari genkin otoko, “ Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion.” The title derived from a contemporary kabuki play Shofuda tsuki kongen kusazuri. Poem above by Umeya. Robinson S40.3. Published […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshida Sadaemon Kanesada slicing arrows in half with his sword from a set Gishi Meimei jitsu den, “Biographies of Loyal Followers [aka The 47 Ronin].” The series published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke, 1860. Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Sasaki Ganryu standing, in profile, with clenched fist, from Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The set published by Kadzusaya Iwazo in c 1845-6. Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Solid yellow ground. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Tadatsune killing the monstrous wild boar watched by Yoritomo and his entourage. Published c 1842-3. Robinson T99. Fine impression and colour. Minor trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Kiyohime assumes a serpent form at Hidaka river as she continues her pursuit of the monk Anchin. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 and 1890. Extremely fine impression of the first edition with three-colour cartouche. Fine […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A design showing Hojo Tokiyori in a snowy landscape from the set Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” He was Regent during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) but withdrew to the temple of Saimyoji and subsequently travelled around the country incognito to familiarize himself […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Takeda Katsuchiyo in his boyhood killing an old badger which had transformed itself into a wooden saddle-horse. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 and 1890. Very fine impression of the first edition with three-colour cartouche. Fine […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. India from Sangoku yoko zue, “The Magic Fox of the Three Countries [China, India, Japan].” A set with strong western elements. Here showing Kwayo-fujin (the fox) having shot a St. Sebastian-like figure in the eye watched by King Hansoku. Both attired in exotic and archaic western garments and […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The warrior Hakumenrokun Teitenju in full armour levering a mass of rock with an iron bar. 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 […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The warrior Chusenko Teitokuson driving his sword into a huge snake. 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, which tells […]
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size. An apparition of a nine-tailed fox. These foxes could turn themselves into beautiful women when a hundred years old. From a set of 50 prints: Azuma nishiki chuya karabe, “Eastern Brocades, Day and Night, Compared.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886. Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An early design without series title showing Nikki Gennosuke in pouring rain fending off wild wolves while suddenly observing the apparition of a dead man behind him. Published by Tsuta-ya Kichizo, c 1840. Robinson S1e.2. A fine and rare design. Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise […]
Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )
Click here to view image full size. No. 30, Sakai Kuzo Hisatsune surviving gunshot from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “ Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki.” A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from the set. Fine […]
Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )
Click here to view image full size. No. 61, Saito Izu-no-kami Toshimitsu fighting an adversary under water from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki. “ A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from […]
Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )
Click here to view image full size. No. 32, Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu fighting a large boar from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “ Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki. “ A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from […]
Takahashi CHIHARU (1777-1859)
Sold Click here to view image full size. A surimono in Yamato-e style showing Otohime and Tawara Toda on the long bridge at Seta. There are different versions of this popular legend. One has it that Otohime, the Dragon Princess, had an enemy in the form of a giant centipede that lived and poisoned Lake […]