Posts by Richard Kruml:
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )
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Noji Tama River in Omi Province with a poem by Minamoto no Toshiyori from the series of six prints Shokoku Mutamagawa , “Six Jewel Rivers in the Provinces.” Shows a nobleman and attendants admiring the moon’s reflection. The set published by Maruya Kyushiro 11/1857.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Trimmed on black border at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (Active c 1799-1823)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing a scroll with a painting of a Takarabune ship and an enameled Persian clock (with Arabic numerals). Norizome, “Maiden Voyage [of the New Year].” The Takarabune, “Treasure Ship” is associated with the new year and carries the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) with their treasures. Shinsai […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono, Hara, from an untitled Tokaido set, generally called the Surimono Tokaido. Published in 1804 for a kyoka club. There are 59 prints in the set; 8 being in this horizontal tanzaku format, the rest being koban size. This is the very rare first edition with the […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A design from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets.” Shows the poet Yamabe no Akahito (fl. 724-736) with a page walking beside the bay of Tago, with Fuji beyond. He is noted as one of the Thirty-six Poetry Immortals. Published by Yebi-Ne, 1840-2. A set with some fine compositions. […]
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. One of the Eight Dog Heroes, Satomi Yoshizane, seated surrounded by a dragon, thunderbolts and waves. From a set Dai Nippon goketsu Suikoden, “Great Japanese Heroes of the Popular Suikoden.” The set (?) published by Shimizuya Tsuejiro, c. 1843-5. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Kambara, yoru no yuki, “Night Snow at Kambara” from Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi)/Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. One of Hiroshige’s most celebrated designs, discussed and illustrated extensively. This is the very rare first edition: The sky […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Harima Maiko no hama, “Maiko Beach Harima Province” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Shows the beach with the famous pine forest stretching down to the water. Published by Koshihei, 1853-6, this being 1853. Fine impression of the first edition. Slight fading, […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Shono, haku-u, “Sudden Shower at Shono” from Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi)/Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. Together with Kambara, one of Hiroshige’s most celebrated designs, discussed and illustrated extensively. This is the very rare first edition: The […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Hakone, kosui, “Hakone, the Lake” from Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi)/Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. A line of travellers – presumably the deputation of the Edo Shogunate going to Kyoto – making its way down a precipitous […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Station Karuizawa from Kisokaido rokujukyo tsugi no uchi, the “Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Kaido.” A night scene after the autumn harvest and the stubble is being burned. In the background the village and Mt Asama in the distance. A traveller stops to get his pipe lit by […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Oji, Fudo no taki, “Fudo Waterfall, Oji” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1859 (this being 1857). Waterfalls were a pleasant way of getting relief from the summer heat. Japan has many hundreds of waterfalls […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Echizen Yunoo toge, “Yunoo Pass in Echizen Province” from a set of twenty prints Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Sea.” Ten prints showing mountain scenes and ten sea scenes (actually harbours). Published by Yamadaya Shojiro, 1858. The title is in a wrestling umpire’s fan. This […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Fukagawa, Suzaki, juman-tsubo, “The One Hundred Thousand Tsubo Plain, Suzaki, Fukagawa” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1859 (this being 1857). An eagle hovers over the snowy coastal plain, Mt Tsukuba and the Chiba mountains […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. Uba Shizu of Nabeshima praying under a waterfall from a set Zen’aku sanuroku bijin, “Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” The set published by Sawamuraya Seikichi, 1876. Very fine impression and colour with splashed gofun. Very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu. Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (active 1815-1852)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing a Chinese lady threading a needle on a balcony. First issued in Osaka for the Drum Group, c 1824. This is the excessively rare first edition with the blue sky and clouds; verses by two Osaka poets, and the coloured thread is connected to the […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An uncut fan print, Funa Benkei, “Benkei in a Boat.” Shows Yoshitsune’s boat fleeing from Kyoto and his brother Minamoto no Yorimoto. The boat encounters the ghosts of the slain Heike clan who rise from the waves. However, Benkei, by praying to the gods, is able to avert […]
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size. An original double-sided wood-block showing on one side the busts of three wrestlers with a title cartouche Ozumo tozai kurabe, “A Sumo Contest Between East and West.” On the other side is a sumi key-block for a set Kurikara kongo den, “Legends of the Dragon Sword and the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The Lumberyard, Fukagawa, from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “The Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo.” Shows snow falling on the timber yards lining a river. An umbrella in the foreground is inscribed Uo, “Fish” – a reference to the publisher Uoya Eikichi who published the set between 1856 […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. Otoyo no Kata from Zen-aku sanjuroku bijin, “Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” The set published in 1876 by Morimoto Janzaburo. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu. Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Akasaka kiribatake uchu sekikei, “Evening View of the Paulownia Grove at Akasaka in the Rain.” The replacement print for the Meisho Edo hyakkei “The Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo” after 1858 probably because the blocks were damaged, and a superior design to Hiroshige’s. Published by Uoya […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Azuma no Mori no koji “ The Old Story of Azuma” from a set Toto kyuseki tsukushi, “Old Edo Stories, Illustrated.” Exceptionally rare: Four other designs from the set came up at the Orange and Thornicraft sale, Sothebys, 25/3/1912, lot 440. And another impression of this design is […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare diptych, Shoki-san jaki ni sokko, “Shoki-San, Quick-Acting Medicine to Remove Evil Spirits.” Images of Shoki were used to ward off evil spirits and illness, especially during the Boys’ Festival. Published 1858 by Enshuya Hikobei. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi fude with […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Hida. Kago-watashi, “The Basket Ferry, Hida Province” from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 1853 ). Extremely fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Flood from a series Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” Shows the actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Abe Bungo no Kami riding through rough waves. A fine set published by Okura Magobei, 1876. Very good impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Oju […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A distant view of Mount Daisen [ Oyama ] in Hoki Province. One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 12/1853 ). White rain ( printed with […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the exorcism of the evil fox of Princess Osakabe by Miyamoto Musashi. The story relates how Musashi is the only warrior brave enough to enter Himeji castle which is haunted by the princess. He pursues her and finally cannot resist touching her which exorcises the […]
Hotei GOSEI (Active c. 1804-1835)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing a still life of fish and utensils from a fine and rare set Toto meisho awase, “Famous Attractions of the Eastern Capital.” The series title in a cartouche in the shape of the character “go” representing the Go-gawa Club. Each surimono shows something related to […]
Utagawa SADAKAGE (active c. 1818-1844)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono, Kinsei, “Metal” from Gobantsuzuki, “A Set of Five” surimono based on the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Shows a woman polishing a metal mirror. Published c. mid-1820s. The set was designed for a group led by the poet Shakuyakutei whose plum-blossom emblem is […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing the strong woman of Omi, Okane, stopping a runaway horse from a temple by holding its tether down with her geta. Published for the year of the Horse, 1834. Fine impression and colour. Areas of gold and silver. Some slight crinkling, otherwise very good […]
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. Published by Tsuji-ya Yasubei c 1844. Robinson T143. Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size. A snow scene: Imadobashi Matsuchiyama, “Imado Bridge and Matsuchi Hill.” From Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 8/1862 ). This was also a district that attracted Hiroshige I and he designed […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical oban diptych, Fujigawa no setchu, “The Fuji River in Winter.” Hiroshige records in his diaries that he commenced on a journey westwards from Edo on the fourth month Tempo 12 (1842). He walked the Koshukaido to Kofu in Kai Province and then on to […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing Prince Genji (far right) on a stone terrace looking out at Suma Beach, Akashi, thronged with visitors enjoying themselves. Two of his party look as though they are going to collect shells. A mitate of Chapter XIII of the Genji Monogatari where Genji is exiled […]
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Heavy snow, Yushima Tenjin, “Yushima Tenjin Shrine.” From Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 9/1862 ). The shrine is famous for its ume, Japanese apricot trees, and the Ume Matsuri festival […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare and unusual surimono: I have only seen two impressions – both of which have passed through my hands, and one of which was gifted to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Shows the most famous playwright of his age – Tsuruya Nanboku IV (1755-1829). His crest is clearly […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A rare diptych, Kansho Tempaizan mangan. This famous tale (with different versions) is the basis for the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy” which was performed at the Kawarazaki Theatre, Edo, 9/1832. This Mt. Tempai scene shows Kan Shojo (Sugawara no Michizane), a […]
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Kasumigaseki setchu, “Kasumigaseki in Snow” from Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 6/1862 ). Shows a steep incline in what is now the administrative district of Tokyo. One of the six […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. Narukami Shonin, a wicked priest, from the play Narukami. One of a set Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” The series published by Hiranoya Shinzo, 1862. The set is known for its deluxe printing. Superb impression and colour. Fine condition. Signed Kio […]
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Nakazu Mitsumata, “Mitsumata Middle Strand.” Shows the charring of a boat to preserve it on the eight-acre Nakazu Island. In the background Tsukudajima and Eitaibashi. From Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The Empress Jingo Kogo, sumptuously attired, sitting on a rock with two Imperial Jewels above her. She is supposed to have invaded Korea although there is some debate about this. From a set Meiko hyaku yu den, “Stories of a Hundred Heroes of High Renown.” The series published […]