Posts by Richard Kruml:
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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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 illustrated in Hiroshige, The Albuquerque Museum, 1983, no. 722, pl. 74. Shows the concubine Tachibana Hime about to throw herself from the prow of the boat to appease the sea-gods and protect her lord Yamato Take. This she did despite him vowing to marry Miyazu Hime on his return. Published by Wakasa-ya, c. 1845. A wonderful design.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
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 […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Choko and Cho-Un fighting on a hillside from a set Tsuzoku Sangokushi yeiyu no ichi-nin, “Heroes of the Popular History of the Three Kingdoms, One by One.” Published by Joshuya Kinzo, c. 1836. Fine impression. Slight fading of red. Full size. Slight centre fold, otherwise good condition. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Kaidomaru felling a tengu during practise with wooden swords from a set Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The series published by Kadzusa-ya Iwazo, c. 1845-6. Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An early triptych showing Shutendoji’s palace on Mount Oyeyama, Oyeyama Shotendoji shuzui no zu. Raiko (Minamoto no Yorimitsu) is charged by the Emperor Murakami with killing the evil Shutendoji who terrorizes the neighbourhood. He and his retainers infiltrate the castle and ply Shutendoji and his ogrish band with […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Nihonbashi yukibare, “The Nihon Bridge, Clear Weather after Snow.” From Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1856) by Uoya Eikichi. The bridge was completed in 1603 and was originally called Edo Bridge. All points are measured […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Shomyoji-no bansho, “Vesper Bells at the Shomyoji Temple” from the rare early set Kanazawa hakkei, “Eight Views of Kanazawa.” The temple was built in 1258 by Hojo Sanetoki; the environs are seen on the right with boats in the foreground. The distant hills are printed without key-block outlines […]
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size. Princess Toyotama, the daughter of the Dragon King of the sea, gives birth to Ugayafuki Aezu by turning herself into a dragon. From a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The series published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886. Fine impression with extensive mica. […]
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size. O’ai-no-kata of Okazaki dispatches a man who spied on her while taking a bath. From a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The series published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu. Status: […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Toki Motosada, the retainer of Gamo Sadahide, throwing a red temple guardian to the ground and vanquishing the ghosts on Mount Inohana. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 – 1892 (this being 1890). This seems to be […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The battle of Fujikawa from a set of triptychs Toyotomi Shoshinroku published by Yorozumago, c 1869. The set relates Hideyoshi’s (1537-1598) exploits. From humble origins he became the second unifier of Japan who, after 100 years of war, brought stability and peace. Fine impression, colour and […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Shoki appearing in the Chinese emperor Ming Huang’s dream and cleansing him of a fever demon. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 – 1892 (this being 1890). Very fine first edition, fine colour and condition. […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The famous daimyo Oda Nobunaga throwing an assailant over a terrace while the Honnoji Temple burns behind him. Nobunaga’s branch of the Oda clan held control of central Japan but he was eventually killed by his treacherous vassal Akechi Mitsuhide at this temple in 1582. From a set […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Shows Kiyohime changing into a serpent on the edge of the Hidaka River. The monk Anchin fell in love with Kiyohime only to change his mind. He escapes across the river followed by Kiyohime who becomes a serpent and traps him in the bell of the Dojo-ji Temple […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Abe no Hirafu (c. 575 – 674), a governor of Koshi Province, is famous for quelling the indigenous people of northern Japan – the Ainu. He is shown here killing a giant bear in the snow (of either northern Japan or Korea). From a set Dai Nippon meisho […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The famous wrestler Shirafuji Genta watching kappa (amphibious half humanoid, half turtle creatures). One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga. […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi cutting the arm off a tengu. He was taught the short sword technique from his father but then became expert with the long sword, eventually inventing the two-sword style, with the long sword in the right hand, the short in the left. One […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Lord Mashiba Tairyo Hisayoshi defying the thunderstorm on Mount Kobo conjured up by Kobo Daishi. A retribution for ignoring the vow of silence on the mountain. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Toki Daishiro, the retainer of Gamo Ujisato, vanquishing the demons in the temple on Mt. Inohana by grappling with the temple guardian. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865. This appears […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych from a set of three designs: Buyu setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon and Flowers with Valiant Warriors,” this being “Flower”: Ikutamori ume, “Plum at Ikuta Forest.” The battle of Ichi-no-Tan took place in the forest between the Taira and Minamoto clans. Published by Kiya Sojiro, 2/1867. […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. The young Kintaro, aka, Kintoki, Sakata Kaidomaru. He is shown fighting a giant carp in a waterfall from a series: Honcho musha kagami, Kintaro, “ Mirror of Warriors of Our Country, Kintaro.” This child of superhuman strength is often depicted with the animals living on Ashigara mountain where […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare print by this pupil of Kuniyoshi: Nobori ryu; kudari ryu, “Dragon going up [in the sky]; dragon going down [to the earth].” The most popular of Japanese subjects, printed in sumi and red. Published by Shimizuya Tsunejiro, 1849-50. This is the first time I have […]