Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Mongaku Shonin doing thirty-seven days’penance under the freezing Nachi waterfall near Kyoto. He is helped by Fudo Myo-o’s two attendants Seitaki and Kongara seen here top right. This act of self-mortification is because he accidentally killed his beloved cousin Kesa. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 1860. A fine design.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNINAO (1793-1854)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono with series title Bijin awase, “Beautiful Women.” Shows a scantily clad diver emerging from waves holding an abalone shell and clinging to a rock. There are obvious erotic overtones to this wonderful surimono: Awabi divers were objects of great voyeuristic curiosity to the general public and […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon.” The set published between 1885 and 1892 (this being 1886) by Akiyama Buemon. Shows Benkei on the prow of the ship in which Yoshitsune was forced to flee to northern Japan after being attacked […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A unique key-block proof of Happinata Kojo (Chin: Xiang Chong) riding into battle on his horse. This appears to be a proof for an unpublished print for the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A key-block proof of Juunryu Kosonsho (Chin: Kun-sun Sheng) praying with lightning flashing around him. From the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. Aratame and date seal for 7/1868 and engraver’s seal Hori Wakasa. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A unique key-block proof of Kyubiki Toso-o (Chin: Tao Tsung-Wang) brandishing a sword. This appears to be a proof for an unpublished print for the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. Aratame and date […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A key-block proof of Botsumenmoku Shotei (Chin: Chiao Ting). From the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. Aratame and date seal for 8/1868 and engraver’s seal Hori Wakasa. Publisher’s seal Ohashi (Daikyodo). Kento marks […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Winter from a set of four triptychs: Edo meisho shiki-no nagame Sumidagawa setchu no zu, “Views of the Four Seasons at Famous Places in Edo, Snow on the Sumida River.” A famous print. Published by Marujin, 1848-9. Shows beauties and ferry boats on the river, a tea-house on […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Tsuchiyama, haru no ame, “Tsuchiyama, Spring Rain.” Number 49 from the famous Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Published by Hoeido, c. 1833-4. Hiroshige travelled the length of the Tokaido as part of an official delegation in 1832 making sketches along the way. […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Ishiyakushi, number 44 from the Tokaido showing figures entering the village with others working in the fields. Ishiyakushi-ji Temple was seen on entering the village. From the famous Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Published by Hoeido, c. 1833-4. Hiroshige travelled the length […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Spring moon at the shore of Tsukudajima. One of a set of chu-tanzaku prints published by Shogendo, c.1837. Tsukudajima was one of two islands at the mouth of the Sumida River. Originally a sandbar, it was reclaimed with earth and rocks and given its name by the first […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Okabe, Utsu no yama, “Okabe, Utsu Mountain.” Number 21 from the famous Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Published by Hoeido, c. 1833-4. Hiroshige travelled the length of the Tokaido as part of an official delegation in 1832 making sketches along the way. […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshiwara, hidari Fuji, “Yoshiwara, Mount Fuji on the left.” Number 14 from the famous Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Published by Hoeido, c. 1833-4. Hiroshige travelled the length of the Tokaido as part of an official delegation in 1832 making sketches along […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Miya, Atsuta shinji, “Miya, Festival of the Atsuta Shrine.” Number 41 from the famous Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Published by Hoeido, c. 1833-4. Hiroshige travelled the length of the Tokaido as part of an official delegation in 1832 making sketches along […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Mii no bansho, “Evening Bell at Miidera Temple” from an early set Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” Shows the temple hidden amongst hills on the southern side of Lake Biwa. Miidera is the common name for the Onjoji, a temple of the Tendai sect, […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Sesshu Nunobiki no taki, “The Nunobiki Waterfall in Settsu Province,” from a set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views in the Various Provinces.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1859). He was the pupil of Hiroshige, given the name Shigenobu. After […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. Totomi sanchu, “In the Totomi Mountains” from Hokusai’s most famous set Fugaku sanju-rokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Nishimuraya Yohachi c. 1830-33. Originally planned as a set of 36 prints, ten more designs were added. These are called the Ura-Fuji, “Fuji from the Other Side.” […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Nichiren praying for rain from the set Koso goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” The set published by Iseya Rihei, c. 1835. The event is supposed to have taken place at the Reizan Promontory, Kamakura in 1271. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizangasake uki. Nichiren was the founder […]
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. Oeyama Shuten doji. Shows Minamoto no Raiko and his four retainers, from left to right: Sakata no Kintoki, Usui no Sadamitsu, Watanabe no Tsuna and Urabe no Suyetake on Oyeyama, “Devil’s Mountain.” In the year 995 the Emperor commanded Raiko to kill the beast who had been kidnapping […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Nise Murasaki inaka Genji, “An Imposter Murasaki and a Rustic Genji.” A triptych based on an involved story written by Ryutei Tanehiko in 1829 and based on the classic 11th century Tale of Genji. Shows Prince Genji with his lover Tasogare at an old temple. A demon appears […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono from a series: Fuzoku onna Suikoden hyakuhachiban no uchi, “Modern Women as the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Suikoden.” Shows a beauty leaning on a fulling block beside a stream. She gazes at a flowering cherry tree with a village in the distance beneath […]
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (1764[?]-1823)
Click here to view image full size. An early pupil of Hokusai who is best known for his fine surimono, but also produced a series of semi-western style landscapes and some paintings. A still life showing a group of pouches, one revealing a lacquered surface with a stylised dragon. Dragon year was 1808 and 1820. […]
Utagawa KUNINAO (1793-1854)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting showing a sumptuously attired parading courtesan. Kuninao was a pupil of Toyokuni, then a follower of Hokusai. Above is a lengthy inscription on the Yoshiwara by Shikitei Sanba ( 1776-1822 ). Together with Santo Kyoden, a professional writer of gesaku fiction. Famous for one of […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing an unidentified fish – possibly a flying fish and carnations. An apparently unrecorded surimono. A pupil of Hokusai, Hokkei’s oeuvre was almost entirely in this genre, apart from illustrating ehon. Very good impression and colour. Slight crease, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hokkei. […]
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. An uncut large surimono with the poems attached showing a rustic bridge in a country setting. Geese flying above. Published c 1810s. Provenance: Ex Samuel Tuke collection, seal centre left. Tuke was a member of the Japan Society of London and many of his prints went to the […]
Chokotei TOSHIMASA (Active c 1810s)
Click here to view image full size. A long surimono for a Horse year (probably 1810). Shows the Five Festivals, Gosekku no uchi, which are: Matsu-no-uchi, New Year; Hinamatsuri, Girls’ Day, or Doll Festival; Tango-no-sekku, Boys’ Day; Tanabata, Star Festival; Choyo-no-sekku, Chrysanthemum Festival. Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Chokotei Toshimasa hitsu. […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (1777-1835)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing a bust portrait of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kanawa no Goro, a retainer of Kamatari no Fujiwara, disguised as the fisherman Fukashichi from the Mikasayama Goten scene in Act 4 of Imoseyama onna teikino. Three poems by Shoshokyo Otokado, Sakuragawa Jihinari, and Sakuragawa […]
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the defeated generals Shin Chunagon Taira no Tomomori and Sagami Goro Tokiuji of the Taira Clan, having committed suicide, at the bottom of the sea near Yashima Dan-no-Ura in 1185. The Taira were defeated by the Minamoto led by Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Tomomori facilitated his […]
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Active c. 1850-1870)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing The Four Heavenly Kings, loyal retainers of Kiso Yoshinaka (1154-1184) killing a giant snake. Yoshinaka no Shitenno Kiso okuyama ni kore o taiji su. Yoshinaka was a general of the Minamoto Clan. Published by Amatsu, 1851-2. Fine impression. Very good colour. Sheets attached, […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. Winter from a set of the four seasons showing Prince Genji and attendants in the snow-covered grounds of a palace. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, c 1849-50. Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Toyokuni ga. Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych Buzen no kuni oki manaita ga se, “The Chopping Block Shoals off the Coast of Buzen Province.” Shows the pilot and nobleman Yoshibei leaping to a rock and sacrificing himself to save his ship which was travelling to the capital from Kyushu when it was caught […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. A surimono in the form of an ema (literally “picture-horse”) which were votive tablets left at Shinto shrines. The upper right plaque shows an actor in Shibaraku role with characters reading ganshu (temple petitioner) Bunri. Below, ten poems by poets from Edo, Kyoto and Osaka. The poem below […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The ghost of Hayano Kampei Tsuneyo lunging forward with his spear. From the set Seichu gishi den, “Biographies of Loyal and Righteous Samurai” in other words, The forty-Seven Ronin. Published by Ebiya Rinnosuke, c 1847-8. Robinson S53.47. Very good impression, colour and condition. This design is beautifully […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Oiso no Maihime telling the Soga brothers the whereabouts of Suketsune. 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. Kewaizaka no Shosho cuts her hair to become a nun. 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 […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Soga no Juro on a horse lower left bids farewell to his lover, Tora Gozen. 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. Soga no Juro and Soga no Goro attack Suketsune in the snow. 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 […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The Soga brothers bidding farewell to the summer foliage. 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 […]
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size. A fine design showing the outlaw Yasusuke Hakamadare surrounded by a giant snake amidst falling leaves. He was able to disguise himself using the skins of animals and this translated into the notion that he could transform himself into these creatures or conjure them up as in the […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing Mitsuuji, the romantic hero of the Inaka Genji (“A Rustic Genji”) accompanied by a beauty looking out across a snow-covered garden where a group of girls are building a giant snow rabbit. Hiroshige and Kunisada collaborated on a number of these Genji triptychs in the […]