Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing a figure in the centre painting Otsu-e pictures which float up and materialise as the actual characters. Toki ni Otsu-e kitai no maremono, “Popular Otsu-e Paintings for the Times: A long-awaited Rarity.” In fact, this is a self-portrait of Kuniyoshi. He is shown with one of his many cats watching him and his kiri seal fan to his left. Tantalizingly, Kuniyoshi partially covers his face with a painting. There are few images of Kuniyoshi. Published by Minatoya Kohei, c 1848.
Very good impression and colour. Slight crinckling of paper, otherwise very good condition. Signed ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
ANONYMOUS
Click here to view image full size. An unusual and rare surimono showing a matsutake, pine mushroom, and an akagai, red clam. Obvious sexual connotations due to their similarity to the human anatomy. The inscription is enigmatically signed Master In-The-Clouds or Humourously related by the Master who is relaxing and drinking while living in the […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. Ichikawa Danjuro IX as the Chinese pirate from Fuzhou (Fukushu kaizoku) shichiso kanteirei from the set: Shiranui monogatari kanto no hitori. Shiranui monogatari was a picture-book published in three parts from 1849 onwards, written by three authors: Ryukatei Tanekazu, Ryutei Tanehiko II, and Ryusuitei Tanekiyo, with illustrations by […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. Onoe Kikugoro V as Aoyagi Harunosuke Toshitada holding a large bronze bell from the set: Shiranui monogatari kanto no hitori. Shiranui monogatari was a picture-book published in three parts from 1849 onwards, written by three authors: Ryukatei Tanekazu, Ryutei Tanehiko II, and Ryusuitei Tanekiyo, with illustrations by Toyokuni […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Miyanokoshi (no. 37) from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). One of the best […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The warrior Kojoso Jisen in a tree by moonlight shining his lantern towards the ground. From the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2. 33. Fine impression and […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The warrior Hitentaisei Rikon in armour, holding a long-handled axe and scanning the horizon from a craggy outcrop. From the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2. 21. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The ronin Nakamura Kansuke Masatatsu dodging a brazier of hot ash. The best design from a fine set of twelve half length portraits of the forty-seven ronin: Seicho gishi shozo, “Portraits of Faithful Samurai of True Loyalty.” The depictions borrow strongly from western portraiture including imitation western script […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Azumabashi Kinryuzan enbo, “Distant View of Kinryuzan Temple from Azuma Bridge” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1857) by Uoya Eikichi. A spring day with cherry blossom floating down over a boat drifting on the […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Wakashima Gonemon swimming underwater with a large rope attempting to retrieve the ancient dragon-headed bell of the Dragon God. The beams of light indicate its location. In the event, the rope broke and the bell is supposedly still in situ at the bottom of the Sumida river. The […]
Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. A pupil of Toyoharu, he is best known for his fine actor prints at the end of the 18th century. He had many pupils. A koban surimono showing Ichikawa Danjuro VII in Shibaraku with the voluminous costume and chikara gami “strength papers” sticking up at the back of […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A famous triptych: The ghosts of the Taira warriors attacking Yoshitsune’s ship in Daimotsu bay. Shows Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-89) aboard his ship Tsukimaru sailing along the coast of Settsu Province at Daimotsu. It was here that the Minamoto and Taira clans clashed and many Taira warriors perished. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. One of Yoshitoshi’s finest designs: Gikeiki Gojobashi no zu. The fight between Ushiwaka and Benkei on Gojo Bridge, Kyoto. The story relates how Benkei only needs one more blade to add to the 999 he has wrenched from samurai attempting to cross the bridge in order to fashion […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Tsukudajima from the series Toto meisho, “Famous Places in Edo.” Shows two women and a boatman being rowed beneath Eitai bridge. In the distance is Tsukudajima Island. It was here that large vessels would anchor at the mouth of the Sumida river to transfer their cargos to smaller […]
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU II (active c 1820s-1850s)
Click here to view image full size. Number one from a surimono series Hana-awase, “A Flower Competition.” Sub-title Takane no hana, “Flowers of the Peak.” A princess turns to her attendant. Published c early 1830s. Fine impression with touches of gold and silver. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yanagawa Shigenobu. Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A diptych showing the Buddhist priest Dainin about to kill the girl Umegae. Daininbo Umegae o satsugai no zu, “Picture of the Priest Dainin Killing the Girl Umegae.” From a set of prints Shinsen azuma nishiki-e, “New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures.” The priest momentarily looks up at […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A complete diptych showing Inukai Kempachi wielding an iron truncheon against Inudzuka Shino who stands, sword drawn, with one foot on a fallen follower of Kempachi during the fight on the Horyukaku roof of Koga Castle. A well-known episode from Kyokutei Bakin’s famous book, Nanso Satomi hakkenden, “The […]
Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)
Click here to view image full size. An hashira-e showing Shoki, the Chinese demon queller, Chung Kwei, about to plunge a sword into an oni. Another pillar print showing Shoki from the same period is illustrated in The Clarence Buckingham Collection of Japanese Prints, The Primitives, Helen C. Gunsaulus, AIC, 1955, no. 103, p. 166. […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. An exceptionally rare triptych showing Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raiko) and his loyal retainers, from left to right: Watanabe no Tsuna, Usui no Sadamitsu, Sakata no Kintoki and Urabe no Suetake killing the giant “Earth Spider.” Numerous versions exist of this story but basically Raiko and his followers have […]
Mori SOSEN (1747-1821)
Click here to view image full size. A large original painting of one hundred monkeys. Sumi and light red on silk. Image size 57.5 x 32.25 in; 146 x 82 cms. The monkeys – some being white – are painted with great finesse and are shown perched on and scrambling over a large peach tree. […]
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 […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. An original painted fan showing the actor Danjuro VIII. The fan has been used and dismounted from the frame and laid onto Japanese paper, hence the rib marks. Signed Toyokuni fude with red toshidama seal. Painted c 1858. Sold “as is.” Extremely rare. Status: Sold Click here to […]
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
Click here to view image full size. A fine painting showing Oishi Yoshio (Kuranosuke) with his fellow servants cavorting in a Bon-Odori dance behind him. The famous Chushingura story relates how Yoshio, the principle retainer and counsellor of Asano Takumi no Kami (Yenya), and his colleagues became ronin to avenge the death of their insulted […]
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size. Kusunoki Masatsura killing the magical tanuki from a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The set published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A night scene illuminated by a band of light from a hand-lantern. Shows Ushiwaka-maru (Yoshitsune) battling with the outlaw priest Kumasada Chohan and his band of thieves who were attempting to rob the inn where Yoshitsune was staying. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c. 1839-41. A fine design. Fine […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical triptych showing Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181) watching Akugenta Yoshihira (“Wicked Genta of Kamakura”) (1140-1160) become the Thunder God and strike Namba no Jiro (1141-1160) down with a thunderbolt. An exceptional design of a subject that produced some excellent interpretations by Kuniyoshi and his pupils. Kiyomori nyudo […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Shows Wakashima Gonemon diving into a whirlpool in an attempt to fasten a rope to the old dragon-headed temple bell and haul it up from the bed of the Sumida River. The story relates how the Dragon King thwarted his attempt by cutting the rope. From a set […]
Utagawa SADAHIDE (1807-1873)
Click here to view image full size. A snow scene: Act IX of the famous revenge drama, Kanadehon Chushingura, “The Treasury of Loyal Retainers.” Actually based on events of 1701-3. Shows Honzo appearing at Yuranosuke’s villa at Yamashina disguised as a komuso (a Japanese mendicant monk of the Fuke school of Zen Buddhism). Published by […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. The ronin Okuda Sadaemon Fujiwara Yukitaka ( number 42 ) 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 […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. “Goat” from a set Mitate junishi, “Selection for the Twelve Signs.” Shows the beauty Okoma looking through a curtain. Briefly the story relates how she is to be married off to a rich man by her mother but Okoma is in love with another man called Chushichi. A […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. “Hare” from a set Mitate junishi, “Selection for the Twelve Signs.” Shows Yama-uba with a rattle and a dancing white hare on Mount Ashigora. She is famous for bringing up Kintaro who played with the mountain animals. Published by Yenshuya Matabei, c 1845. Robinson S38.4. Fine […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the night attack in pouring rain by the brothers Juro Soga and Goro Soga on their father’s murderer Kudo Suketsune. They had waited 18 years for the opportunity which came in 1193 when there was a hunting party held at the base of Mount Fuji […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Oiwa and her ghost: Yondaime Ichikawa Kodanji IV no Oiwa bokon, “The Spirit of Oiwa Performed by Ichikawa Kodanji IV.” Probably in the play Atari mimasu yotsuya no kikigaki, performed at the Kawarasaki Theatre, 1848. The popular story has many versions, the gist being that Oiwa’s husband, Kamiya […]
Utagawa YOSHIIKU (1833-1904)
Click here to view image full size. The warrior Torii Matasuke from a set Eimei nijuhasshuku, “Twenty Eight Famous Murders with Verse.” The set jointly designed by Yoshitoshi and Yoshiiku and depicts legendary and historical characters engaged in violent crimes. Matasuke is seen swimming in the Hime River gripping the topknot of a severed head […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Saito Toshimoto nyudo Ryuhon (actually Saito Toshimitsu nyudo Ryuhon) in armour struggling with a Chinese brigand underwater. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A poem by the celebrated poet Gonchunagon Sadayori from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teiki (1162-1241). Shows a fisherman catching fish in a fish trap. One of the best designs from the set […]
Katsukawa SHUNTEI (1770-1820)
Click here to view image full size. A diptych showing the warrior Nitta no Shiro Tadatsune (1167-1203) in the Hitoana Cave in Mt. Fuji brandishing a firebrand to illuminate the Sengen Bodhisattva, the Deity of Mount Fuji. He is sent on this mission by the Shogun Yoriie and discovers a pitch black cavern filled with […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing Saigo Takamori about to commit seppuku in a boat. Next to him are Murata Shinhachito and Kirino Yoshiaki. Saigo Takamori seppuku no zu. The “last true samurai,” he was instrumental in overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate. However, he had a falling out with the new Meiji […]
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1850-1880)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing Sato Masakiyo, having invaded Shikoku and overthrowing the castle of Shosokabe Motochika, entered deep into the mountains where he battles an army of huge toads, lizards, bats, spiders, cats and dogs. Sato Masakiyo Shikoku seibatsu no toki Shosokabe Motochika no honjo o semeotosu ori kara […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Uesugi Kenshin Nyudo Terutora riding into battle. From the fine set Yoshitoshi mushaburui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi, 1883-1886 (this being 1883). Fine impression and colour. Light toning, otherwise fine condition. This is the first edition. There are a number of later states and the set […]