Posts by Richard Kruml:
Ipposai YOSHIFUSA ( 1837-1860 )
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The ghost of Yoshihira striking down Nama Jiro with a thunderbolt. The scene is witnessed by Kiyomori who was sight-seeing at the the Nunobiki Waterfall. Akugenda Yoshihira ( 1141-1160 ), a Minamoto, had made an attempt on Kiyomori’s life, for which Kiyomori had him beheaded by Namba, hence the revenge. Yoshifusa was a pupil of Kuniyoshi who also designed a version of this story. Published 2/1856. A fine design.
Very fine impression with extensive sprayed orange gofun and splashed gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ipposai Yoshifusa ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
Click here to view image full size. Hidesato ( Fujiwara no ) commonly called Tawara Toda. Having killed the giant centipede for Ryujin, the Dragon King, he is shown accompanied by a host of fishy retainers riding the back of a giant turtle and with the gifts which were his reward: The giant bell ( […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
Click here to view image full size. Minamoto Tametomo decapitating Yamaotoko – a creature descended from a devil. From a set of ten prints: Tametomo homare no jikketsu, “Ten Famous Glories of Tametomo.” Published by Aritaya Seiemon 1847-50. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI ( 1764-1820s )
Click here to view image full size. A rare surimono showing a carp and water-weeds. The carp was a symbol of achievement against adversity in Japan and had a connotation with the new year. Issued c 1822. Very good impression with the water blind-printed. Some loss of gold. Very good condition. Signed Shinsai. Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI ( 1790-1869 )
Click here to view image full size. A rare chuban yoko-e surimono from a series Kinki shoga or the Four Accomplishments. These pursuits were popular amongst Chinese and Japanese literati: Playing a musical instrument; playing go; calligraphy, and ( as here ) painting. The composition shows a Heian courtier and two court ladies admiring a […]
UNSIGNED
Click here to view image full size. A ( possibly unique ) new year surimono showing a geisha leaving the Bandaikan, a bathhouse called Bandai, “Eternity.” She is biting on a hand towel which had sexual connotations – the anticipation of a sexual encounter perhaps. This surimono is attributed to Yanagawa Shigenobu ( 1787-1833 ). […]
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU II ( active 1824-1860 )
Click here to view image full size. A sumptuously attired princess admiring two bonsai trees. ( Her rank is determined by the elaborate tsuzumi [ hand drum ] hair ornament. ) Number six from a set Hana awase, “A Flower Competition.” This title usually referred to a poetry contest in which teams competed to produce […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Shows the crucifiction of Torii Tsuneemon Katsutaka. The finest design from Kaidai hyaku senso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” The set depicts warriors from the sixteenth century although based on Yoshitoshi’s record of the battle of Ueno in 1868. Torii Tsuneemon was a retainer of Okudaira Sadamasa […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A complete diptych showing Inuzuka Shino and Inukai Kempachi on the Horyukaku roof 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. Rare complete. Very good impression, colour and […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A fine original Hiroshige painting showing ayu or ai, river trout, swimming in a stream or lake. The rocky bank overhangs and is reflected in the water. The ayu ( Plecoglossus altivelis ), or Japanese sweet fish, is synonymous with Gunma Prefecture. Although Hiroshige made other paintings of […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An important and fine original Hiroshige painting showing a view of Mount Fuji from Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture. Minimalist and very subtle, this is one of the best Hiroshige paintings I have had. The near trees float above bands of mist and clouds hang at the base of […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An oban diptych showing the two heroes, Inuyama Dosetsu Tadatomo ( seated ) and Inukawa Sosuke Yoshito. Chapter 22 from Bakin’s famous book of the Eight Dog Warriors. From a yellow-ground set: Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” Published by Kadzusa-ya Iwazo, c 1845-6. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshitsune and Joruri-hime from a set of ten prints: Yoshitsune ichi dai zue, “Illustrated Biography of Yoshitsune.” Shows Yoshitsune inspecting the great book of war strategy ( Rikuto Sanryaku ) belonging to Ki-ichi Hogan. Some stories give Katsura-hime as the one to reveal the hiding place of the […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An early design of a famous episode depicting Raigo Ajari ( the priest Jitsusobo ) breathing out his curses and tearing up the Buddhist scrolls of Miidera Temple. His curses are directed at the Emperor Shirakawa who had refused the granting of a favour to build a praying […]
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1845-1880)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych, Shichimen Daimyojin yurai. Shows Nichiren summoning up the Seven-faced dragon to attack a hoard of warriors bottom right. Yoshitora, a pupil of Kuniyoshi, is best known for his Yokohama prints. Published c 1870. A fine design and rare. Very fine impression with carefully graded gofun. Fine […]
Ichiosai KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing Inuzuka Shino at bay on the Horyukaku roof against Inukai Gempachi and his men. A famous episode from the Hakkenden written by Takizawa Bakin ( 1767 – 1848 ): Nanso Satomi Hakkenden no uchi Horyukaku no zu. The Daimyo, the Lord of Satomi, ordered Kenpachi […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The super-strong small boy Kintaro ( Kaido-maru ) wielding a giant axe and with his forest companions a bear-cub and a monkey. One of Kuniyoshi’s finest designs from Rokuyosei Kuniyoshi jiman, “Six Conditions of Nature.” This design: Tai-an: A good day for travelling. Published by Uoya Eikichi, year […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. One of Kuniyoshi’s finest designs from Rokuyosei Kuniyoshi jiman, “Six Conditions of Nature.” This design: Sembu: Not a very lucky day. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c. 1120 – 1200 ) subjecting himself to three years penance as a Buddhist monk beneath the waterfall of Mount Nachi in […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A woman ( Tomoe Gozen ? ) being poled down a river. From an extremely rare and early set of prints published by Marusei, c 1832-34. For three other designs from this set see Tamba, The Art of Hiroshige, nos. 131, 137, 138. Fine impression and colour. Minor […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)
Click here to view image full size. Clearing weather over the Enoshima Island from a Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places” ( based on the Eight Views of Omi theme ) set published 1830s by Iseri. A view of the island from Shichiri Beach in Sagami Province. The island was dedicated to Benten ( […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Soto Sakurada Benkeibori sakura no i, “ The Cherry Tree Well in Snow at Benkei Moat, Sakurada” from a Toto meisho set published by Maruya Seijiro c 1843-45. The outer moat of Edo castle is named after Benkei Shozaeman who undertook the construction during the Kan’ei period ( […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing showing a beauty with an acolyte. Sumi on thin paper. 14.5 x 10.5 in., 37 x 27.5 cms. Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A large original drawing. Probably for a kakemono-e. Sumi on thin paper. 29.5 x 9.75 in., 73 x 24 cms. Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing showing a full length study of a woman with details of the pattern on her dress. Sumi and red under-drawing on thin paper. 14.75 x 10.75 in., 37.5 x 27.5 cms. Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing showing a bust portrait of a Heian beauty holding a fan with a surrounding motif of gourds and leaves. Sumi and red under drawing on thin paper. 18.5 x 12 in., 47 x 31 cms. Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing showing a full length study of a peasant carrying a box on her head. A small vignette of a samisen player at the bottom left. Sumi on thin paper. 12.75 x 9.5 in., 33 x 24 cms. Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing showing a study of a seated woman holding a rosary in front of an incense burner. Sumi and pentimenti on thin paper. 13 x 9.5 in., 33 x 24.5 cms. Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Tamatori-hime stealing the sacred jewel from the Dragon King’s Palace, Ryugu Tamatori-hime no zu. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, Ox 6, 1853. The ama is shown being pursued by the Dragon King and his various fishy retainers. This was a favourite subject of Kuniyoshi’s and he designed a number […]
Hatta KOSHU (1760-1822)
Click here to view image full size. One volume complete, Koshu gafu, “The Drawing Book of Koshu.” Original covers and title slip: 35 sheets ( numbered ex last sheet ); 5pp. preface dated Bunka 9 ( 1812 ), signed Kamo Suetaka, 30 double-page colour-printed illustrations, 1 p. signature Koshu, seal Fujizane and Koshu, 2pp. closing […]
Katsushika HOKUGA (Fl. c 1820s to 1830)
Click here to view image full size. An original fan painting showing a seated beauty holding a fan. Full colour on mica- covered paper. 6.5 x 18.5 in; 16.5 x 47 cms. Hokuga was a pupil of Hokusai and produced paintings and surimono. Good condition. Laid onto Japanese paper. Signed Hokuga hitsu. Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical diptych of a carp leaping a waterfall. Published by Kansendo, c 1830 – 44. Illustrated Keisai Eisen: Artist of the Floating World, Chiba City Museum of Art, 2012, p. 240, pl. 313. Very good impression, colour and condition. This was a popular design and later impressions […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. An aizurie fan print of the Husband and Wife rocks, Futami beach, Ise Province. A favourite beauty spot and a Shinto site showing the tasselled rope hanging between the two formations. From a series of extremely rare aizurie fan prints published 5/1830 by Daikokuya. Indeed, this may be […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Tenjiku Tokubei ( 1619-1686 ) from an untitled series of warrior prints published by Kawaguchi Uhei, 1826-27. Tokubei was celebrated for his travels to India, Macao and Siam, and subsequently wrote about his exploits. He is usually represented surrounded by frogs and making magic with his fingers ( […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Saginoike Heikuro from Honcho Suikoden goyu happyaku-nin no hitori, “Eight Hundred Heroes of our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” Shows the brigand wrestling with a huge serpent at the Lake of Sayama ( or Hazama ) at Tondabayashi in the Province of Kawachi. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c […]
Katsukawa SHUNCHO (Fl. c 1780-1801)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting showing a standing beauty inserting a hairpin. An important print artist who produced many fine diptychs and triptychs. Paintings by him are rare. Studied under Shunsho, then Kiyonaga and Shumman. Full colour on silk, 30.75 x 10.5 in; 78 x 26.5 cms. Signed Shien Shuncho […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. Matsumoto Koshiro V as the evil retainer Nikki Danjo who plots to overthrow his lord in the play Meiboku sendai hagi, “Precious Incense and the Bush Clover of Sendai.” From the last great actor set which was planned as a monument to his career and only used the […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Flowers from a set of three triptychs showing half-length portraits of actors based on the Snow, Moon, Flowers theme. Shows the actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozo, the main character in the play Soga moyo tateshi no goshozome, “The Story of Gorozo, the Chivalrous Commoner.” A complex […]
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
Click here to view image full size. A hosoban of the actor Otani Hiroji III in the role of a samurai, one sword drawn with the scabbard lying at his feet. Published c 1776. Fine impression. Very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Shunsho ga. Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Daizen from a fine set of prints showing actors glimpsed through their dressing room sliding doors, prior to going on stage. Their figures partly silhouetted as are their assistants, here aiding the actor with his headpiece. From a set Gakuya nikai kage […]
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1729-1792)
Click here to view image full size. A hosoban showing the actor Arashi Sangoro II in the role of Ito Kuro disguised as Banta in the play Izu-goyomi shibai no ganjitsu performed at the Morita Theatre, 11/1772. He holds a brazier aloft and stands in deep snow. Fine impression. Pristine colour. Small thinned area […]