Posts by Richard Kruml:
Yamamoto SHOUN (1870-1965)
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A large original painting , full colour with gold on silk, image size 50.5 x 19.75 in; 128.25 x 50 cms. Shows Shoki, the Demon Quellor, with sword drawn watching an oni escaping on a cloud, upper left. Various Chinese legends exist regarding the origins of Shoki but the gist of them all is that Emperor Xuanzong canonized Shoki, a physician, and in gratitude Shoki vowed to protect the ruler and his heirs from demons and illness. Shoun is best known for his series of woodblocks of beautiful women, Ima Sugata, published 1906-9.
In fine condition. Signed Shoun hitsu with two seals, one reading Shoun.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A courtesan biting on a tissue about to write a love letter from the set Ukiyoe jinsei tengankyo, “Types of the Floating World Seen Through a Physiognomist’s Glass.” The glass top right. These professionals who purported to look at people’s features and give counsel based on their countenance […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki, “The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in Snow.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. One of the most […]
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (Fl. 1684-1704)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi and full colour on paper, 24 x 12 in; 61 x 30.5 cms. Shows a beautiful youth (a wakashu) dressed as a girl with his attendant servant. These youths (identified as male by wearing a sword) were arbiters of trend-setting kimono design. They are […]
Hishikawa SORI (Active 1797-1813)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on silk, 43.25 x 14 in; 109.8 x 35.6 cms. An early pupil of Hokusai (who gave him his name Hishikawa Sori in 1798, it previously being Tawaraya). Generally referred to as Sori III. Produced a considerable number of small surimono – some […]
Suzuki HARUTSUGI (HARUJI) (Active 1760-1770)
Click here to view image full size. A large koban print, 8.75 x 6 in; 22.25 x 15.25 cms, showing a samurai with two attendants. Aki, “Autumn” from a set of the four seasons, Shiki. A rare artist and most likely a follower of Harunobu. Produced a number of pillar prints. Provenance: Ex Javal, sold […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A fine large original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 12 x 18 in; 30.4 x 45,7 cms. Shows two awabi divers surrounded by crabs kneeling before a figure – possibly Empress Jingu – seated behind a dragon and surrounded by samurai. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Julius Kurth (1870-1949), […]
Ichirakutei EISUI (Active 1790-1823)
Click here to view image full size. A fine okubi-e (“large head”) portrait of the courtesan Shizuka of the Tama-ya House. Eisui, like the other main pupils of Eishi, produced some of the finest bust-portraits in Ukiyo-e. Published by Maruya Bunemon c late 1790’s. Other impressions illustrated in Klaus J. Brandt, Hosoda Eishi, page 72, […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Wada from the Sixty-nine Stations f the Kisokaido. The set was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseiri (Kinjudo). Wada is the highest point on the Kisokaido and Hiroshige shows travellers traversing […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A poem by the celebrated poet and monk Noin-hoshi from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). A group of travellers are caught in a torrential downpour. One of the best designs in […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Otani Tomoemon V playing the role of Ono no Michikaze (also read as Ono no Tofu) in the play Ono no Tofu Aoyagi Suzuri performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 5/1869. From a set of at least 22 prints published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Kunichika produced some […]
Isoda KORYUSAI (1735-1790)
Click here to view image full size. A hashira-e, “pillar print” showing two women washing clothes at a well. Koryusai cleverly uses the ropes of the pulley to emphasize the narrow format. Koryusai was the master of this sort of print. Pillar prints were introduced to hang, when mounted, on the pillars of a Japanese […]
Tamagawa SHUNSUI (Active 1772-1781)
Click here to view image full size. A hashira-e, “pillar print” by a rare artist, a pupil of Choshun who went on to teach Katsukawa Shunsho. Produced a few chuban, hosoban, and pillar prints. Shows the Minamoto (Genji) warrior Kumagai Naozane ,above, attacking the Taira (Heike) warrior Taira no Atsumori, below, at the battle of […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from an unfinished set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces” published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1860). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A rare early Kuniyoshi triptych, Minamoto no Yorimitsu no Shitenno tsuchigumo taiji no dzu, showing Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raiko) and his loyal retainers: 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 […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi and colour on silk, 10.5 x 8.75 in; 26.7 x 22.2 cms. A beauty after a bath. Signed Toyokuni ga with his kakihan. In very good condition. Status: Available Click here to view image full size.
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour with gold outline to robe, 32 x 10.75 in; 81.3 x 27.3 cms, on silk. Shows a beauty erotically biting on her hand towel (tenugui) while on the way to a public bath house. This gesture represented deep emotion. Hokkei was one of […]
Kawamata TSUNEYUKI (1677-c 1744)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on paper, 13 x 19 in; 33 x 48.3 cms. Shows a reclining beauty playing a shamisen. The subtle outline of her body can be seen through her yukata. A tasseled pillow behind her and a fan lying on the floor. Tsuneyuki was […]
Tsubaki CHINZAN (1801-1854)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting album, 11 x 13 in; 28 x 33 cms (folded out). Chinzan, a Nanga painter, was Watanabe Kazan’s best pupil. The sketchbook has 25 extremely abbreviated sketches using minimal brushstrokes. Status: Available Click here to view image full size. Click here […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing, sumi on thin paper laid onto Japanese paper, 6.5 x 9.25 in; 15.9 x 23.5 cms. A heavily muscled individual (Benkei ?) dispatching two adversaries. Sold “as is” with all imperfections common to surviving drawings. Two areas of pentimenti. Status: Available
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Matsumoto Koshiro II, arms crossed, in a defiant stance. Shunko had a minor stroke at the age of 45 and subsequently had to work with his left hand using the go of Sahitsusai, “Studio of the Left-handed Brush.” Published c 1771-1772. Very good impression, […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The general Morozumi Masakiyo, Lord of Bungo and a retainer of the Takeda Clan (Shingen of Kai Province) in a battle with the Uesugi Clan (Kenshin of Echigo Province), The wars taking place between 1553 and 1563. From a set Koetsu yusho den, “Stories of Courageous Generals of […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The poet Dainagon Tsunenobu (1016-97), seated at the window of his study having recited his most famous poem which speaks of the evening breeze in Autumn, is visited by an enormous ghost who screams a poem by the Chinese poet Bai Juyi (Jap: Hakuraten). From a set Hyakunin […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Seki Sanjuro III as Saruta Hiko in the play Yoinakatomi Kiyome no mikagura staged at the Ichimura-za Theatre 8/1869. From a set of at least 22 prints published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Kunichika was a hack artist who nevertheless produced some fine triptychs (horizontal and vertical) […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Nakamura Sagisuke in the role of the samurai attendant Kanji (Chugen Kanji) in the play Kichisama mairu yukari no otozure which was premiered at the Nakamura-za Theatre 15/7/1869. From a set of at least 22 prints published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Kunichika was a hack artist […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Seki and Kameyama from the chuban Muraichi Tokaido. The set of 56 prints published by Muraichi, 1852. Printed two-to-a-sheet uncut and probably from a complete proof set. Double censor’s seals Murata and Kinugasa and date seal 2ic/1852 top right. Fine impressions with strong woodgrain showing. Fine […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A woman peering through a gap in a shoji from a set Arigataki miyo no kage e “Shadow Pictures for Our Blessed Times.” Published by Maruya Seijiro c. 1845-6 and is based on strong light sources shining on beauties. This chiaroscuro technique was pioneered by Shumman and used […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An original fan painting, 6.5 x 17.5 in; 16.5 x 44.5 cms. Sumi and colour on treated paper. Shows a kappa appearing from the Sumidagawa and terrifying a man who runs for his life. Kappa were amphibious creatures found in rivers and ponds. Their bodies were covered with […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Watanabe no Tsuna on horseback in the rain. One of the finest designs from Wakan hyaku monogatari. Published by Daikin, 1865/2. Fine impression and colour. Minor wormage otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga. Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A snow scene: Yushima Tenjin sakaue chobo, “Hilltop View, Yushima Tenjin Shrine.” The shrine is dedicated to scholars and is near Ueno Park. From the set Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi 1856-58 (this being 1856). The set comprises 118 […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A cho-oban (20 x 6.75 inches) print showing beauties fishing. The top figure has caught a crayfish. Each design interprets a haiku poem in red, top right. A set of 6 prints published by Matsui Eikichi, 1893. Rare. Fine impression and colour. Slight creasing, otherwise fine […]
Mori SOSEN (1747-1821)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, image size 8 x 10.75 in; 20.5 x 27.5 cms. His life is not well documented but he is known to have studied under the Kano artist Yamamoto Joshunsai (? -1781) before being drawn into Mauyama Okyo’s (1735-1795) artistic […]
Kawamata TSUNEYUKI (1677-c1744)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on paper, 14.5 x 21 in; 35.5 x 53.5 cms. The founder of the Kawamata School. (A pupil was Kawamata Tsunemasa.) Little is known of his life and there are few paintings: A group were in Christies NY, 27/10/1998, lots 40, 42, 44, […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on silk, 37 x 14 in; 94 x 35.5 cms. The pupil of Hiroshige I who gave him the name Shigenobu. Adopted by Hiroshige in 1845 and married his daughter, Otatsu, on Hiroshige’s death. (Later divorcing her around 1865.) Shows a beauty cooling […]
Nagasawa ROSETSU (1754-1799)
Click here to view image full size. An original fan painting, sumi on treated paper, 17 x 6.25 in; 43 x 16 cms. Shows two needlefish (family Belonidae).Rosetsu is considered one of the most important artists of the late Edo period but little is known of his short life – he died at forty-five, apart […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The actor Onoye Kikugoro III as the ghost of Oiwa from a production of Yotsuya kaidan at the Morita Theatre, 1836. Probably the most famous Japanese ghost story. It was adapted by the playwright Tsuruya Nanboku IV for his friend Kikugoro in 1825. The left panel of a […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Enshu Akiba enkei Fukuroi tako. Fukuroi, Enshu (Totomi) Province from the “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 – 1861 (this being 1859). Shows kite flying with a distant view of Mount Akiba. It has […]
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
Click here to view image full size. An important collection of original drawings by Kyosai laid into two accordion albums, opening horizontally, 13.5 x 10 inches. Approx 157 drawings ( one signed and sealed; one signed and dated [ 6th October Meiji 3,1870 ]; and one signed ). After the date is the place: Shinobazu […]
Nagasawa ROSETSU ( 1754-1799 )
Click here to view image full size. An original painting showing a white mouse and a spiny lobster on a tray. Rosetsu is considered one of the most important artists of the late Edo period but little is known of his short life ( he died at forty-five ) apart from the fact that he […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A fine and interesting original painting, full colour on silk, 11.25 x 20.25 in; 28.5 x 51.5 cms. Shows a reclining beauty looking up at a cuckoo (hototogisu) flying in clouds. The cuckoo is the harbinger of the summer months. This painting, made c 1830, reflects Kunisada’s study, […]