Posts by Richard Kruml:
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Sei Shonagon ( lady of honour to the empress at the court of Ichijo-tenno [ 10th century ]. Rival of Murasaki Shikibu ) from a rare set of ten nagaban prints with title: Shiika shashin-kyo, “A Mirror of Chinese/Japanese Verse.” The set published 1833-4 by Moriya Jihei. The print depicts a story from Chinese lore whereby a loyal follower of a prince who is pursued to the closed frontier gate of Kankoku climbs a tree to imitate the early morning cock-crow, the signal to have the gate opened. Chinese soldiers are at the gate and a cockerel sits nearby.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Completely untrimmed: A rarity with these designs for obvious reasons. Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ki BAITEI (1774-1810)
Click here to view image full size. One volume complete: Kyuro gafu, “Kyuro’s Picture Album.” ( Kyuro was one of the art-names of Baitei, a Nanga painter in the Buson manner. ) The first edition of this book is in two volumes with haiku, c 1795. However, there is some confusion on the other issues: […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. Three volumes complete: Ehon kyoka yama-mata-yama, “Kyoka: Range Upon Range of Mountains.” The fanciful title is based on the fact that the views illustrated are located around Yama-no-te, the higher ground situated in the north and north-western part of Edo. The pictures accompanied by kyoka poems. Vol.1: 12 […]
Aikawa MINWA (? – 1821)
Click here to view image full size. Korin gashiki, “Drawing Methods of Korin.” One volume complete. Original orange-brown covers with original title slip. Preface dated Bunka 15 ( 1818 ) with 56 pp. of illustrations in light colour. Booksellers: Tsurugaya Kihei ( Osaka ); Kikuya Shichirobei and Kikuya Kihei ( Kyoto ). Ex collections Ulrich […]
Onishi CHINNEN (1792-1851)
Click here to view image full size. A highly talented artist, he is considered – with Nanrei – to be the finest exponent of the Maruyama-Shijo style in Edo at this time. Of samurai birth, he initially studied under Nangaku and is famous for the highly regarded books: Azuma no teburi, 1829 and Sonan gafu, […]
Onishi CHINNEN (1792-1851)
Click here to view image full size. A highly talented artist, he is considered – with Nanrei – to be the finest exponent of the Maruyama-Shijo style in Edo at this time. Of samurai birth, he initially studied under Nangaku and is famous for the highly regarded books: Azuma no teburi, 1829 and Sonan gafu, […]
Hirano HAKUHO (1879-1957)
Click here to view image full size. Wakai onna, Young Girl, published by Watanabe Shozaburo, c. 1936. Illustrated in The Female Image, Abe Publishing Ltd., 2000, no. 211, p. 154. Fine impression and colour. Minor crease bottom right corner, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hakuho ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An unfinished otanzaku set Buyu nazorae Genji, “Selected Warriors for the Chapters of Genji.” This design illustrating Chapter 38 ( Suzumushi ) of the Genji monogatari ( the Genji crest in the middle upper right cartouche ). Shows Satsuma Taira Tadanori in court dress with open fan at […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Hirame, olive halibut ( Paralichthys olivaceus ) and mebaru, black rock-fish ( Sebastes schlegeli ). Together with cherry blossom. Poem by Osaki Koharu. From the second series of nine fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya Shobei ). Ex collection Felix Bracquemond ( 1833 […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Shimadai, a grouper ( probably Chilodactylus zonatus ) and ainame, greenling ( Hexagrammus otakii ). Together with red-berried nanten. Poem by Kanshunro Nushibito. From the second series of nine fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya Shobei ). Ex collection Felix Bracquemond ( 1833 […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Akodai, the rock-fish. ( Sebastes matsubarae ). Known as the medetai, good-luck fish. Together with bamboo grass. Poem by Suzugaki. From the second series of nine fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya Shobei ). Ex collection Felix Bracquemond ( 1833 – 1914 ). […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Inada, yellowtail or amberjack ( Seriola quinqueradiata ) and fugu, blowfish or puffer ( Fugu pardalis ). Together with plum blossom. Poem by Suzugaki. From the second series of nine fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya Shobei ). Ex collection Felix Bracquemond ( […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Suzuki, Japanese sea perch ( Lateolabrax japonicus ) and kaneme-tai, red bream ( possibly Beryx splendens ). With shiso or beefsteak plant. Poem by Atsugaki. From the second series of nine fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya Shobei ). Ex collection Felix Bracquemond […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Katsuo, bonito ( Katsuwonus pelamis ). Also called ocean bonito, stripe-bellied bonito and striped tuna. Together with three sprigs of cherry ( sakura ). Poems by Toshinoto Haruki and Toshihiro Machikado. From the first series of eleven fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Tobiuo, flying fish ( probably Prognichthys ) and ishimochi also called guchi or shiroguchi, white croaker ( probably Argyrosomus argenatus ). Together with a single lily. Poem by Toshigaki Maharu. From the second series of nine fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya Shobei […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Shiroamadai, white horsehead ( Latilus argentatus ) and omonhata, rock cod ( Epinephalus areolatus ). Together with Japanese horse radish, wasabi. Poem by Atsugaki. From the second series of nine fish prints published c 1840 – 42 by Yamasho ( Yamadoya Shobei ). Ex collection Felix Bracquemond ( […]
Nishiyama KAN’EI (1834-1897)
Click here to view image full size. A very fine and beautiful book: Kan’ei gafu, “Album of Drawings by Kan’ei.” One volume complete with 25 double page illustrations of birds and flowers. Kan’ei ( proper name Nishiyama Kenichiro ) was an Osaka artist and the son and pupil of Nishiyama Hoen. The 2pp. preface, dated […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. An original hanshita-e drawing probably showing Benkei and Yoshitsune on Gojo Bridge. Sumi on thin paper, image size 14.5 x 6.25 in, 37 x 16 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Some […]
Yamazaki TOSHINOBU (1857-1886)
Click here to view image full size. The best design from Nihon ryakushi zu, “ A Brief History of Japan in Pictures.” Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c. 1120 – 1200 ) subjecting himself to three years penance as a Buddhist monk beneath the waterfall of Mount Nachi in Kii Province. Morito inflicted this punishment on […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The fifteen year old Otani Furuinosuke killing a wild boar with his bare hands. From the set Honcho Suikoden goyu happyaku-nin no hitori, “ Eight Hundred Heroes of Our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” A series of fine designs coming after the Tsuzoku Suikoden that was a turning […]
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size. A rare surimono showing a family going kite flying. The man carrying a huge example on his back. Very good impression and colour. Minor soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Zeshin with seal. Status: Sold
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing in sumi and colour for the series Hana kurabe, “A Comparison of Flowers” published by Shugyokudo between c 1875 – 1890. The set of 120 prints was issued in groups of 12 enclosed in paper wrappers. This design shows a group of Japanese poppies. […]
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing in sumi and colour for the series Hana kurabe, “A Comparison of Flowers” published by Shugyokudo between c 1875 – 1890. The set of 120 prints was issued in groups of 12 enclosed in paper wrappers. This design shows a group of daffodills. On […]
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing in sumi and colour for the series Hana kurabe, “A Comparison of Flowers” published by Shugyokudo between c 1875 – 1890. The set of 120 prints was issued in groups of 12 enclosed in paper wrappers. This design shows the entrance to a shrine […]
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing in sumi and colour for the series Hana kurabe, “A Comparison of Flowers” published by Shugyokudo between c 1875 – 1890. The set of 120 prints was issued in groups of 12 enclosed in paper wrappers. This design shows an unidentified plant with purple-black […]
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size. An uchiwa-e showing a pair of mandarin ducks amongst bulrushes. Extremely rare and possibly unique. Very good impression and colour. The fan has been dismounted from its bamboo frame, hence the rib marks show. Slight soil. Signed Zeshin with Tairyukyo seal ( referring to his home near the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Senju no Ohashi, “The Senju Great Bridge” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being 1857 ). The bridge which was built in 1594 connected Edo with Senju ( seen to the right ) over the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A giant wave thrown up by the sea at Satta. Suruga Satta kaijo, “Waves Off the Satta Pass in Suruga Province” from the set Fuji sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” The finest design from the set. The spume of a wave was thought to transmogrify into […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. An original hanshita-e drawing showing an actor in an onnagata role. Sumi on thin paper. Image size 12.5 x 6 in, 31.5 x 15 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Numerous […]
KOTO (active 1894-1904)
Click here to view image full size. Little is known of this artist ( whose name can also be read Koshu ), although he seems to have been a pupil of Gekko. A superb 6-sheet design of the great naval battle outside the port of Ryojun ( Port Arthur ). Ryojunkogai daikaisen zu. Shows the […]
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. An original hanshita-e drawing showing three actors in various roles. Sumi on thin paper. Image size 12.5 x 6 in, 31.5 x 15 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Paper separated at […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. Kaiba, Sea Horses, from a series of at least thirty surimono issued for the Yomo-gawa poetry group. Uma zukushi, “Horse Series” was commissioned for the Horse Year 1822 and each design alludes to the word horse. Here the dried sea horses are shown lying in a gold-lacquer folder […]
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (1764 ?-1820)
Click here to view image full size. A rare surimono showing a red bream, sea urchin, cuttle-fish, various other molluscs and two unidentified fish with seaweed. Issued c 1810s. Fine impression with gauffrage. Fine colour and very good condition. Signed Shinsai. Status: Sold
Watanabe SEITEI (1852-1918)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting showing a snow covered cliff overhanging a waterfall; one long piece of vegetation is suspended over the fall. A beautiful painting in sumi with light touches of colour on silk. An artist who excelled at kachoga. Image size 39 x 13 in, 99 x 33 […]
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
Click here to view image full size. An original painting showing Minamoto Yoshiie, a renowned archer, at the Nakoso checking station ( Kikuta noseki ) on the boundary of the Hitachi and Iwaki Provinces in 1087. He is said to have halted his horse here and composed a waka poem on the cherry blossom covering […]
Nakabayashi CHIKUTO (1776-1853)
Click here to view image full size. A technically virtuoso painting of butterflies. Chikuto was recognized as the theorist of the Nanga school and is known for his illustrated books, especially Chikuto gafu of 1800. Full colour on silk. Image size 30.5 x 10.5 in, 77.5 x 26.5 cms. Painting and old mounting in good […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A fine hanshita-e triptych drawing by Kuniyoshi showing the actors Arashi Kichisaburo, Ichikawa Kuzo and Ogami Eisaburo, probably in the play Hiragawa seisuiki. Sumi and light colour, 14.5 x 30 in, 37 x 76.5 cma. Each sheet fully signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga with hand-stamped red Kiri seal. Some […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A fine hanshita-e triptych drawing by Kuniyoshi showing the strong woman Kaneko Kugutsune ( also called O Kane or Omi no O Kane ). She is normally depicted – as here – holding down the sacred white temple horse with her geta. These appear to be lifelike dolls: […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A fine hanshita-e triptych drawing by Kuniyoshi showing a general ( possibly Kato Kiyomasa ) on a horse far left and surrounded by his soldiers. He is viewing flotillas of boats laden with more troops. Sumi and light touches of red, 14.5 x 30 in, 37 x 76.5 […]