Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Benten Shrine, Inokashira Pond in a snowstorm, Inokashira no ike Benzaiten no yashiro no kei. One of a set Meisho setsu gekka, “Famous Places: Snow, Moon and Flowers.” ( The other two are Flowering Cherries at Kogamei and Autumn Moon at Takanawa. ) A fine and rare snow scene, this being the hard to get first edition with publisher’s seal Riuya Zenbei (?) left centre bottom. A later edition altered the seal to circular and moved it to the right border. An even later reissue was published by Marujin, his and the censor seal being in the left margin. This state had the sky block recut with heavy snowflakes and completely ruins the design. For this state see Japanese Prints & Drawings From The Vever Collection, Jack Hillier, Sothebys, 1976, no. 926, p. 950. Also Tamba, no. 223 ( later edition ) and Suzuki, no. 146 ( first edition ). Ex collection Walter von Scheven, 1878 – 1950, and purchased by him from R. Wagner, Berlin in 1921.
Fine impression and colour. Minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Fujikawa from the so-called “Upright Tokaido.” One of the two snow scenes from the set. Published by Tsutaya, Hare 7, 1855. Ex collection Paul-Louis de la Noe, 1879-1919, ( an acquaintance of the Goncourt brothers, Bing and Hayashi ). Fine, very early impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A chu-tanzaku view: Matsuchiyama-no yukihare, “Clearing Weather After Snow at Matsuchiyama.” From a set of at least 15 prints: Famous Places of the Eastern [ Edo] Capital.” Published c early 1830s by Fujihiko. Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNITERU ( F. mid Meiji period )
Click here to view image full size. A pupil of Kunisada who called himself Sadashige during his master’s use of the go Kunisada. A charming print I have not seen before showing numerous children playing in the snow. Building a snow rabbit, a large snowball, throwing snowballs and carrying ice. A mother carrying a child […]
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Tsukudajima hatsu kakko, “The First Cuckoo at Tsukudajima Island” from Hiroshige’s first major landscape set of 10 prints with title Toto Meisho published by Shoeido c 1831-2. This is the rare first state: with ochre border; graded blue on water, and with the publisher’s name and address in […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Mama no Momiji Tekona no Yashiro Tsugihashi, ” The Red Maples of Mama at Tekona Shrine” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being Snake 1, 1857 ). Shows russet-coloured leaves between the boughs of an […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Motoyama from the Sixty-nine Stations of 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 ). Shows two loggers relaxing on a tree that they have felled […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Kashiwabara from the Sixty-nine Stations of 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 ). An evening scene showing porters outside the famous Kameya or Turtle […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Kutsukake no eki Hiratsukahara uchu no kei, ” Kutsukake Station, Rain on the Nearby Plain of Hiratsuka” from the Sixty-nine Stations of 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 […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Eitaibashi no zue, “Eitai Bridge” from an Edo meisho set published by Senichi, c 1840-42. An extremely rare set, obviously not popular as examples are only known in fine impression. ( Not listed in Edward Strange’s monograph on Hiroshige. ) Illustrated in colour, Tamba, The Art of Hiroshige, […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The priest Nichiren calming a storm at Kakuda on his way to Sado Island by invoking the name of the Lotus Sutra ( namu myoho rengekyo ) which is shown written on the waves. From Koso goichidai ryakuzu, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder. “ Nichiren was the […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Kuragano Station, Karasu River, Kuragano shuku Karasugawa no zu from the Sixty-nine Stations of 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 ). Situated at the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Evening Rain at Karasaki, Karasaki no yau, the finest design from the set: Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” The series of eight prints was published by Hoeido and Eikyudo, c. 1834-5. When first published it was advertised as a “work in black and white, […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Nichiren struggling up a snow-covered mountain near Tsukahara on the Island of Sado. The best design from Koso goichidai ryakuza, the “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren being the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect ( Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a follower ) and indeed the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Gyotoku kihan, “Returning Sails at Gyotoku “ from the series Edo kinko hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views of the Environs of Edo. “ A very fine early set published by Kikakudo, c. 1837 – 8. The first private edition of this set was commissioned by the contemporary poet […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. Yodo-gawa from Setsugekka, Snow, Moon and Flowers. A traditional concept that provided the subject for sets of paintings and prints by Ukiyo-e artists. Shows boats being hauled up the river, which flowed passed Osaka, under a full moon. Under the Tokugawa boats were allowed to sail the river […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Heavy snow and visitors to the Shiba Jingu Palace from an oban set Edo Meisho of approx. 45 prints published by Yamada-ya, 1853 – 1858, half being published in 1853. This design published 1858. A rare snow scene. Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise good condition. […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (1777-1835)
Click here to view image full size. Fuji bosetsu, Evening Snow on Fuji from a set of Eight Famous Views published by Iseya Rihei, c. 1833-4. Fuji towers over a religious compound. Toyokuni, like Kuniyoshi, Kunisada, Gakutei and Hokkei, while not known as a landscapes artist, produced a few fine examples, as here. Rare. Very […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. Sunrise at Futamigaura, Futamigaura akebono no zu from an untitled set of ten landscapes published by Kinkodo c. 1832. Shows the husband and wife rocks at Futami beach in Ise Province. A Shinto site indicated by the rope and gateways on top of the left rock. Kunisada, like […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A chutanzaku print showing Asakusa, Kinryuzan [ Temple ] in snow from a rare set of Famous Views of the Eastern Capital. For others – probably from the same set – see Kobijutsu, Special Edition, Hiroshige, number 3, 1983, nos. 193, 195, 197, 198 and 199. No publisher’s […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Evening Bell at Miidera Temple, Mii no bansho, from the set: Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” The series of eight prints was published by Hoeido and Eikyudo, c.1834-5. When first published it was advertised as a “work in black and white, lightly coloured,” and […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Weather Clearing at Awazu, Awazu no seiran, from the set: Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” The series of eight prints was published by Hoeido and Eikyudo, c.1834-5. When first published it was advertised as a “work in black and white, lightly coloured,” and Hiroshige […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Konosu from the Sixty-nine Stations of 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 ). Shows travellers on a zig-zag path that disappears into a range […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Awa no naruto no fuha, “Rough Seas at the Whirlpools of Awa.” The best design from the Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, 1853 – 6 ( this design Hare 9 [ 1855 ] ). The area of water between Awa Province on the […]
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size. Harima: Heavy snow at Muro-no-tsu from an uncompleted set: Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of the Provinces.” Published by Uoei between 1859 – 1861 ( this being 1859 ). One of the best designs from an otherwise unexceptional set. Superb impression of the first edition. Very fine […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A rare tanzaku from a Toto Meisho set showing Nihonbashi in snow. Edo Castle and Mount Fuji in the background forming a clever zig-zag composition. Published by Shogendo c. 1837-8. Illustrated in colour in Tsuneo Tamba, The Art of Hiroshige, pl. 32. Very good impression and colour. Small […]
Hasegawa SADANOBU I (1809-1879)
Click here to view image full size. Ryoanji yuki akebono, “Ryoan Temple in Snow at Daybreak” from the series Miyako meisho no uchi, “A Set of Famous Views of the Capital [ Kyoto ].” A set of at least 30 chuban prints published by Osaka Wataya c. late 1850’s – early 1860’s. Shows visitors to […]
Hasegawa SADANOBU I (1809-1879)
Click here to view image full size. Through the masts of cargo vessels and heavy rain can be seen a guardhouse at the convergence of the Aji and Kizu Rivers from the set Naniwa hyakkei meisho shashin kagami, “A Mirror of 100 Famous Views of Osaka – truthfully Copied.” Around 63 chuban designs are known […]
Hasegawa SADANOBU I (1809-1879)
Click here to view image full size. Shijo-bashi yori Nawate-dori Yamato-bashi o nozomu, “View from Shijo Bridge Towards Yamato Bridge at Nawate Street” from the series Miyako meisho no uchi, “A Set of Famous Views of the Capital [ Kyoto ].” A set of at least 30 chuban prints published by Osaka Wataya c. late […]
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size. Onden no suisha, “Waterwheel at Onden” from Hokusai’s most famous series: Fugaku sanju-rokkei, the “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.” The set of 46 prints published by Eijudo, c.1830-32. The Onden area is now traversed by a broad avenue running up to the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. In Hokusai’s […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Horikiri no hana shobu, “Flowering Irises at Horikiri” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being 1857 ). The village of Horikiri, situated up the Sumida River from Edo, was famous for growing irises, azaleas, morning […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. The one hundred thousand tsubo [ an area of measure ] plain, Suzaki, Fukagawa, from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being 1857 ). An eagle hovers over the snowy coastal plain at Suzaki with Mount […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare print with title: Genji monogatari Suma no maki, “The Suma Chapter from the Tale of Genji. “ Published by Maruya Seijiro, c 1832-4. Shows the salt water gatherers Matsukaze “Pine Wind”and Murasame “Drops of Rain” at Suma Beach. In the summer house is the courtier […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. A vertical diptych showing a deep gorge covered in snow and the Fuji River which flowed to the left of Mount Fuji and eventually entered Suruga Bay. One of Hiroshige’s major designs and rare ( Strange: “One of the great landscapes of the nineteenth century.” ) Published by […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Awa no naruto no fuha, “ Rough Seas at the Whirlpools of Awa.” The best design from the Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, 1853 – 6 ( this design Hare 9 [ 1855 ] ). The area of water between Awa Province on […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Stations Hodogaya, Totsuka, Fujisawa and Hiratsuka from a set of twelve prints, Tokaido gojusan eki, shishuku meisho, “Famous Views of the Fifty-three Stations on the Tokaido, Four at a Time.” This is the outstanding design from an otherwise boring set, only one other composition – sailing boats between […]
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size. A view of a smoking Mt Asama, Shinano Province, from Shokoku meisho hyakkei. The “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” The volcano erupted spectacularly in 1783 and emitted rocks in 1894 and 1900. Published by Uoei, Sheep 9 ( 1859 ). Superb impression of the […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Saruwakacho yoru no kei, “Night View of Saruwaka ( Monkey ) Theatre Street ” from The Hundred Views of Edo published Dragon 9, 1856, by Uoya Eikichi. One of the best prints from the set and a striking design with its deep perspective and shadows. The avenue was […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Shimabara deguchi no yanagi, “The Willow at the Gate of Shimabara” from the set of ten prints: Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous Places of Kyoto.” Published c 1834 by Eisendo. Shows the entrance to the walled brothel district of Kyoto with a night reveller being helped home. A […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Oyama, Roben no taki from Sankai mitate sumo, “Mountains and Sea Contending Like Wrestlers.” The set of twenty prints – ten of mountains and ten of harbours – has the title in an umpire’s fan used for wrestling matches. The Roben Waterfall was very popular with pilgrims visiting […]