Posts by Richard Kruml:
Utgawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A beauty from a set: Edo meisho gosho, “Five Elements of Famous Places in Edo.” This design representing Water of Kameido, Kameido no mizu, and Metal of Ueno, Uenoji no kane. A rare set published by Kikakudo, c. 1847-52.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Urusa-so: Kansei nenkan shojo no fuzoku, “Looking Tiresome: The Appearance of a Virgin of the Kansei Era [1789-1801]” Shows a young woman playing with her cat from a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set shows women of different backgrounds and occupations from […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Kayu-so: Kaei nenken kakoi-mono no fuzoku, “Looking Itchy: The Appearance of a Kept Woman of the Kaei era [1848-1854]. Shows a bare-breasted beauty emerging from a mosquito net from a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set shows women of different backgrounds and […]
Isoda KORYUSAI (1735-1790)
Click here to view image full size. An oiran, Meizan (or Nayama) of the Chojiya House in the Shin-Yoshiwara with her two kamuro. From a large series – the total not known – with title: Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyo, “New Designs as Fresh as Young Leaves.” Published in the late 1770s by Eijudo with […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych: Mitate gogyo: Mizu, Ukifune, “Comparisons of the Five Elements: Water,” Ukifune. Shows Prince Genji in a boat with his attendants feeding ducks during the winter. Ukifune was the nickname of a princess in The Tale of Genji. An unrecognised daughter of the Eighth Prince in the […]
Torii KIYONAGA (1752-1815)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban print showing a woman at a washtub watched by a small child. Another woman is hanging a kimono out to dry. Without any series title but with a scalloped cloud above which may have been intended to have a title. Published c. late 1770s. Rare: Not […]
Isoda KORYUSAI (1735-1790)
Click here to view image full size. Manjiya uchi Manshiu, “Manshiu of the Manjiya [Brothel or House]” from a set: Hinagata wakana no hatsu moyo, “New Year Designs as Fresh as Young Leaves.” One of the great 18th century sets comprising at least 140 prints of consistent quality throughout. Shows the oiran with her two […]
Kitao SHIGEMASA (1739-1820)
Click here to view image full size. Kanzashi no seiran, “Clearing Weather of the Hairpin” from a chuban set Jochu tedogu hakkei, “Eight Views of Women’s Utensils.” Published c. 1777. Another from the set published in the Clarence Buckingham Collection of Japanese Prints, Margaret O. Gentles, vol. II, The Art Institute of Chicago, 1965, no. […]
Hosoda EISHI (1756-1829)
Click here to view image full size. A small chuban print showing silkworm cultivation. Two girls feed mulberry leaves to the silkworms, another stands behind. A certain license was taken with this subject and designs did not necessarily faithfully follow the procedure or the girls truly depict the actual labourers. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The poetess Ome Shushiki (1668-1725) looking at a poem attached to a tree at Ueno. A chu-tanzaku set of eight prints: Kenjo hakkei, “Eight Views of Accomplished Women.” The set published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c 1843-5. Based on the famous Chinese Eight Views, Japanese artists designed many sets […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Kogo no Tsubone (1157 – ?) on a balcony after being banished from court. A chu-tanzaku set of eight prints: Kenjo hakkei, “Eight Views of Accomplished Women.” The set published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c 1843-5. Based on the famous Chinese Eight Views, Japanese artists designed many sets taking […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. The faithful wife of Mama walking on a hillside with falling maple leaves. A chu-tanzaku set of eight prints: Kenjo hakkei, “Eight Views of Accomplished Women.” The set published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c 1843-5. Based on the famous Chinese Eight Views, Japanese artists designed many sets using the […]
Attributed to KATSUNO (Fl. c 1807)
Click here to view image full size. A hosoban kappazuri (stencil) print of the beauty Kuruharu (or Yukiharu) of the Naraya brothel/tea house holding a teacup. Published by Kashiwaya Soshichi, a Kyoto publisher in c 1807. He is known to have produced prints for Nagahide as well. The artist Katsuno is only known by a […]
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing a party of women and a child running in rain towards the entrance of the Mimeguri Shrine. Mimeguri no yudachi, “An Evening Shower at Mimeguri.” This famous shrine was on the bank of the Sumida at Mukojima and a short ferry ride from Asakusa. The […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size. Shows a trainee courtesan applying rouge to her eyes. Odori shisho, “The Dancing Girl” from a set Tosei bijin awase, “A Collection of Modern Beauties.” The set published by Moritaya Hanzo, c. 1826. Above, in the fan-shaped label are the accoutrements of her trade: a wig stand, a […]
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
Click here to view image full size. The left sheet of a rare diptych which was originally produced as an egoyomi (picture calendar) in 1766. A mitate (parody) of Chapter 4, Yugao, from the Genji Monogatari, “Tale of Genji.” This chapter relates how a mysterious beauty living in a mansion covered in vines with flowering […]
Chokosai EISHO (Active 1780-1800)
Click here to view image full size. The courtesans Hinazuru, Origiku and Misayama of the Chojiya House. The most prolific of Eishi’s pupils who produced some outstanding bust portraits. Published by Yamaguchiya Chusuke, c late 1790’s. Another impression is in the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, acc. no. 1984.215. Very good impression and colour. There […]
Shosai GINKO (FL. 1874-1897)
Click here to view image full size. A charming print showing a Japanese lady elegantly attired, western-style, standing beside a river with steamboats and foreign buildings in the background. She wears a full length coat, lace-trimmed, with colour-coordinated brolly, belt, cuffs and bow at the neck. On her head a stylish bonnet tied below the […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. The colour white from Ukiyo goshoku awase, “Matching with Five Colours of the Floating World.” A beauty before a mirror holding another mirror behind her to enable her to apply white make-up to the nape of her neck. A highly erogenous area to the Japanese. Published by Sanoya […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. Tumekiri yoshi, “A Good Day to Trim One’s Nails” from Hanagoyami kichijitsu sugata “Beauties on Auspicious Days of the Flower Calendar.” A beauty in a bathrobe with scissors about to trim her toenails. The scissors have a small bell which is usually seen around the necks of cats. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Megasame-so: Koka nenkan musume no fuzoku, “Looking as if She is Waking Up: The Appearance of a Maiden of the Koka Era [1844-1848].” Shows a beauty cleaning her teeth from a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set depicts women of different backgrounds […]
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
Click here to view image full size. A beautiful aiban showing Fuku and Kame from a series Seiro Niwaka, “The Niwaka Festival in the Yoshiwara.” Sub-title Tsuki no Katsurao (Katsura Otoko). The “pleasure district” of Edo hosted the Niwaka Festival in the eighth month of each year where courtesans performed dances and there were entertainers. […]
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 […]
Keisai Eisen (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshiwara from the set: “Bijin Tokaido” comparing beauties to the 53 Stations. Published by Tsutaya c 1830’s. A fine design. Very fine impression, colour and, apart from minor trimming, fine condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Niai-so: Koka nenkan kuruwa no geisha fuzoku, “Looking Suitable: The Appearance of a Brothel Geisha of the Koka Era [1844-1848].” From the set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. Shows the beauty dressed as a fashionable young man. Very fine impression of the first […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. A design from the set Azuma nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Rough Tales of the Floating World.” Various publishers between 1867-1868, here Omi-Kyu in 1868. The prints interpret stories told by various well known storytellers, in this case Momokawa Enkoku. Shows the Monkey King (Son Goku) being catapulted into the […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
Click here to view image full size. A fanciful version of the Yoshino River scene in Act III from the play Imoseyama onna teikin, “The Teachings for Women.” Two families own estates on opposite sides of the Yoshino River. The son of one, Koganosuke, falls in love with the daughter, Hinadori, of the other oblivious […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing beauties carrying brine in yoked buckets to be made into salt. From a set Mu Tamagawa, Mutsu no kuni chidori no Tamagawa, “Six Jewel Rivers, Plover Jewel River in Mutsu Province.” Also known as the Noda Jewel River. Above, a flock of chidori. The Mu […]
Kitao SHIGEMASA ( 1739-1820 )
Click here to view image full size. A chuban print showing silkworm cultivation. No. 4 from Kaiko yashinai gusa, “The Occupation of Silkworm Cultivation.” The set designed with Shunsho ( nos. 1,3,6,8,11,12 ). Shigemasa also collaborated with Shunsho in 1776 on the book A Mirror of Beautiful Women of the Green Houses. No publisher given […]
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1864)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych with title: Furyu nuno zarashi, “Elegant Drying Clothes.” Shows six beauties washing, pounding and fulling cloth in one of the Crystal rivers. A connotation to draw from the six figures would seem to indicate the Six Tama Rivers – a popular subject in Ukiyo-e. The public […]
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
Click here to view image full size. A scene in the licensed quarter: Tora no koku, “Hour of the Tiger [4am]” from a set Seiro juni toki tsuzuki, “Series: The Twelve Hours in Yoshiwara.” Shows two courtesans chatting and seated before a brazier. Until 1873, the day was divided into twelve equal intervals (of 120 […]
Yurakusai NAGAHIDE (fl. c. 1804-1848)
Click here to view image full size. An excessively rare pillar print showing a beauty holding a fan beneath flowering wisteria. There are another four pillar prints known by him. The only other impression I can locate of this print is illustrated in Jacob Pins, The Japanese Pillar Print: Hashira-e, 1982, no. 1002, p. 349. […]
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
Click here to view image full size. Two couples in a brothel. The young man near the entrance seems in need of a lot of encouragement. The name written on the left of the entrance is Sumiyoshi. A chuban yokoe design published c 1769-70. Another impression is in ROM, 926.18.121. Very good impression and colour. […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. The courtesan Nanakoshi of Sano Matsu-ya. Station Kusatsu from a series parodying Yoshiwara courtesans with the 53 Stations of the Tokaido; the set seen as a sugoroku game, the winner gaining the lover. The set published by Tsutaya Kichizo, c late 1830s. Fine impression and colour. Small stain […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Noisy. A young woman of the Kansei period playing with a cat from the set Fuzoku sanjuniso, the “Thirty-Two Types of Beauty in Daily Life” published by Tsunashima 1888. One of the most sought after designs from the set. The first edition. Very fine impression and colour. Full […]
Kitagawa TSUKIMARO (FI.?-1830)
Click here to view image full size. A bijin adjusting her hair before a mirror from a set: Hana no kazari no fuzei, “Elegance of the Flower Decoration”. Published by Tsuru Kin c1810’s. Very good impression and colour. Minor marks: slight edge nibbling and the paper laid-lines evident top and bottom, but otherwise very good. […]
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych entitled Fuzoku shi-nho-ko sho, “The Customs of Different Classes, Samurai, Farmers, Artisans and Tradesmen”. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei c.1820s. Very good impression, perfect colour. Original album backing. Fine condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga. Status: Sold
Isoda KORYUSAI (Fl.c.1764-1788)
Click here to view image full size. The courtesan Chozan of Choji-ya from the series: Hinagata Wakana no hatsu-moyo, “Models for Fashions: New Designs as Fresh as Young Leaves”. The set published c.1782. Printed on heavy hosho. Fine impression. Exceptional colour for a print of this series and date. Expert edge repair at centre left […]
Ichirakutei EISUI (active 1789-1804)
Click here to view image full size. Excessively rare bust portrait of the courtesan Hanahito of the Ogi-ya. The Doll Festival from a set of the Five Seasonal Festivals published by Maru-ya Bun’emon, c.1798. The British Museum impression of this print is illustrated in Ukiyo-e Masterpieces in European Collections, no.205. Very good impression and colour. […]
Utagawa KUNISATO (?-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Female figures and a child against a backdrop of the Sumida River and the Ryogoku Bridge. Azuma meisho Ryogokubashi yugeshiki. Published by Maru-ya Kiyojiro, Hare 2 (1855). Very good impression and colour. Minor soil and wormage, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ritsusensai Kunisato ga. Status: Sold