Posts by Richard Kruml:
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size.
Sagino-ike Heikuro grappling with a huge serpent at the lake of Sayama, Tondabayashi, in the Province of Kawachi from Honcho Suikoden goyu happyakunin no hitori, the “Eight Hundred Heroes of our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” Published 1830s by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon ( but this issued by Iba-ya Sensaburo a little later ). A wonderful design.
Very good impression and colour. Small restored wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Totally untrimmed with extra paper. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
Click here to view image full size. Shoki, “The Demon Quellor.” The ghostly Chinese protector of the Emperor Ming Hwang. A favourite subject for the Japanese, he is usually shown beating off annoying oni. He is always depicted dressed in Chinese military attire with the characteristic Chinese hat with side streamers and holding a two-edged […]
Gountei SADAHIDE (1807-1873)
Click here to view image full size. The young Benkei, Oniwaka Maru, “Young Devil Child”, fighting the giant carp in the waterfall of Bishamon gataki. A strong composition, the vivid red of Oniwaka Maru contrasting with the aizuri background. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo. Fine impression. Burnishing on the scales of the carp. Fine colour. Trimmed […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The grand wrestling match between Kawazo Saburo Sukeyasu ( right ) and Matano Goro Kagehisa. In the background can be seen the first Kamakura shogun Yoritomo and his entourage. The event took place at Akazawa mountain in 1176 and is probably the most famous sumo match, also giving […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1832 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. The Heian courtier Fujiwara no Yasumasa playing the flute by moonlight. Based on a painting Yoshitoshi exhibited at the Exhibition for the Advancement of Painting in the autumn of 1882. The story relates that while Fujiwara no Yasumasa was playing on Ichihara Moor he was approached by the […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Raiko and his retainers attacking the enormous reclining hulk Shuten-doji ( “Great Drunkard Boy” ) who is in a drunken stupor. Raiko eventually cuts off the monster’s head and returns in triumph to Kyoto. One of Kuniyosh’s best designs. Published c.1851-2 by Amatsu. Robinson T261. Rare. Very good […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The complete set of six chuban diptychs: Oguri ju-yushi no ichi-nin, “The Ten Brave Retainers of Oguri, One by One.” Robinson S26. Published by Yawata-ya Sakujiro, c.1843. Rare complete. Fine impressions and colour. Minor marks and soil. Each print signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold Click here to […]
Ichiyusai 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.” Published by Iseya Rihei, c 1831. Like many great landscapes, there exist different states which causes confusion over which is the […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Mitsukuni ( Otaketaro ) defying the skeleton-spectre in the castle Soma no furugosho. One of the iconic Kuniyoshi designs and considered by many to be his finest. Illustrated in numerous publications. Mitsukuni was a principal retainer of Taira no Masakado. After his death his daughter, Takiyasha, went to […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The priest Nichiren having his prayers for rain answered. The second best design from Koso goichidai ryakuzu, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder”. This event happened at Ryozengasaki in Kamakura in 1271. Nichiren was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect ( Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Snow from the set Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon and Flowers” published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890. Shows half-length portraits of famous actors, in this case Onoe Baiko V ( Onoe Kikugoro V, 1844-1903 ) as the priest Iwakura Sogen. Various versions of the story and play exist concerning […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1886 ) by Akiyama Buemon. Shows Benkei, at the prow of the ship holding Yoshitsune, attempting to pacify the ghosts of the Taira warriors […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Gikeiki gojobashi no zu. Shows Ushiwaka and Benkei duelling on Gojo Bridge. An episode from the Chronicles of Yoshitsune, 1881. This impression is unlike any other illustrated example: The moon does not have a printed outline and there are delicately wiped clouds across it. Very good impression and […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Nippon ryakushi, “A Brief History of Japan”. Shows Susanoo no Mikoto killing the 8 – headed serpent at Hirokawa in Izumo Province. Published by Izawa Genjiro, 1887. Designed in the same format as the set Dai Nippon shiyaku zue, 1879. An extremely rare triptych. Very fine impression and […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece. Shows 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 himself because he had inadvertently cut off the head of Kesa Gozen, the wife […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Gomo ( Wu Meng ) carrying a smoking pot to keep the mosquitoes away from his father from the set Nijushi-ko doji kagami, “Mirror of the Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety”. The set published by Wakasa-ya Yoichi, c 1840. Each print shows an example of a child’s exemplary […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Rikuseki ( Lu Chi ) stoops to pick up money for his aged father from the set Nijushi-ko doji kagami, “Mirror of the Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety”. The set published by Wakasa-ya Yoichi, c 1840. Each print shows an example of a child’s exemplary behaviour in looking […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Doji Yoshiharu ( Horio Yoshiharu ) overthrowing a giant boar watched by warriors top right. Published by Tajima-ya, c 1847-50. Robinson T202. Very fine impression with mica and splashed gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
Click here to view image full size. A complete set of five prints of otokodate ( chivalrous men ) showing the champions: Kanoko Kanpei; Kanto Koroku; Hon’machi Amigoro; Shimano Shinpei; and Benkei Tazaemon. This is a complimentary set to a series “Complimentary Stripes Woven to Order” of bijin busts also showing strong textile backgrounds commissioned […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Yoshitsune with the beautiful fifteen year old Joruri-hime against a misty back-drop. From the set: “Biography of Yoshitsune” published by Iba-ya Kyubei c 1848-53. Robinson S65.6. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Yamamoto Kansuke overcoming a giant boar in the snow from the set “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation”. The set published by Ise-Ichi and Yenshu-ya Matabei c 1845. Robinson S35.16. A fine design. Fine impression and colour; minor edge damage otherwise very good condition. Signed […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Asahina Yoshihide’s fight with two crocodiles in the sea off Kamakura, watched by the Shogun Yoriiye and his nobles in boats. Published by Soshu-ya Yohei c 1842-3. Robinson T119. One of Kuniyoshi’s best designs. Fine impression and colour; very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1890)
Click here to view image full size. Botaro’s nurse Otsuji praying beneath the waterfall for his release: She offers her life for his. The set of thirty-six prints with title: “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts” was published by Sasaki 1889-92 ( this design being 1892 ). Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Slightly […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1890)
Click here to view image full size. The ghost of Okiku at Sarayashiki. Accused of stealing a dish, she was killed and thrown into a well by her master. The set of thirty-six prints with title: “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts” was published by Sasaki 1889-92 ( this design being 1890 ). Fine impression of […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1890)
Click here to view image full size. Yugao, the mysterious girl who appears to Prince Genji as told by Murasaki Shikibu in Genji Monogatari ( written c 1000 A.D. ). The set entitled “One Hundred Aspects of the Moon” published by Akiyama Buemon between 1885-92 ( this design being 1886 ). Very good early impression. […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797 – 1858)
Click here to view image full size. Taira no Kiyomori haunted by visions: As he was dying Kiyomori believed he saw hundreds of skulls in his snow-covered garden and feared them to be the remains of his victims killed during his rise to power. Published by Ibaya Kyubei c 1845. The best musha-e by Hiroshige. […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Benkei and a leaping magic fox in the snow from a rare set; “Sixteen Stories of Musashi-bo Benkei”. Published by Joshu-ya Kinzo and Daikoku-ya Heikichi c 1848-50. Robinson S68.5 Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The fight on Gojo Bridge showing Yoshitsune with open fan and Benkei behind. From the set: “Biography of Yoshitsune” published by Iba-ya Kyubei c 1848-53. Robinson S65.10. Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The flight of Tokiwa-gozen through the snow with her three children, Imawaka, Otowaka, and Ushiwaka. From the set: “Biography of Yoshitsune” published by Iba-ya Kyubei c 1848-53. Robinson S65.1. Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The poet Dainagon Tsunenobu ( 1016-97 ) visited by a ghost reciting a Chinese poem by Hakuraten from the set “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets”. The uncompleted set published by Ebine c 1840-42. Robinson S19.71 Very good impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The highly skilled archer Yorimasa shooting the Nue. This event took place in 1153 when the young Emperor Konoe was suffering from sleep deprivation brought on by hideous shrieks emanating from the roof of the Shishinden Palace. Yorimasa successfully killed the beast ( a composite animal as big […]
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Tametomo sinking the foremost ship of Mochimitsu’s fleet with a single arrow. The islanders look on in amazement. Published 1844. Robinson T140. Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Vertical diptych showing Watanabe no Ttsuna cutting off the arm of the demon Ibaraki at the Rashomon Gate, Kyoto. Published by Matsui 1888 ( Meiji 21 ). Superb impression, colour and condition of the first edition. All the vertical designs were published by Matsui and many were republished […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Vertical diptych showing Taira no Atsumori and Kumagai Naozane at the Battle of Ichinotani ( 1184 ). Published by Matsui 1885 ( Meiji 18 ). Superb impression and colour and, apart from slight offsetting, fine condition. The first edition ( indeed this may be the earliest state of […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Vertical diptych showing Taira no Koremochi about to kill the female demon on Mt. Togakushi in Shinano. The episode follows maple viewing when Koremochi fell asleep. The No play Momijigari “Maple Picnic” is based on this story. Published by Matsui Meiji 20 ( 1887 ). Superb impression and […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
Click here to view image full size. Vertical diptych showing Hakamadare Yasuke and Kidomaru fighting with magic. Kidomaru ( below, cross-legged ) holds two wrapped pine branches in his mouth as a spell. Yasuke and Kidomaru are generally considered to be the same person, so why they are depicted here as two individuals is not […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Station 41, Kuwana, from the Tokaido gojusan tsui, Robinson 42. The apparition of the Sea-Monk looming above the sea-captain. The best design from the set. Illustrated in Robinson, pl 49. Published c1845 by Kojima. Fine, early impression with perfect bokashi on the ghost. Fine colour. Slight centre fold, […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. The complete set ( two showing ) of 12 prints, tipped-in to a Japanese album, of the set “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Suikoden”. Second edition published by Ibaya Sensaburo c 1845. Very rare complete. Robinson, Kuniyoshi ( 1982 ) S3. Good to very good impressions. […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing Tawara Toda Hidesato riding a giant turtle and escorted by a multitude of fish, crabs, lobsters and octopuses. He is being led away from the Palace of the Dragon King, who he has helped by killing, with an arrow, the terrible centipede, Mukade. The Dragon […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size. Tokiwa Gozen taking flight from the village of Ryumon into the snowy Yoshino mountains. She flees with her three children. From the set: Kenjo reppuden, “Stories of Wise and Virtuous Women”. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo c1841-2. First state with bokashi above. The best design from the set and […]