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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)

on Apr 20, 2004 in Archive, Warriors and Legends



 Click here to view image full size.

The demon Ibaraki of Rashomon ( a gate south of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto ) visits Watanabe no Tsuna disguised as an old woman to retrieve its severed arm. This famous story relates how Watanabe cut off the arm after camping out at the gate to rid the neighbourhood of the beast. ( See below on this website for Yoshitoshi’s vertical diptych of the same subject. ) From Yoshitoshi manga, “Sketches by Yoshitoshi” from a fine set of seven diptychs. Published by Kobayashi 1885-86 ( this being 1885 ).

Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Fine condition apart from one minor mark. As originally published with no backing paper, with the margins completely untrimmed ( often cut in this set ), and plenty of space for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.

Status: Sold

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Mori TETSUZAN (1775-1841)

on Nov 3, 1975 in Archive, Paintings

 Click here to view image full size. A makimono with six paintings of Japanese Akita pups, sumi and light colour on paper. Painted area measures 73 x 11.5 in; 185.4 x 29.4 cms. Testsuzan, a highly talented but quirky artist with a penchant for animals, was adopted by his uncle, the celebrated painter Mori Sosen. […]

 
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

on Oct 6, 1975 in Archive, Landscapes

 Click here to view image full size. Hyuga Province, Yudzu-no Minato from Rokuju yoshu meisho zu, “Famous Places in the sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 (this being 1856). Shows tea houses looking out over the bay.This is the extremely rare first edition. Superb impression of the earliest state […]

 
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Hosoda EISHI (1756-1829)

on Oct 6, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. The courtesan Shizuka of the Shizutama-ya from the set of six prints: Seiro bijin rokkasen, “Six Poems on Yoshiwara Beauties as Flowers.” One of the most beautiful sets of this period published 1794 by Eijudo. The centre cartouche has a seasonal bloom, in this case the pink which […]

 
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

on Oct 6, 1975 in Archive, Fans, Landscapes

 Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare uncut fan from a set Shokoku meisho, “Famous Places in Various Provinces.” Musashi Yaguchi no Watashi. Although ostensibly a set of landscape prints, Hiroshige inserts popular kabuki scenes into the locations. This shows the ferryman Watashimori Tombei with his daughter O-Fune in the famous scene […]

 
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

on Oct 6, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. A beauty leaning on a cloth from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows mackerel being […]

 
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

on Oct 6, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows sap collecting for […]

 
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

on Oct 6, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows oyster collecting in […]

 
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Utagawa TOYOKUNI I ( 1769-1825 )

on Sep 2, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. An elegant triptych showing tofu being prepared and other ladies on an engawa with various fish dishes. The restaurant or inn is beside a stream which is heavily planted with flowers. Published c 1809 by Tsuruya Kinsuke. Very good impression. Perfectly retained colour. Full size. Perfect condition. Signed […]

 
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Kitagawa UTAMARO (1752-1806)

on Apr 16, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. A beauty reading while having her hair combed from a series of Nana Komachi. The set based on the seven famous episodes in the life of the famous Heian beauty and poetess Ono no Komachi (c 825-c 900). A young woman in a loose yukata is reading a […]

 
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Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An extremely fine original drawing for the set Kaidai hyakusenso, “One Hundred Aspects of Battle Chosen by Yoshitoshi.” ( Although – for whatever reason – this design was not published [ only sixty-five prints being known ]. ) A set of half-length portraits, mostly of modern soldiers and […]

 
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Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing of Masaki Taizen Tokiyoshi from Kaidai hyakusenso, “One Hundred Aspects of Battle Chosen by Yoshitoshi.” A set of half-length portraits, mostly of modern soldiers and leaders drawn as historical figures of the medieval period in a semi-western style. The set of sixty-five prints published […]

 
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )

 Click here to view image full size. An original shita-e drawing illustrating the play Sumidagawa Tsui no Kagamon performed at the Ichimura-za from the 3rd of the 3rd month, 1852. The drawing has the date seal for the 2nd month, 1852. From the right it shows Sawamura Chojuro V as Suzuki Mondo; Bando Shuka I […]

 
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Keisai EISEN ( 1790-1848 )

 Click here to view image full size. A fine original shita-e for the Bijin Tokaido which compares beauties to the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, this being Minakuchi, famous for kampyo, dried gourd shavings. The set was published by Tsutaya, c early 1830s but only 40 designs are known as the government considered them a […]

 
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Kitagawa UTAMARO ( 1753-1806 )

on Jan 15, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. A young mother carrying a child on her back from a set of twelve prints Meisho fukei bijin juniso, “Twelve Beautiful Women Compared to Famous Places.” A scroll-shaped cartouche top left which was probably intended to have details of the view. However, for whatever reason, these sub-titles were […]

 
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Kitagawa UTAMARO ( 1753-1806 )

on Jan 15, 1975 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare naga-oban showing the lovers Umegawa and Chubei. The courtesan Umegawa, while tying her obi, teases Kameya Chubei with the end. He reclines beneath her looking up with admiration. The couple eloped to his native village of Ninokuchi in Yamato Province. From a set of famous […]

 
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Utagawa KUNISADA II ( 1823-1880 )

 Click here to view image full size. An original shita-e drawing showing a high-ranking courtesan parading below cherry blossom on Yoshiwara’s great central avenue ( Nakanocho ). From a set “Superior Women Today.” The publisher’s name is blacked out but it has the censor seal for 1861. In good condition. Sold “as is.” Rare. Signed […]

 
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Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)

on Dec 4, 1974 in Archive, Books

 Click here to view image full size. 3 vols. complete Ehon warai jogo, “The Laughing Drinker.” Published c.1803. This – probably Utamaro’s last erotic book – was issued in colour and, as here, in monochrome. According to Hayashi the two were published simultaneously, but with the black and white edition from separate blocks and an […]

 
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Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)

on Dec 4, 1974 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. Mishima, Province of Settsu ( or Toi ) from a set of Six Crystal ( Tama ) Rivers, Furyu mu tamagawa. The streams were noted for the purity of their water and the three girls are shown fulling cloth ( hence Toi which is the alternative name of […]

 
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Katsukawa SHUNEI (1762-1819)

on Dec 4, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. Iwai Hanshiro IV in a shibaraku role, probably as Akita Jonosuke Yoshikage from the play Mieiko nori no hachi no ki performed at the Kawarazaki Theatre in the 11th month, 1791. Published by Harimaya Shinshichi. Ex Beres collection, sold Paris 2002, lot 39. Fine impression; very good colour. […]

 
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Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing for an unpublished set: Toto Fujimi junigatsu, “Mount Fuji Viewed from the Eastern Capital Through the Twelve Months”, this being Mutsuki. Sumi on paper, c. 1850-55, 9.5 x 13.75 in; 24.5 x 35 cms. Shows a full ferry crossing the Sumida. Slight soil and […]

 
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Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)

on Dec 4, 1974 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. An early Eizan published c. 1810s by Shimizu. Seiro Niwaka zensei ki, “Popular Entertainment at the Niwaka Festival.” Aizuga yanagi koshizuki, with a list of entertainers. This event during the 8th month of every year in the Edo Yoshiwara involved dancing and music and girls dressed – as […]

 
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Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)

on Nov 30, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. The actors Otani Tomoemon II as Iwaki Yagenji and Bando Mitsugoro II as Wakato Tomoji in the play Tsuki wa Musashino aki no sewa goto performed at the Kiriza theatre, 7/1797. One of Toyokuni’s best double bust portraits. Published by Moriya Jihei 1797. Ex Hayashi collection ( seal […]

 
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Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)

on Nov 30, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Kajiwara Genta. Published c early 1780s. Illustrated in T.N.M.C. vol.1, no. 1051. A night scene. The actor deploys an umbrella and holds a lantern with the other hand. Not listed by Gookin. Very good impression and colour. Some oxidation. Signed Shunsho ga. […]

 
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Toyohara KUNICHIKA ( 1835-1900 )

on Nov 21, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. A vertical diptych showing the actor Onoe Kikugoro V in the role of Komamonoya Saijiro, “Saijiro of the haberdashery store,” fighting a giant serpent in the play Inaba Kozo ame no yobanashi performed at the Nakamura-za theatre in 11/1887. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro in 1887. Evidently the actor […]

 
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Utagawa KUNISADA ( 1786-1864 )

on Nov 21, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. An uncut fan print showing a bust portrait of the actor Nakamura Shikan II as Matsuomaru in the scene Kuruma-biki from the play Sugawara denju tenari kagami, “Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy” performed at the Nakamura-za theatre, 5/1832. This episode gives rise to one of Kabuki’s most celebrated scenes […]

 
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Utagawa KUNISADA ( 1786-1864 )

on Nov 21, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. The actor Nakamura Shikan II as Shoki, the demon queller. One of the nine roles in the hengemono dance Kyo kokonoe yayoi no hanamichi performed at the Nakamura-za theatre, 3/1833.Shoki ( Chin: Chung K’uei ) is said to have visited the sick T’ang dynasty emperor, Ming Huang, when […]

 
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Okumura TOSHINOBU (active c. 1717-1750)

on Nov 15, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. A hosoban showing an interior scene with the actor Ogino Isaburo I ( 1703-48 ), seated and playing a shamisen with a plectrum. Behind him is a courtesan, one hand on the shamisen. Toshinobu may have been the adopted son of Okumura Masanobu. Published by Soshu ( Sagami […]

 
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Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)

on Nov 15, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. A bust portrait of the famous quick-change actor Bando Mitsugoro III as Kajiwara Genta Kagetoki. Performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre in the 3rd month 1811 ( Bunka 8 ). From Kunisada’s finest set: Oatari kyoden no uchi, “Great Performances.” A set of seven prints of celebrated roles of […]

 
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Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)

on Nov 15, 1974 in Archive, Beauties

 Click here to view image full size. An amorous couple prior to coitus. One of the three best designs from a set of twelve prints: Keisei higo, “Secret Words of a Courtesan” published c 1822-25. Although the set comes under the shunga heading, each print is an abuna-e design, without any graphic detail. Fine composition. […]

 
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Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)

on Nov 15, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. A double actor portrait showing Ichikawa Yaozo III in the role of Ume no Yoshibei, and Segawa Kikunojo III as his wife Koume, in the play Zoho Ume no Yoshibei performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre in the 4th month of 1801 ( Kyoho 1 ). Published by Uemura […]

 
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Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)

on Nov 15, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. A double actor portrait showing Arashi Hinasuke II in the role of Fuwa Banzaemon, and Segawa Kikunojo III as the lady Okuni Gozen, in the play Jujo Genji Monogusa Taro performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre in the 8th month of 1800 ( Kansei 12 ). Published by Nishimuraya […]

 
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Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)

on Nov 15, 1974 in Actors, Archive

 Click here to view image full size. A fine double actor portrait showing Segawa Kikunojo III as Wakasa no tsubone, and Arashi Sanpachi I as Miura Danjo in the play Utsukushiya yuki no sekai, performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre in the 11th month of 1799 ( Kansei 11 ). Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi. Toyokuni was […]

 
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Mori KANSAI (1814-1894)

on Nov 5, 1974 in Archive, Paintings

 Click here to view image full size. A highly regarded artist who practised and taught the Shijo style in Kyoto. The pupil and adopted son of Mori Tetsuzan. A fine album ( 15 x 12 in; 38.2 x 30.5 cms ) of twelve Shijo drawings in sumi and light colour on paper. The album is […]

 
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Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)

on Oct 28, 1974 in Archive, Landscapes

 Click here to view image full size. An early and apparently unrecorded chuban triptych showing, on first sheet, an awabi diver near Enoshima surfacing to supply a party on a balcony, far left. Published c.1810s. Expert repairs in sky, otherwise good impression, colour and condition. Unsigned. Status: Sold

 
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

on Oct 28, 1974 in Archive, Landscapes

 Click here to view image full size. Oi, a suburb of present day Ena City, is in the southern foothills of the central mountain range now known as the Japan Alps. Shows a group of travellers heavily protected against the snow and cold. From Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set […]

 
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

on Oct 28, 1974 in Archive, Landscapes

 Click here to view image full size. Nagakubo, one of the major designs from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei ( Kinjudo […]

 
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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing ( hanshita-e ) for an unrecorded and unpublished oban set of Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety. The stories originated in China where filial piety is considered the first virtue ( being common to almost all religions in China ). This drawing obviously depicts Kokaku […]

 
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Mizuno TOSHIKATA (1866-1908)

 Click here to view image full size. A collection of approx. 36 drawings by and from the collection of Mizuno Toshikata. (Four pages shown. ) Bound with paper string on thin paper, sumi and red ink. Cover with Toshikata seal. Various historical, domestic and social subjects. An interesting study group by Yoshitoshi’s best pupil ( […]

 
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) ET AL

on Oct 24, 1974 in Archive, Books

 Click here to view image full size. Four volumes ( vols 5, 6, 8, 10 ) Ehon miyage, “Souvenirs from Edo.” The series of ten volumes was published between 1850 ( vol 1 ) to 1867 ( vol 10 ). Originally intended to be four volumes, the other books were gradually added. Volume 8 has […]