Posts by Richard Kruml:
Chokosai EISHO (active 1790s)
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An aiban showing the seated courtesan Somenosuke of Matsubaya reading a hand scroll. From the set Kakuchu bijin-kisoi, “Three Patron Saints of Poetry in the Gay Quarters.” Eisho was the most successful of Eishi’s pupils. Published c 1790s by Yamaguchi Chusuke. Another from the set illustrated in A Treasury of Japanese Wood Block Prints, Sadao Kikuchi, no 694. Illustrated in Ukiyo-e Taikei, vol. 6, no. 216.
Very good impression and colour. Thinned area top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Eisho ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYONAGA (1752-1815)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban print showing two geisha, one seated with a loose yukata, the other standing beside her. Choka no sekisho, “The Afterglow of Late Summer” from an early set: Shiki hakkei, “Eight Scenes of the Four Seasons.” Published 1779 by Eiju han. Illustrated in Images of Eighteenth-Century Japan, […]
Ippitsusai BUNCHO (1763-1840)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban print showing a beauty standing on a balcony adjusting a comb in her hair. She gazes at a ferry crossing the Sumida River in rain. One of a series with title on an ink-cake top right: Bokusui hakkei, “Eight Views of Inky Water” ( “Inky Water” […]
Isoda KORYUSAI (Fl. c 1764–1788)
Click here to view image full size. A chuban print entitled Yu, “Evening,” showing the courtesan Matsushita of Matsubaya with two acolytes. Koryusai was an ex samurai. Well known for excellent and rare kacho and some fine hashira-e. Published c early 1770s. Ex collection Paul-Louis de la Noe, 1879-1919, ( an acquaintance of the Goncourt […]
Nishimura SHIGENAGA (1697 ? –1756)
Click here to view image full size. The centre sheet of a triptych: Sampuku –tsui, Yashiki fu, “A set of Three Prints in the Style of a Grand House.” Shows a young beauty holding a wooden box, a sprig of cherry blossom and a flower in a paper holder. An important artist, teacher and innovator. […]
Katsukawa SHUNCHO (Active c 1780–1795)
Click here to view image full size. A double okubi-e showing the sumo wrestler Tanikaze juxtaposed to the oiran Okita. A superb composition. Of the utmost rarity: Another impression is illustrated in V. & I., 1911, no. 231, pl. LI, SCI/224. Impressions of the companion print, showing Onogawa and Takashima Ohisa are catalogued in Hillier, […]
Eishosai CHOKI (Active c 1780–1810)
Click here to view image full size. An elegant young entertainer beside her samisen box. Top left is a ballad that she presumably sang. While producing some mundane work, Choki also designed some of the most exquisite ukiyoe. Extremely rare: Another impression is illustrated in the Catalogue of Inaugural Exhibition of Riccar Art Museum, no. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. “Looking Weighed-down: The Appearance of a Waitress at Fukagawa in the Tempo Era” ( 1830 – 1844 ). From the set: Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The waitress is shown carrying a tray of rice, sashimi and beans. Very fine impression and colour of […]
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
Click here to view image full size. A double bust portrait showing the courtesans Takigawa and Hanaogi from the Yoshiwara house Ogiya. An early print ( Eizan being 21 ) published 1808 by Kikakudo. Rare. Fine impression. Fine, totally unfaded colour. Slight browning and light creasing. Full size. Signed Kikugawa Eizan hitsu. Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size. A young girl seated to have her photograph taken, the plate camera with dark cloth draped over, to the right. From a series Kaika ninjo kagami, “A Mirror of Modern Manners and Customs,” sub-title “Photographs.” Photography took off quickly in Japan and there were a considerable number of […]
Kubo SHUNMAN (1757–1820)
Click here to view image full size. Mishima, or Toi, Province of Settsu. The best design from an exquisite set of six prints showing graceful young women, girls and, in two instances, young men representing the Six Crystal ( Tama ) Rivers. These streams were noted for the purity of their water. The prints are […]
Kubo SHUNMAN (1757–1820)
Click here to view image full size. Chobu, Province of Musashi from an exquisite set of six prints showing graceful young women, girls and, in two instances, young men representing the Six Crystal ( Tama ) Rivers. These streams were noted for the purity of their water. The prints are in benigirai style, “red avoiding”, […]
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely fine triptych showing beauties and families outside the famous dry goods store Ebisuya. ( Two roundels with the shop’s symbol Ebisu – one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck – are on either side of the entrance. ) Besides the elegance of the figures, there […]
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
Click here to view image full size. Tamaya-nai Tagasode, The courtesan Tagasode of the Tamaya House. She is shown floating a model boat in a Chinese vessel. An extremely elegant composition. Published c. 1800 – 1804. Unidentified publisher’s seal. Apparently not listed in the standard Utamaro reference works. Fine impression. Virtually unfaded with the fugitive […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A secret tryst with a young woman, her face partially hidden, opening a sliding screen which lets a beam of light illuminate the darkness. From a set of six prints: Secret Meetings by Moonlight, Tsuki no kage shinobiau yoru. A fine set published c. 1836 – 38 by […]
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
Click here to view image full size. A picnic party visiting the famous cherry tree at Naruko in the city, Miyako meibonku naruko no sakura. Poems are being written and attached to the branches. An extremely early design ( published 1807 ). Fine impression. Very good colour. Some trimming around thereby loosing part of signature […]
Kubo SHUNMAN (1757-1820)
Click here to view image full size. Mishima, or Toi, Province of Settsu. The best design from an exquisite set of six prints showing gracefull young women, girls and, in two instances, young men representing the Six Crystal ( Tama ) Rivers. These streams were noted for the purity of their water. The prints are […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. Three beauties returning home on a summer evening after having been to the bathhouse, probably in the vicinity of the Daimyojin, Edo. The third woman’s angled lantern illuminates the whole scene, the background figures in pure silhouette. Kunisada designed an earlier version of this subject signed Gototei in […]
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
Click here to view image full size. An excessively rare wide hashira-e ( 27.5 x 6.5 in.; 70 x 16.5 cms. ) showing a full length courtesan. The only other impression ( heavily trimmed ) I can locate is illustrated in an unpublished manuscript by Frederick William Gookin, The Life And Works of Katsukawa Shunsho, […]
Ishikawa TOYONOBU (1711-1785)
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare design showing a young woman either opening or closing an umbrella. She wears a rain-cape and high clogs ( geta ). Toyonobu’s hashira-e are amongst his most accomplished works. There appear to be at least three other known impressions: A.D.Ficke, Chats on Japanese Prints, pl.8 […]
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size. Full moon at Takanawa. A bijin seated beside her palanquin at a tea house. A mitate set: Edo Murasaki meisho Genji, “Murasaki’s Genji in Famous Places of Edo.” Based on the Genji Monogatari with stylised clouds above and below in Yamato-e style. Published by Kinseido c1849-53. A very […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. “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. Very fine impression, colour and condition of the first edition. This design is difficult to find in good condition as the […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. An uchiwa-e ( fan print ) showing a young girl leaning over the side of a boat and wetting a towel. “Cool” from a set of six prints: Imayo rokkasen, “Six Modern Choises for Summer”. Published 2/1853. Unidentified publisher. Superb impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. […]
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Looking chilly: The appearance of a concubine of the Bunka Era ( 1804 – 1818 ). From the set: Thirty – two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga. Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Preparing to take a stroll: A married woman in the Meiji Period from the set: Thirty –two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. This popular print shows a lady dressed in the latest western attire. Fine impression. First edition, second state. Fine colour. Very good condition. […]
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
Click here to view image full size. A beauty ascending a staircase with a large black samisen case from a set: Furyu bijin soroi, a “Collection of Fashionable Beauties”. One of Eizan’s finest designs. Unidentified publisher. Fine impression and colour on thick totally untrimmed deluxe hosho. Fine condition. Signed Kikugawa Eizan fude Status: Sold
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
Click here to view image full size. The courtesan Imose of the Yoshiwara House Akatsuta-ya parading with her kamuro. Published by Yamaguchi Tobei, c early 1800’s. Fine impression and colour. Minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Utamaro hitsu. Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Oiso from the set: “Bijin Tokaido” comparing beauties to the 53 Stations. Published by Tsutaya c 1830’s. The best design from the set. Very fine impression, colour and, apart from minor trimming, fine condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga. Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
Click here to view image full size. Okitsu 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
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
Click here to view image full size. The Asahiya widow ( by reading the picture-riddle in top left box ) from Komei bijin rokkasen, “Renowned Beauties Likened to the Six Immortal Poets”. Published by Omiya Gonkuro c 1795-6. This is the first edition ( there being two later states: See The Passionate Art of Kitagawa […]
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
Click here to view image full size. A rare complete pentaptych showing a princess and her retinue on two boats being ferried across a river. Published c 1810’s by Izumiya Ichibei. Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kikugawa Eizan hitsu. Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1725-1770)
Click here to view image full size. A beautiful composition of a courtesan emerging from a mosquito net. Published c 1760’s. Ex collection Hayashi. Rare: not in Pins or Yoshida. Very good impression and colour. Very slight soil but in very good condition for a pillar print of this period. Signed Harunobu ga.. Status: Sold
Eishosai CHOKI (Fl. c 1756-1808)
Click here to view image full size. The lovers Okiku and Yosuke play cat’s cradle. ( A children’s game in which two players alternately take from each other’s fingers an intertwined cord so as always to produce a symmetrical figure.) Published c 1804 by Takatsuya Isuke. A similar print with same signature and publisher is […]
Kitao MASANOBU (Santo Kyoden) (1761-1816)
Click here to view image full size. The most famous double oban design from Yoshiwara keisai shin bijin awase jihitsu kagami, “A Mirror Comparing the Handwriting of New and Beautiful Courtesans of the Yoshiwara”. Published by Tsutaya Jusaburo, 1784. One of the most important and sumptuous publications. Shows the courtesans Hitomoto and Tagosode with their […]
Kitao MASANOBU (Santo Kyoden) (1761-1816)
Click here to view image full size. A double oban design from Yoshiwara keisai shin bijin awase jihitsu kagami, “A Mirror Comparing the Handwriting of New and Beautiful Courtesans of the Yoshiwara”. Published by Tsutaya Jusaburo, 1784. One of the most important and sumptuous publications. Shows the courtesans Azumaya and Kokonoe of the Matsugane-ya house […]
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size. Looking chilly: the appearance of a cocubine of the Bunka era from the set Fuzoku sanjuniso, the “Thirty-Two Types of Beauty in Daily Life” published by Tsunashima 1888. The first edition. Very fine impression and colour. Full size with extra paper left and top. Signed Yoshitoshi ga. Status: […]
Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)
Click here to view image full size. A pair of lovers. Obviously one sheet from a shunga album. A sumizuri-e print with careful hand-colouring. Although possibly not contemporary the colouring certainly has considerable age. Published c 1710s. Very good impression. Slight offsetting of sumi and other minor soil and backed wormholes. Centre fold. Status: Sold
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
Click here to view image full size. A seller of fan-papers ( Jigami-uri ) and a young beauty from an untitled series of eight prints published c1797 by Tsuruya Kiemon. The idealised itinerant merchant has black fan-shaped lacquer boxes perched on his shoulder. In his hand he holds a fan with an image of Daruma […]
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size. A kakemono-e showing a full length beauty representing Moon from a set: Snow, Moon and Flowers of the Floating World. Published c1844. Very good impression and colour. Light backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunisada aratame ( “changed his name to” ) nidai ( “the second” ) Toyokuni […]
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size. Chapter 51, Ukifune, from Nazoraye Genji kyokun dzuye, “Illustrations of Moral Conduct Compared with the Chapters of Genji”. A girl holding an umbrella on a snow covered bridge. Published by Maru-ya Jimpachi c1843. One of the best designs from the set. Very good impression and colour. Light album […]