status: sold

Toyohara KUNICHIKA ( 1835-1900 )

A wonderful album of 12 spontaneous drawings to show his mastery of the usual gamut of subjects covered by ukiyoe artists: Shibaraku; The Wind God; Daikoku; Asahina; bijin sleeping; Daruma; Tametomo ?; Hotei; a monkey with it’s lead; a storm dragon; a peasant girl watching a cuckoo against the moon, and Kagekiyo breaks prison. This is the sort of item that, if one were lucky, could be bought occasionally in Japan years ago, but which seems to have disappeared. It also reveals how good Kunichika could be. An artist who carried on the traditional woodblock form into the Meiji period. Sumi and full colour on paper, 6.5 x 7.75 inches; 16.6 x 19.8 cms. Some slight repaired wormage, otherwise good condition. Guaranteed at the end as by Kunichika by Eisai Fukunaga Kimiyoshi and dated Taisho 13 ( 1924 )

status: available

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )


An extremely important original drawing for his famous triptych: Buyo Kanazawa hassho yakei, Showing an Evening View of the Eight Famous Sites at Kanazawa in Musashi Province. The print published by Tsutaya, Ansei IV/7, 1857. This was presumably worked-up from sketches of the sort Hiroshige made in small diaries he carried with him. ( See an example on this website in this section.) But before the hanshita-e was produced for the wood block. It’s interesting to compare with the finished print, which shows only minor differences and indicates how faithfully the hanshita-e draughtsmen followed Hiroshige’s design. Sumi and light blue wash on paper, 14.5 x 31 inches; 36.75 x 78.75 cms.

Surprisingly good condition. Professionally laid around edge onto board. Signed Hiroshige hitsu with red indication for Ichiryusai seal.

status: available

status: sold

status: sold

status: sold

Hashiguchi GOYO (1880-1921)

A fine drawing, pencil on thick paper, 15 x 11.5 in., 38 x 30 cms., c 1916-20, showing a nude side view of a young woman ( the model Tomi ? ). Although Goyo used sumi and brush to draw, he was particularly fond of the pencil and his best studies are usually in this form, on thick, light tan paper mixing hard and soft graphite. He first came to prominence with his illustrations for the famous Soseki novel I Am a Cat published in 1905. Sealed Goyo. Fine condition.

status: sold

Ichiyosai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

An extremely interesting and amusing preparatory drawing for an unpublished triptych showing cats queueing at a fish shop, probably for the first bonito of the year. Cats are shown serving the customers while other cats can be seen in the back of the shop. A young female cat is buying a fish, while beside her a young mother cat is standing carrying a baby cat on her back. It’s well known that Kuniyoshi loved cats and there is an illustration in Kyosai gwadan ( 1887 ) showing his studio with Kuniyoshi surrounded by cats.

Unsigned and sold “as is” with creases and stains.

status: sold

Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

An extremely interesting original oban tate-e drawing, fully signed. A preparatory sketch for an unrecorded Nijushiko, “Twenty-four [ Chinese ] Paragons of Filial Piety” set. Shows Kakkio ( Kuo Chu ) and his wife unearthing a pot of gold. Like the other two published sets of Filial Piety by Kuniyoshi, there is a strong western influence in the depiction of the figures and landscape. See no.79, p.95 and nos.216-219, pages 195-197 in Heroes & Ghosts, Hotei publishing, 1998. Also no.107, p.134, Drawings by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Leiden Museum, Matthi Forrer, 1988 for another original sketch for one of the horizontal Filial Piety designs. Sumi and light colour; 14 x 10.5 in., 36 x 27 cms.

Good condition: Lightly laid onto Japanese paper. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

status: available

Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)

An original giga hand-scroll by Kiyochika, sumi and colour on paper, 504 inches x 10.5 inches. Shows the progress of a horseman on observing a beauty and attendant. Kiyochika, one of the last great ukiyoe artists, studied oil painting under Charles Wirgman, and ukiyoe painting with Kyosai and Zeshin. This was probably an orihon ( folding album ) which has been remounted as a hand- scroll. Dated at end: Meiji tsuchino-e inu, March 1898 and sealed Kiyochika no in.

 status: sold

Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

An original drawing by Hokusai showing a Chinese brigand heaving aloft a large rock to stave off oncoming swords. Sumi on paper finely mounted as a kakemono; image size 14.50 x 10.75 ins. Box has inscription: "Chinese warrior from Suikoden painted by Katsushika Hokusai" and inside lid guarantee dated Showa kanoto tori, yayoi chuin Kimura Tosuke kan ( authenticated by Kimura Tosuke, 1981 ).

status: sold

Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

A large ( 33.75 x 15.75 ins. ) and important original drawing  by Hokusai showing the Dragon of Handaka Sonja ( one of the sixteen Rakan ). This dragon is usually shown emanating from a bowl, sometimes with a rain cloud. For another see The Harari Collection of Japanese Paintings and Drawings, volume 2, Lund Humphries, 1970, 146e, p. 273. Sumi on paper finely mounted as a kakemono, with box. Provenance: Catalogued by Jack Hillier and illustrated in the 1967 catalogue of Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., no 117. ( Interestingly, the item before which is illustrated on the facing page shows a large cartoon by Hokusai of the Sixteen Rakan with a dragon descending in the centre which is strikingly similar to this drawing. )

status: sold

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

An original sumi drawing in chu-tanzaku format on thin tissue with pentimenti probably showing an azure-winged magpie amongst cherry blossom. An almost identical drawing by Hiroshige was in my catalogue 19, 1977, Birds in Japanese Prints, item no 27. Signed Hiroshige with Hiro seal.

status: available

Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

An original sumi drawing of a seated bijin writing on a handscroll. From a series of such studies showing women in various attitudes, smoking; playing musical instruments; adjusting hair, etc. The design cut out and mounted onto a larger sheet of Japanese paper, 10.5 x 8 inches.

 status: available

Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)

An important collection of original drawings by Kyosai laid into two accordion albums, opening horizontally, 13.5 x 10 inches. Approx 157 drawings ( one signed and sealed; one signed and dated [ 6^th October Meiji 3,1870 ]; and one signed ). After the date is the place: Shinobazu keidai Mikawatei, the garden of a temple ( Bentendo Hall ( ?) at Shinobazu pond, Ueno Park; Mikawatei being a restaurant. And the signature: Seisei Kyosai sui butsu rei hitsu, the drawing of Amida painted when drunk.  Some drawings are from life, others seem to be memory drawings of his work, but most are preliminary ideas for books, prints or paintings. Many of Kyosai’s favourite subjects are represented including: skeletons, onis and cats. Drawings on this scale, spontaneous and with no need to impress, give a better insight into the mind of an artist, and on almost every page Kyosai’s humour shines through. Of particular delight are a group of drawings showing men on horseback playing some Japanese variation of polo, and a sheet recording new-born, still blind rats.

Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 -1861)

An original preparatory drawing by Kuniyoshi for an unpublished triptych showing the combat between Minazuru-hime, the daughter of Ki-ichi Hogen, and Kitashirakawa Tankai. The largest collection of such drawings is in the National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden from the Lieftinck collection. Sumi and pentimenti on thin tissue laid onto Japanese paper, c 1840’s. Signed Kuniyoshi and Kuniyoshi ga.

Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)

 A vigorous original preparatory drawing by Kunichika for an aiban shunga print. Sumi on thin tissue with extensive pentimenti ( giving an alternative position for the female ). Such shunga drawings are rare.

TOSHIAKI

An original preparatory drawing by Toshiaki ( presumably a pupil of Yoshitoshi ) showing the Suikoden hero Rochishin. Sumi and red underdrawing with pentimenti, 13.5 x 9.5 inches. Signed Toshiaki.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a carp swimming amongst reeds. This may be an initial idea for the triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria ( see this website under Flora and Flora ). The only other koi print Yoshitoshi designed is a large surimono illustrated in Yoshitoshi, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 98, p. 139. Sumi on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Another original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a carp swimming amongst reeds. This may be an initial idea for the triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria ( see this website under Flora and Flora ). The only other koi print Yoshitoshi designed is a large surimono illustrated in Yoshitoshi, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 98, p. 139. Sumi on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a battling tengu. Similar to the tengu figures on the triptych “Moon” from the set Snow, Moon and Flowers, published 2/1867. Sumi with pentimenti on thin tissue. Several small drawings au verso. Size 12 x 9 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a grimacing figure having obviously just used his sword to slice through something. Sumi and red underdrawing on paper with a number of attempts with pentimenti, also au verso, to achieve a satisfactory head. Size 12 x 9 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

An original drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a ghoulish figure rising out of the sea and surprising a fisherman. Sumi on paper. Image size 12.25 x 7.5 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, probably showing Satsuma troops battling with an imperial soldier on a rearing horse. Sumi on paper. Another drawing au verso of an actor. Size 9.5 x 13 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing an interior with two figures, a sword being presented from one figure to the other. Probably for a picture book or newspaper supplement. Sumi and extensive red underdrawing on paper, image size 5.5 x 6.5 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing an old woman kneeling humbly before two figures. Probably for a picture book or newspaper supplement. Sumi and pentimenti with extensive red underdrawing on paper, image size 6 x 7.75 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a hanging of two criminals, probably for a picture book or newspaper supplement. Sumi and red underdrawing on paper, image size 6.25 x 8.5 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, possibly for the set of 65 prints: Kadai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. A vigorous drawing showing a warrior struggling with an opponent in water, waves above. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 12.25 x 13.5 inches.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, possibly for the set of 65 prints: Kadai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. Shows a warrior holding a pole. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 13.5 x 9.75 inches.

 status: sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 18 prints: Keisai Suikoden, “Biographies of Valiant Drunken Tigers” published by Masadaya 1874. Shows Komagine Hachibei holding a rifle, a downed opponent in the background. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue laid onto a sheet of Japanese paper; size 13.75 x 9.5 inches. Sold together with an impression of the published print.

 status: sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 65 prints: Kaidai hyakusenso, “Yoshitosh’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. Shows Negoro Hamitcha holding a rifle. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches. Sold together with an impression of the published print.

 status: sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 18 prints: Keisai suikoden, “Biographies of Valiant Drunken Tigers” published by Masadaya 1874. Shows Sumoto Sakyo downing an apponent. Sumi and red underdrawing  with pentimenti. On thin tissue laid onto a sheet of Japanese paper. Sold together with an impression of the finished print. At least four other drawings are known for this set: 1) Catalogue of Japanese Prints and Drawings by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Herbert Egenolf, 1977, no. 38. 2) Yoshitoshi catalogue, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 37-b. 3&4) Beauty & Violence, Havilland Press, 1992, no. 24.2 and D8.

 status: sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Original preparatory drawings by Yoshitoshi for the set of 65 prints: Kaidai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868-1869. Shows Sakuma Den’nai using a bamboo fence as a shield ( pub. 1869 ). A vigorous sumi drawing on thin tissue with another such drawing au verso with pentimenti ( for the same set ? ). Sold together with an impression of the finished print.

        status: sold

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

An excessively rare original sketch-book with MS. Diary at the end recording the last part of a trip Hiroshige started April 2^nd 1841 from Edo to Kofu, this covering Nov. 13^th – Nov. 22^nd 1841. Sumi on paper vigorously drawn and annotated with names and memoranda in Hiroshige’s writing. 7.75 x 5 inches containing 38 pages, two blank, with inscription on cover: “Memories of Travel”.In slip-case inscribed HIROSHIGE/K.M.C. ( presumably the owner after Dr. J. Hutchinson ). Ex collections Mr Wilson Crewdson and then Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson FRCS ( vice-president Council of the Japan Society, London ). This diary is fully discussed and catalogued in The Colour-Prints of Hiroshige, Edward F. Strange, Cassell & Co. Ltd., 1925, pps 71-82 and 122-123 and illustrates two double pages. Contents are as follows:

Page(s):

1. Title. Memories of Travel.

2. ( Blank ).

3. Taiko Iwa. Rock called Drum Rock.

4, 5. Mitake Michi, Gedo-no-hara, Koshu. Devil’s Plain on the way to Mount Mitake, Koshu or Kai Province. The rock on the summit of the mountain is called   Katana nuki-ishi. ( 2-page. ) 

6, 7. The view continued from No. 2 ( 2-page. )  

8, 9. Kurakake Iwa. Saddle Rock ( 2-page ).

10, 11. Zo-ga-hana. Cliff called Elephant Trunk ( 2-page. )

12. Mitake Omon. Great Gate, Mitake.

13. ( Blank ).

14, 15. Place called Kajikazawa on the bank of the River Fuji, on the way to Mount Minobu. Two houses on the hill are tea-houses. There is an inn in the town. The whole way from this town to Mount Minobu has most beautiful scenery. Both banks are mountains and hills and the River Fuji flows between the mountains. ( 2-page. )

16, 17. Sentaku Ishi. Large flat rock of that name, near Kiri-ishi town, the size of the stone is 4 to 5 Ken ( 1 Ken = 6 feet ) square. ( 2-page. )

18, 19. Biobu Iwa. Screen Rock. ( 2-page. )

20, 21. Kananashi-gawa. The River Kananashi. There are many large willow trees growing on the bank, the scenery is very beautiful. ( 2-page. )

22, 23. Hayakawa. The river of that name. There is a ferry-boat on the main river, but travellers must wade the small branches running on both sides of the main river. ( 2-page. )

24, 25. Ura Fuji. The back of Fuji as seen from Koshu Province. ( Written on this page are poems on Fuji. ) The Dream Mountain is like a dream; it is much more beautiful than I thought. Though people say the “back of Fuji” yet it is very beautiful as seen from that side, and I regret very much they use the term “Ura-Fuji”. ( 2-page. )

26, 27. Place called Fujimaki; a fountain fed by a spring. ( Manuscript on the left is a poem. ( 2-page. )

28, 29. ( A steep road winding up the hill, with the back of Fuji seen over peaks of other mountains. ( 2-page. )

30, 31. General view of Takaozan Temple ( Shinto and Buddhist combined ). The details are named:

A) The main shrine, copper roof; the building is painted with cinnabar. B) The Cakudo, Picture Hall. C) Fence painted with cinnabar. D) Shoro; Bell Tower. E) Kagurado; Sacred Dancing Hall. F) Niomon; large Gate with Nio Images. G) Stone Pagoda. ( 2-page. )

32, 33. General view of Kashiozan Daizenji Temple ( Buddhist ).

A) Yakushido; Hall of Yakushi Niorai. B) Highway leading to Enoshima. C) Hojo; Chief Priest’s residence. D) Omon; Gate. ( 2-page. )

34, 35. Sakaori-no Miya ( Shinto Temple ) where the flint stone of Yamatodake-no Mikoto is in existence. ( 2-page. )

36. Zenkoji ( Temple ) Shinano Province. A) Hondo or principal hall. B) Large Bronze Buddha. C) Monasteries ( on the right side are the same ). D) Main Gate. E) Ordinary house. F) Stone pavement about 3 Cho long ( about 648 feet ).

37, 38. MS. Diary. [The translation of which was collated by Strange from versions by Mr Hogitaro Inada; Mr Shozo Kato and Mr Matsuki and follows here  ]:

Nov. 13^th: Fine weather. Made sumigaki ( black and white design ) for curtain. Was invited by Tsujiya for evening. The fish was good but sake and soba were bad, so speedily left at 10 o’clock. Wrote letter to Yedo.

( 14^th. Fine weather. Began to paint curtain, lonesome evening, was invited to Narumiya, the guest was the widow of Yeirakuya of Yokaichi. )

( Above was obtained from other manuscript. )

Nov. 15^th: Fine weather. The curtain design was done. Took rest from noon. In evening had sake at Yorozuya’s. Just after Yotsu ( 4 P.M. ) begun to stretch another curtain on frame ready for painting, and then again sake feast.

Nov. 16^th: Fine weather, then half cloudy. During morning worked a little on curtain. Had sake feast at Noumiya’s. With some company went to an eel restaurant with Mansada and Genyemon. In evening all went to theatre and saw two acts of play. This was day of great booze.

Nov. 17^th: Fine weather. Commenced to paint theatre’s signboard. The screen for Narumiya was done. Worked a little at night. From late evening begun to stretch curtain. Sake feast continued till daybreak, and stayed at his house. During the night, Yeihach’s wife had a child. [ Yeihachi was a friend of Hiroshige.]

Nov. 18^th: Fine weather. The signboard for theatre was finished with colouring. There was a great feast in evening.

Nov. 19^th: Fine weather. In morning finished all painting work. Wrote bill for the curtain. In afternoon had the parting feast with all our circle of friends. After the baggage was sent out from Narumiya’s and the Yorozuya [ inn ] in the evening drank sake was drunk till late night.

Nov. 20^th: Cloudy, snowed little. Left Iseya at about 7 A.M., accompanied Matsumi but parted on outskirts of Kofu, hurried on alone and at evening at 6 reached Kamihanasaki where stopped for night. This lodging was very good. A man from Shinano was companion for the night.

Nov. 21^st: Fine weather. Started about same hour as yesterday. Passed Inume and Shigaraki and rested. Sake and soup was poor. At Uyenohara took rest again, and took lunch. At Yose stopped for night at the Inariya Inn. Had to sleep with two other people as aiyado. One was an actor, Tsujiya Hyosuke. Heard the story of Ozawa who attempted a great crime at Uenohara.

Nov. 22^nd: Fine weather. Left Yose in morning at 8 o’clock with company of one aiyado of the night before. Took rest several times, drinking sake each time but all were bad. By dusk stopped at Matsumotoya front of Myojin shrine of Fuchu. Sake was very bad.

This may be the last such item to come onto the market.

Matsumura GOSHUM (1752-1811)

A boy feeding geese. Sumi and light colour on paper, lightly laid onto card. From an album. 27 x 34 cms; 10.6 x 13.4 inches.

Good condition. Sealed Goshun no in.

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Three New Year drummers; two with lion (shishi) masks. Sumi and colour on paper, lightly laid onto card. 24.2 x 36.2 cms; 9.5 x 14.25 inches.

In good condition. Unsigned but from a group, one of which bore full signature.

Tsubaki CHINZAN (1801-1954)

Hovering dragonflies. Sumi and colour on paper. 28 x 35.8 cms; 11 x 13.9 inches.

Good condition. Unsigned but from a fully signed album.

Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)

Two fishermen in a punt. Sumi and light colour on paper. 19 x 30 cms; 7.5 x 11.9 inches.

Good condition. Unsigned but from a fully signed album.

Suzuki KIITSU (1796-1858)

A fan painting showing a children's toy. A rotating lantern with moving images. Kiitsu was a pupil of Hoitsu. Sumi and colour on lacquered paper.

Good condition for a used fan. Signed Kiitsu ga.

status: available

Teisai HOKUBA (1771-1844) and Takizawa BAKIN (1767-1848

An extremely interesting fan painting with a brush drawing of a turtle by Hokuba and a kyoka poem by Bakin - a leading writer of popular fiction in the late Edo period. The Kyoka poem mentions mud-turtles and the use of tortoiseshell, together with the mention of the sun and the "spring of the reign of the Emperor". (There may be an anti-Edo Government, pro-Emperor agenda here.)

Fan laid onto Japanese paper. In good condition for a used fan. Signed Hokuba ga and Kyokutei Bakin.