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Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A dai-oban print showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Minister Kibi in the play Kibi Daijin Shina monogatari, “Minister Kibi, Tale of China.” The play centres on the historical minister Kibi no Makibi who joined a mission to the Tang Court in China in 716. He is supposed to have brought back to Japan the game of go, embroidery, and the secrets of the Chinese almanac. Published by Gusokuya Kahai, 1875.
Fine impression with gauffrage and extensive burnishing to Kibi’s black garment. Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition, untrimmed. Signed Oju Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMASU II (Fl. c 1720s-1760)
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An outstanding primitive showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro II as Soga no Goro in a scene from Yanone, “The Arrow Sharpener.” One of the most popular of the Soga Brothers vendetta plays that was later designated one of the Eight Great Kabuki Plays. The role first performed as part of Suehiro eho Soga, “A Fan of the Auspicious Direction for the Soga Brothers” at the Nakamura Theatre, Edo, 1/1729. The forerunner for all the subsequent versions of this scene. This performance was supposed to have been inspired by the New Year’s arrow sharpening ceremony conducted by the official arrow sharpener of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the early Edo period. Shows Danjuro grinding a huge double-headed arrow on a large whetstone. Published by Emiya Kichiemon. Extremely rare: Possibly unrecorded. Ex collection Dr E.F. (1976).
Fine impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: tan, blue, yellow, light and dark beni and gold powder. Minor small wormhole, otherwise in exceptional condition for a print of this period. Signed Torii Kiyomasu fude.
Status: Sold
Attrib. to Torii KIYONOBU II (Fl. c 1720s-1760)
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A fine primitive showing the actors Ogino Isaburo (above) and the onnagata actor Tsugawa Kamon below. Published c late 1720s by Emiya Kichiemon. Ex collection Dr E.F. (1970). Rare.
Fine impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: tan, blue, yellow, light and dark beni, lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern and gold powder. Minor imperfections, but otherwise in exceptional condition for a print of this period.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMASU II (Fl. c 1720s-1760)
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An early print showing the onnagata actor Kirinami Onoe (above) and Ichikawa Danjuro II, possibly in the play Yatsumune Taiheiki performed at the Nakamuraza Theatre, 11/1727. If it is this performance, then it’s the first time a trap-door was used. Published by Omiya Kuhei. Ex collection Dr E.F. (1966). Rare.
Fine impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: tan, lilac, yellow, light and dark beni, lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern and gold powder. Album backing and slight toning, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kiyomasu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMASU II (Fl. c 1720s-1760)
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An early print showing the actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu. He gained early recognition as a child actor. Published by Urokogata-ya hammoto, c mid 1730s. Ex collection Dr E.F. Rare.
Fine impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: tan, blue, yellow, orange, light and dark beni and lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern. Album backing and light soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Eishi Torii Kiyomasu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYONOBU II (Fl. c 1720s-1760)
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An early print showing the actor Segawa Kikunojo as Oiso no Tora looking down at Kameya Jujiro as Soga no Juro Sukenari who is leaning on a shogi board (Japanese chess). The play Hatsu hikage maizuru Soga was performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre, 1/1737. Published by Nakajima Izaemon. Ex collection Dr E.F. (1978). Rare.
Fine impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: tan, yellow, light beni, gold powder and lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern. Toned with some fading of colour. Signs of mounting au verso. Signed Torii Kiyonobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
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An hosoban showing the actors Ichikawa Danzo IV as Doi no Yataro (above) and Ichikawa Raizo II as Kojiro Masahira (below) in the play Kaomise Ama no Iwato, performed at the Nakamura-za theatre 11/1774. A fine design.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Shunko ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A vertical triptych showing the actor Ichikawa Udanji I as the ghost of Sogo’s wife (Sogo tsuma no rei) carrying off Nakamura Kangoro XII as Yamazumi Goheita in the play Sakura Sogo den performed at the Haruki-za Theatre, 3/1893. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro.
Fine impression and colour. Slight toning and creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Osetsu Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ippitsusai BUNCHO (Active c 1755-1790)
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Little is known of Buncho’s life. With Shunsho, he was the pre-eminent designer of actor hosoban producing them during the short period of 1766-1773. He also collaborated with Shunsho on the fine 3 vol. Ehon butai ogi in 1770. Shows the actor Nakamura Matsue I in an onnagata role holding a child beside a large bell. This is possibly Matsue playing Sakuragi, the wife of Munesada, in the play Kuni no Hana Ono no Itsumoji performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre in 11/1771. Provenance: Ex collection Ernest Le Veel. Sold lot 13, 3rd sale, Ader Picard Tajan, 5/11/1981. Seal au verso. Rare: Not listed in Exhibition Of Ukiyo-e By Ippitsusai Buncho, Riccar Art Museum, 1978.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Ippitsusai Buncho ga with Mori uji seal.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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The actor Segawa Kikunojo III in an unidentified onnagata role adjusting her hair in a mirror. Shun’ei was a gifted pupil of Katsukawa Shunsho. Designed many hosobans but also some fine bust portraits and was possibly the originator of this type of print. Published by Emiya Kichiemon c early 1790s. (This publisher is said to have been the first to exploit the kento mark for keying blocks.) Another impression is in the MFA Boston, 21.5998.
Fine impression and colour. Slight toning, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shun’ei ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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The actor Otani Hiroemon III in an unidentified role leaning forward with a sword in his mouth. Shunsho was a prolific designer of actor prints as well as views of the green room, wrestlers and bijin. He also collaborated with Kitao Shigemasa on the fine Seiro bijin awase sugata kagami of 1776. Published c 1770. Another (partially faded) impression is in the MFA Boston, 21.4148. A fine design.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Shunsho ga with Hayashi/tsubo seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An okubi-e showing the actor Arashi Hinasuke I as Fujiwara no Shihei. This was the Minister of the Left, the antagonist, in Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy.” The set of “surimono-style” prints were published by Ebisuya Shoshichi between 1860 and 1869, the last 12 being by Yoshitora, and only 60 being completed by Kunisada before he died. The set is technically of the highest order and a fitting tribute to his life.
Fine impression with extensive burnishing. Very good colour and condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni ga, “At the age of seventy-eight.”
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych showing from left to right the actors: Seki Sanjuro III as Nippon Daemon (above) and Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Benten Kozo Kikunosuke. Centre: Nakamura Shikan IV as Nango Rikimaru. Right: Iwai Kumesaburo III as Akaboshi Juzaburo (above) and Kawarasaki Gonjuro I as Tadanobu Rihei. The group of five dandy-thieves in Aoto zoshi hana no nishiki-e or Shiranami gonin otoko. A famous play written by Kawatake Mokuami, this being the first performance at the Ichimura-za Theatre in 3/1862. Published 3/1862 by Seibundo (Gifuya Seishichi). An extremely rare and early work: Not listed in Keyes.
Fine impression and colour. Slightly trimmed around, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Strange Wind from a set of actor prints Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” A fine set published by Okura Magobei 1876-7. Shows Onoe Kikugoro V as the ghost of the cormorant fisherman Kansaku. He had poached fish from the sacred waters of the Isawa River and was caught and executed. His restless spirit caused Nichiren to pray for him and pacify the ghost. It was the subject of a famous play: Nichiren shonin minori no umi. Kikugoro was a personal friend of Yoshitoshi. One of Yoshitoshi’s best actor prints.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed (in kana) Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUN’EI
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An hosoban showing 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. The highly stylised and dramatic Shibaraku costume gave rise to some of the best ukiyo-e designs. Originally staged by Ichikawa Danjuro I in 1697, it quickly gained popularity and was included in the kaomise celebrations at Edo theatres. Published by Harimaya Shinshichi. Ex Beres collection, sold Paris 2002, lot 39.
Fine impression, very good colour and condition. Beres seal au verso. Signed Shun’ei ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYONOBU II (1706-1763)
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An hosoban showing the actors Ichimura Uzaemon VIII (above) and Segawa Kikujiro I in an onnagata role. Published by Emiya Kichiemon, c. 1746. Another impression in the MET (JP831), listed as Kiyonobu I.
Very good impression. Good colour and condition. Signed Torii Kiyonobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
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An hosoban benizuri-e print in beni, yellow and blue showing the actor Segawa Kikunojo II (bottom left) in the role of musume Kagekiyo and Ichimura Uzaemon IX (top right) as Osu…, possibly Osutoko. Musume means “daughter”, while Kagekiyo was the famous general of the Heike clan. However, if Kikunojo were playing Kagekiyo’s daughter then it would be written Kagekiyo musume. (His daughter was named Hitomaru and she does indeed feature in many plays about him.) But in this case, it perhaps refers to a female version of Kagekiyo’s daughter after all and it’s just written the other way round for some reason, then it would identify the performance and date nicely: the play would be Soga yawaragi Soga performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre in the 1st month of 1767. Published by Nishimura, Eijudo han. Extremely rare. (Many thanks to Paul Griffith for the elucidation above.)
Fine impression and colour. Slight vertical fold and small expertly restored wormhole near bottom edge. Signed Torii Kiyomitsu ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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An hosoban showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as a blacksmith forging a sword blade. An unidentified role published c. 1780.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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The actor Segawa Kikunojo V in the role of Ama Myochin, the Cat Witch, from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi, the Eight Dog Heroes, published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 5/1852. The play was premiered at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 1/1852. This is the highlight of the play: The monstrous cat murders the father of the dog hero Inamura Kakutaro and then assumes his likeness. However, as shown here, its hairy body and giant claws can still be seen behind the bamboo curtain. The best design from the set.
Very fine impression with blind printing and burnishing. Fine colour and condition. This is the only full size impression I have seen as they almost always come from albums and are trimmed to the common denominator. Another (trimmed) impression is illustrated full page in Japanese Prints IV- Hiroshige and the Utagawa school – Rijksprentenkabinet/Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 1984, no. 180, page 105. Signed Ichiyosai Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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The actor Nakamura Utaemon II playing two roles (out of seven), Nana yaku no uchi, which are: the Manzai street entertainer Tsuchiemon (seated) and Kudayu’s daughter Okumi, in the play Chushin koshaku performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre, 7/1812.
Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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The actors Matsumoto Koshiro V (right) as the barber Nagata Taro; in reality Kamada Masakiyo, and Segawa Michinosuke I as Genkichi’s wife, Osoro; in reality Nagata’s younger sister, in the play Wakazakari Heike Monogatari, performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 11/1806. Published by Hachi.
Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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The actor Onoe Matsusuke I as the ghost of the wife of Kohada Koheiji in the play Eiri otogi zoshi performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 7/1808. In fact, Matsusuke played both the wife and Kohada Koheiji. One of the best plots in Kabuki: Kohada Koheiji was a third-rate kabuki actor who couldn’t find work. His drama teacher, taking pity on him, bribed a director to give him work. On seeing him, the director immediately saw his potential as a yurei (ghost) because of his appearance – white skin, dark, sunken eyes and long hair. And at this he became extremely successful. However, his wife Osoka, was embarrassed by him and took a lover. Together, they planned to kill him which they did by drowning him in a swamp. This gave him his greatest yurei role and he came back to haunt them to death. Published by Tsuruya Kinsuke, 1808.
Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A fine triptych showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX in Shibaraku role. Kabuki juhachiban no uchi: shibaraku, “The Eighteen Famous Kabuki Plays: Shibaraku.” Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 8/1895. Illustrated on the front cover of Time Present and Time Past: Images of a Forgotten Master: Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900). Amy Reigle Newland. Hotei publishing, 1999.
Fine impression and colour. Album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A vertical diptych showing the actor Onoe Baiko III in the role of the vengeful and disfigured spirit of Kasane above Sawamura Tossho I as her husband Kinoshitagawa Yoemon. From the play Kuruwa kruwa date no ooyose performed at the Ichimura-za theatre 1836. Published by Kawaguchiya Chozo, 1836. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A vertical triptych showing Onoe Kikugoro as Okiku’s ghost; Ichikawa Danjuro IX as the daimyo Aoyama Tessan, and Onoe Kikujiro V and Onoe Matsusuke V as his retainers in the play Sarayashi kesho no sugatami, “Mirror of the House of Blue Dishes.” Performed at the Kabuki-za Theatre, 10/1892. There are two versions of the story: In one, the mistress of the house breaks a valuable blue and white Dutch plate, hiding it in a well and blaming the maid-servant Okiku, who then commits suicide in the well. In the other, Okiku refuses to become Aoyama’s mistress who hides the plate and threatens to accuse her of theft. She throws herself into the well. But in both cases Okiku’s ghost comes back to haunt Aoyama. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1892.
Very fine impression and colour. Very small nicks out of top margin, otherwise fine condition. Full, untrimmed size. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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The actor Danjuro VIII as the ghost of Seigen from a set of prints Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets” published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1852. The relevant poet in this case is Ariwara no Narihira. The corrupt priest Seigen broke his vows of chastity when he fell in love with Sakurahime. Danjuro played this role in the play Yami no ume yume no tamakura, in the New Year’s programme at the Kawarazaki theatre, Edo, in 1/1853.
Very fine early impression with glue applied to the eyes. Fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV in the role of the vengeful and disfigured spirit of Kasane (Kasane no Bokon) from a set of prints Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets” published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1852. The relevant poet in this case is Fujiwara Toshiyuki no Ason.
Very fine early impression with glue applied to the eyes. Fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A diptych showing the actors Bando Shuka (left) as O-kaji, wife of Danshichi, with sword drawn attacking Seki Sanjuro III as the old hag, wife of Giheiji of Mikawa-cho in pouring rain. From the play Shinzo Tsurifune kidan performed at the Ichimura theatre, 5/1852. Published by Kakumotoya Kinjiro. Kuniyoshi designed another version of this play in the same year for another publisher.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A triptych showing the actor Ichikawa Sandanji I as Akiyama Kiimori amidst an intense conflagration started in an attempt to capture him, Yakuchi no ba. From the series Meiijiza shinkyogen, “New Plays from the Meiji Theatre.” Published by Akiyama Buemon , 1894.
Fine impression, colour and condition. The sheets joined. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The actor Onoe Kikugoro V as Aoyagi Harunosuke from a fine and rare set of 14 actor prints: Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” This being Full Tide. The set published by Okura Magobei, 1877. Presumably showing Kikugoro in the play Shianui Monogatari written by Ryukatei Tanekazu; Ryutei Tanehiko II; and Ryusuitei Tanekiyo. The actor was a great friend of Yoshitoshi.
Very good impression and colour. Slight soil and creasing, otherwise good condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A full-on image of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa in the Shibaraku play with the voluminous costume associated with the role. Title: Kabuki juhachiban no uchi/Shibaraku, “The Eighteen Famous Kabuki Plays:Shibaraku.” Kunichika made a number of prints, single, diptych and triptych, of this subject but this particular design is rare. Published by Mizuno Asajiro, c. 1895.
Very good impression and colour. Background partly blind-printed. Slight trimming losing publishing information on left edge of last sheet and slight soil. Otherwise good condition. Signed Oju Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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A hosoban diptych complete showing Ichikawa Monnosuke II ( left sheet ) as Soga no Goro and Sawamura Sojuro III ( right sheet ) as Soga no Juro in the play Shunshoku Edo-e Soga performed at the Ichimura-ya in the first month of 1791. Published by Harimaya Shinshichi. Most hosoban multiples have become separated over time.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Completely untrimmed. Signed Shun’ei ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Hana, “Flowers” from the set Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon, and Flowers.” Shows the actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozo. The main character in the play Soga moyo tateshi no goshozome, “The Story of Gorozo, the Chivalrous Commoner.” A convoluted plot (as usual) with the samurai Gorozu becoming an otokodate upon being expelled by his family because of an undesirable love affair. Gorozu ends up killing his old master’s lover, Oshu. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890. A fine set of bust portraits.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1821)
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The actor Ichikawa Omezo I in the role of Hannya no Goro in a Shibaraku scene. Part of the play Monomiguruma yuki no takadono performed at the Morita-za Theatre, 11/1810. Published by Kawachiya Genshichi. A striking design.
Fine impression and colour. Small expertly repaired binding holes at top, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A mitate (imaginary) triptych showing, from left to right: Onoe Kikugoro III as Takehara Genpachi; Ichikawa Ebizo V as Omura Gengo; Iwai Tojaku as Fujinami. The actors surrounding a handscroll that is emitting strong bands of light. Published by Edoya Matsugoro, c. late 1830s.
Fine impression and colour. Album backing and joined sheets, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kitao SHIGEMASA (1739-1820)
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A hosoban showing the actors Ichikawa Komazo II (above right) in the role of Honcho Tsunagoro and Otani Hiroemon II (below) as Hantoki Kuroemon. The play was the second item (nibanme) on the programme which came after the first play Hatsuakinai omise Soga performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre, Spring 1767. The shop sign behind the actors reads Kinoeneya. Published by Miyaji, 1767.
Fine impression. Slight fading, otherwise very good colour and condition. Signed Kitao Shigemasa ga.
Status: Sold
Ryusai SHIGEHARU (1803-1853)
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The actor Nakamura Utaemon III as the ghost of Taira no Tomomori in the play Yoshitsune senbon zakura, “Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees.” Famous for tying himself to an anchor and jumping into the sea at the battle of Dan-no-Ura (1185). Performed at the Kado Theatre, 5/1831. An Osaka print published by Wataya Kihei.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Gyokuryutei Shigeharu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa NOBUKATSU (Active 1824-1841)
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An Osaka print showing the actor Onoe Baiko III as Kan Shojo (Sugawara Michizane) in the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy.” Performed at the Takeda Theatre, 3/1830. This is the famous Mt. Tempai scene from the play. Published by Tenmaya Kihei. Shows Kan Shojo transformed into the Thunder God wreaking revenge on his enemies.
Fine impression and colour. Crease near right edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Tessai Nobukatsu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
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An actor portrait showing Matsumoto Koshiro V (standing) in the role of Banzui Chobei and Bando Mitsugoro III as Shira Gonpachi next to a kago in Sakurada Jisuke I’s play Banzuin Chobei shojin manaita. Performed at the Nakamura-za 7/8/1803. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi.
Very good impression and condition. Grey ground. Almost perfect colour. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
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An hosoban showing the actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX in the role of Hanako performing the famous dance in Musume Dojoji, “The Maiden at Dojoji Temple.” Hanako is allowed to dance before the new bell at the temple only to reveal herself as the spirit of Kiyohime who killed the priest Anchin hidden beneath the first bell. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi c 1765.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Torii Kiyomitsu ga.
Status: Sold