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Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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The complete diptych showing on the right the actor Arashi Otohachi III as the evil priest Bungyu attacking Asuka played by Fujikawa Kayu III from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into a very successful play which was premiered at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 1/1852. The convoluted story tells of the supernatural offspring from the coupling of Princess Fuse and her father’s dog Yatsufusa. They are later reborn to normal mothers and the plot revolves around their gradual discovery of each other. A fine set.
Extremely fine impressions. Fine colour. Small binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Kunisada ga and Ichiyosai Kunisada 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
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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An hosoban showing the actor Otani Hiroji III wearing a red straw cape in the snow and holding aloft a crystal ball. An unidentified role published c. 1775. Evidently Hiroji was very popular with female theatre-goers.
Very good impression and colour. Minor soil and wear, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Onoe Baiko III (Kikugoro III) as the vengeful ghost of Kasane appearing to haunt her husband Yagoro who had murdered her after getting tired of her ugliness. From the play Kuruwa kuruwa date no oyose performed at the Ichimura Theatre 2/1836. Title: Kokon misou kufu no yurei, “Famous Ghosts of the Past and Present.”
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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Shows the actor Onoe Shoroku I as Osakabehime, Princess Osakabe, a phantom who haunted the battlements of Himeji Castle. The character appeared in the play Matazoro Shoroku Osakabe banashi performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre from 22/5/1814. But this is probably a shini-e published the following year as it bears the information that Shoroku was 71 when he died (10/1815). Shoroku was renowned for his ghost roles. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei who also published an impressive Kunisada vertical diptych of the same subject in 1814.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII in the drama Shibaraku. He is seen in his voluminous robe with the large Sansho (three square) motif which was the symbol of the Danjuro acting clan. The origins of the drama go back to Danjuro I in 1697 although there have been changes over the centuries. It is not a play as such but a scene which lasts about 50 minutes and is inserted during interludes. Evidently Shibaraku, which translates as “Wait a minute” or “Stop a moment,” was first dramatically shouted by Danjuri I when his fellow thespians forgot or refused his cue to enter and take to the hanamichi, “flower path” set at right angles to the stage. It became so popular that it was included in the kaomise, “face-showing” performances every year. Published by Kawaguchiya Shozo, c. 1830.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
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An hosoban benizuri-e showing the actor Bando Hikosaburo II as Sanada no Yoichi Yoshitada in the play Ume ya suisen izu no irifune performed at the Morita Theatre, 11/1763. Yoshitada served the Minamoto Clan and is usually shown fighting his adversary Matano Goro Kagehisa. Published by Harimaya Shinshichi. Interestingly, the impression in the MFA, Boston, 06.404, has the publisher’s seal Nishinomiya Shinroku. Possibly a slightly later reprint. Kiyomitsu was the second son of Kiyomasu II.
Very good impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Torii Kiyomitsu ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
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An hosoban benizuri-e showing the actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Soga no Goro Tokimune, brandishing a club, and riding to avenge the murder of his father by Kudo Suketsune. Published c. 1768. (The publisher’s seal may be on the underside of the horse.) Kiyomitsu was the second son of Kiyomasu II.
Very good impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Torii Kiyomitsu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An interesting and rare Kuniyoshi triptych showing actors relaxing in a busy teahouse. In fact this group appeared in the play Sumidagawa tsui no kagamon performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre from the 3/3/1852. Left sheet: Suzuki Mondo just stepping into the room dressed in a blue and white yukata played by Sawamura Chojuro V. Other actors are Nakamura Kanemon , Nakamura Kantaro and Arashi Jitohachi III. Centre sheet: The courtesan Shiraito of the Hashimoto-ya standing right played by Bando Shuka I. Another actor Nakamura Kamenojo. Right sheet: The thug Tsukubane Sanpei seated holding a cup played by Otani Tomoemon IV and Oyaso, Mondo’s wife, seated by an hibachi played by Onoe Kikujiro II. Another actor being Bando Matataro. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, 1852.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A complete diptych showing the huge figure of the actor Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Kozo Kikunosuke , a young thief, fighting the police on the roof of the Gokuraku-ji Temple. This is the culmination and Act V of the play Benten Kozo performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, March 1862. Published by Shobundo, 3/1862. Rare: not listed in Keyes.
Fine impression and colour. Very lightly backed, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
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Shows the standing figure of the kabuki actor Ichimura Kamezo I as Wankyu in the play Furiwakamura suehiro Genji which according to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which has another impression (no.21.8149), was staged at the Ichimura theatre, 11th month, 1760. But I have been unable to verify this. Certainly the date fits as Kamezo became Ichimura Uzayemon IX in 1762. Benizuri-e and a pale blue-grey. Published by Igaya Kan’emon.
Very good impression and colour. Very slight surface soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Torii Kiyomitsu ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYONAGA (1752-1815)
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A fine actor design from a series of at least 31 such degatari prints (showing singing or chanting at a theatre). A scene from Shosa Hatsuhige yakko tanzen, played at the Ichimura-za theatre November 1783. Shows Nakamura Nakazo as Tanzen seated with a fan looking at Onoe Matsusuke as a young lady (in reality a white fox). To the right Ichimura Uzaemon as a yakko. The chanters Tomimoto Buzen-dayu and Tomimoto Itsuki-dayu at the back accompanied by Namizaki Tokuji. Published by Nishimura, 1783. See Hirano, Kyonaga, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, no. 544, pl. LXXX.
Very good impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kiyonaga ga.
Status: Sold
Ippitsusai BUNCHO (1763-1840)
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Ichikawa Danjuro V probably as Watanabe Kiou Takiguchi in the play Nue no mori ichiyou no matsu performed at the Nakamura-za in the 11th month of 1770. It was in this month that Koshiro III took the name of Danjuro V. Shows Danjuro in the iconic costume of the Shibaraku scene with the giant mon. Buncho was a connoisseur of paintings ( he wrote Buncho gadan [ Treatise on Painting ] ), and was one of the most important painters and print designers of this period. A fine design and extremely rare.
Fine impression. The background probably “turned” from a pale blue ( as usual ). Trimmed into signature at left, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ippitsusai Buncho ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A rare 6-sheet design: Odori keiyo gakuya no zu, Odori keiyo nikai-iri no zu, “View of the Backstage and Dressing Rooms, Backstage at a Newly Opened Theatre.” The 1855 earthquake and resulting fire destroyed the Edo theatre district. Only five months later the first theatre – the Ichimura Theatre – was reopened. This print, issued the previous month, was an advertisement for the opening. A number of actors are recognisable by their mons. Published by Izumiya Ichibei, 1856, 2nd month.
Very good impression and colour. Some trimming, otherwise very good condition. This design is invariably trimmed as the designs that have survived are from albums where the top triptych had to fold down into the album. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
MANGETSUDO (Active 1743-1747)
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An hosoban showing a youth impersonated by Onoe Kikugoro I standing outside the Yoshiwara. Above is a cartouche showing a gosho-guruma (a mid-17th century Imperial cart) and above the cartouche the word Kayoi: An allusion to the story of Shosho visiting Komachi. This is the right sheet of a triptych with title Yoshiwara Komachi sambukutsui, “Komachi of the Yoshiwara, Set of Three.” (See Hayashi catalogue, 1902, no. 325 for the complete triptych.) Another impression is illustrated in The Clarence Buckingham Collection Of Japanese Prints, The Primitives, AIC, p. 183, which lacks signature and publisher’s seal. Published by Okumuraya, c 1740. Nothing is known about Mangetsudo, other than he was a follower of Masanobu.
Very good impression. Some fading, otherwise good condition. Signed Mangetsudo.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
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An hosoban showing the actor Ichikawa Danzo IV in the role of Tsuribune Sabu in the play Natsu matsuri kagami performed at the Morita-za Theatre, 7/1779.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Exceptional state of preservation. Signed Katsukawa Shunko ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c. 1850-1880)
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The actor Bando Mitsuguro V as Yushide, a daughter of Shindo Saemon from the play Karukaya doshin tsukushi no iezuto. From an untitled set of prints designed in conjunction with Kunisada. It was intended to represent the culmination of Kunisada’s career using only the finest materials, engravers and printers. Published by Kinshodo between 1860-1864. 150 designs were envisioned but only 72 were published, with 12 being by Yoshitora who joined the project in 1862. The plot concerns the machinations of rival Daimyo to possess a rare gem stone. Yushide is caught up in the shenanigans, the outcome being that she stabs herself in the throat with the white arrow she wears as a hair pin.
Superb impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)
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The actor Segawa Kikunojo II as the Tennin (a devine being that is able to fly by means of a feathered kimono) from the play Hagoromo, “The Feathered Mantle.” She stands on Miho Beach, the feathered kimono caught in the tree behind her. The story relates how fishermen find the boa but will only return it if she performs a dance. Published c early 1760s.
Fine impression. Very good colour: Benizuri-e with beni, green and blue. Some light toning and soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kiyomitsu ga with kiyomitsu seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIIKU (1833-1904)
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An Ichikawa Danjuro memorial portrait showing Kawarazaki Gonjuro I (Danjuro IX, 1838-1903) in the Shibaraku role looking up at his father, Danjuro babaa (Ichikawa Danjuro VII [1791-1859]) who had died the previous year. It was some years before Gonjuro finally adopted the Danjuro name in 1874. Published by Ebisuya, 1860.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshiiku ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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The actor Sawamura Sojuro III in the role of Lord Ashikaga Yorikane on board the pleasure boat Takaomaru from the play Kimigatede Yoshiwara sodachi performed at the Miyako-za Theatre, 7/1795. This is the right-hand sheet of a famous diptych. The left sheet (showing Segawa Kikunojo III as the courtesan Takao) is illustrated in the Popper collection, no. 245, Parke Bernet sale catalogue, 9/1972. Another impression was in the Vever collection, illustrated in Vever sale catalogue, Sotheby & Co, Part 1, lot 278, p. 260, 26/3/1974. Published by Senichi (Izumi-ya), 1795 when Toyokuni was producing his greatest designs.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Attributed to Toyoharu KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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An oban diptych shini-e (memorial portrait) of the famous kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII (1791-1859). Upper right is the date of his burial, Ansei 6 (1859), 3rd month, 24th day. A long inscription at left on his life. The image top right shows his great-great-great grandfather, the first Ichikawa Danjuro (1660-1704). The other image, top left, shows Danjuro VIII (1823-1854), his son, who predeceased him by 4 years. See Waseda University Theatre Museum, acc. Nos. 114-0330 and 114-0332 (attributed to Kunichika).
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition.
Status: Sold
Attributed to SEIKOKU (Active c. 1794-1818)
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A kapazuri-e (stencil print) hosoban showing the actor Kataoka Nizaemon VII (1755-1837) as Togoro. A striking design and probably unique. There are similar prints signed by Chorakusai (Seikoku) and the publisher Suharaya Tosuke was active c. 1812-1829 and is known to have published prints by Seikoku. Published c. 1817.
Fine impression, colour and condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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A hosoban showing the actor Iwai Kiyotaro II as Arakawa Taro and standing above him in an onnagata role Osagawa Tsuneyo II as the lady Koromode Gozen in the play Toki ni oshu Tsubo no ishibuni performed at the Ichimura-za Thatre in the 11th month 1802. At the top right is a seal which reads Inu, “Dog” (for Dog year 1802). Published by Murataya Jirobei.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga. e actor Kataoka Nizaemon VII (1755-1837) as Togoro. A striking design and probably unique. There are similar prints signed by Chorakusai (Seikoku) and the publisher Suharaya Tosuke was active c. 1812-1829 and is known to have published prints by Seikoku. Published c. 1817.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1768-1825)
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An actor print showing Ogino Isaburo II as the bandit Kaido Saburo standing with axe, and Matsumoto Koshiro V as Taira no Masakado in the play Otoko narikeri onna Masakado, “What Men ? A Female Masakado” performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 11/1801. Published by Izumiya Ichibei.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Sawamura Tossho II as Sasaki Gennosuke from the play Hana ayame katami ezoshi. From the last great actor set which was planned as a monument to his career and used only the most expensive materials. An untitled set (but known as Konjaku kabuki meiyo, “Actors Portraits Past and Present.”) Seventy-two prints were completed from an intended one hundred and fifty, with twelve of them being by Yoshitora. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (Kinshodo) between 1860 and 1869 (this being 1863).
Very fine impression on thick hosho. Very fine colour with burnishing and blind-printing. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “By the ninety year old Toyokuni.”
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A bust portrait of the actor Bando Hikosaburo V as Samezaya Shiroza compared to Lin Chong (from the famed Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, “Outlaws of the Marsh”) retold by Takizawa Bakin (1767-1848) in his novel “The Water Margin: New Illustrated Edition” published in 1805. There are three groups of three prints with background motifs of Pine, Bamboo (as here) and Plum, being the symbols of longevity. He is shown with a heavily tattooed arm of plum blossom and his coat is decorated with a design of a large eagle enveloping his shoulders. Published by Hayashiya Shogoro, 1859.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ni Konomi Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A diptych showing the actor Otani Tomoemon V as the firefighter Kurikara Denji in the play Fuji to mimasu suehiro soga performed at the Morita-za Theatre, 2/1866. Interestingly, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has the original playbill, acc. no. 11.28195. Firemen were usually heavily tattooed demonstrating their masculinity. Published by Otaya Takichi, 3/1866.
Very good impression and colour. The pigments have oxidised somewhat giving a nice patina. Very good condition. Signed Kunichika fude.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Sawamura Tossho II in the Okazaki no ba, “Okazaki Scene” from Okazaki no neko, “The Cat of Okazaki.” This episode from the famous play takes place in an old temple at Okazaki on the Tokaido. An old cat witch haunts the temple attacking young women. Published by Daikokuya Kinzaburo, c. mid 1860s. Rare.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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A triptych showing the actors Nakamura Shikan IV as Sakata Kintoki and Onoe Baiko V as Usui Sadamitsu – both henchmen of Watanabe no Tsuna (Raiko) – on the right; Sawamura Tanosuke III as the courtesan Usugumo (actually the spirit of a spider), centre, and Nakamura Chutaro as Urabe Hidetake – another henchman of Raiko – and Ichikawa Kuzo III as Watanabe no Tsuna on the left. Goblins and skeletons abound in the background. From the play Kubei yoi no itosuji performed at the Morita-za Theatre, 1864. Published by Iseya Kanekichi.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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An hosoban showing the actor Iwai Hanshiro IV in an unidentified female role holding a letter beside a palanquin. What appears to be another version by Shunsho is in the Met, acc. number JP2783. Published c 1773.
Fine impression. Extremely good colour. Very good condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as the half-Chinese, half-Japanese hero Watonai in a production of the play Kokusen’ya kassen staged at the Nakamura-za Theatre, 8/1816. Shows a popular scene from the play where Watonai overcomes a man-eating tiger in China by using a charm from the Ise Shrine. He holds a post with the characters reading Daijinga, “Grand Shrine” used in the inner and outer shrines at Ise. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi 1816. Extremely early and rare.
Fine impression and colour. Trimmed at left, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Shunkosai HOKUSHU (Fl. c 1808-1832)
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The actor Nakamura Utaemon III as Kan Shojo in the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Mirror of Learning and Transmitting Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy.” In fact based on stories relating to Sugawara Michizane (845 – 903, scholar, poet and politician). Government regulations prohibited the use of the names of real people in Kabuki. He is shown on a wood votive tablet. The play was performed at the Kado no Shibai Theatre, Osaka, 3/1823. In fact, Utaemon is supposed to have sensationally played 7 roles in this play. Poem above by Shikan (Utaemon’s poetry name). Published by Toshikuraya Shinbei (inscribed bottom left).
Fine impression. This is a wonderful example of kimetsubushi printing whereby the grain of the wood is exposed with stiff brushes or pads to enable the grain to be printed. Very good colour and condition. Signed Shunkosai Hokushu ga.
Status: Sold
KATSUKAWA SCHOOL
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The actor Iwai Hanshiro IV probably in a new year Soga play. Unidentified publisher, published c late 1780s.
Fine impression. Exceptional colour. Fine condition.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMASU II (Fl. c 1720s -1760)
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An exceptional Primitive showing the onnagata actor Yamashita Kinsaku I looking down at the actor Sawamura Sojuro I who is holding a kettle and teacup. Published by Sagami-ya Yohei c late 1720s.
Very good impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: Tan, yellow, light and dark beni and green. Lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern and gold powder. Minor soil and small nick out of bottom edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Torii Kiyomasu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOTOMI (FL. c 1720 -1740)
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The actor Ogino Isaburo I looking down on the onnagata actor Fujimura Handayu II. An inscription above Ogino Isaburo states: Kyo Shijo kudari, “Coming from Shijo (Fourth Street) from the Capital.” Indicating the actor was on tour in Edo. Kyoto was considered the capital at that time and the Kabuki theatre was located on Fourth Street in Kyoto. Published by Igaya Kan’emon (Bunkido) c mid 1720s.
Very good impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: Tan, yellow, light and dark beni and blue. Lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern and gold powder. Some soil and expertly repaired wormage, otherwise very good condition. Signed Torii Kiyotomi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMASU II (Fl. c 1720s -1760)
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Shows the actor Sodesaki Miwano I as a proprietress of a house of assignation (kasha). He holds a puppet of the actor Ichikawa Monnosuke I dressed as a fashionable young man visiting the pleasure quarter holding a sedge hat to hide his face. Published by Igaya Kan’emon (Bunkido) c late 1720s.
Very good impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: beni, yellow, lilac and pale green. Lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern and gold powder. Light soil and expertly repaired wormage, otherwise very good condition. Signed Torii Kiyomasu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMASU II (Fl. c 1720s -1760)
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The onnagata actor Ichimura Takenojo IV standing and combing the hair of a fashionable young man played by Sanjo Kantaro II. Above, left, is the title printed in gold: Kamisuke, “Hair-combing.” These romantic scenes show the tenderness and love between a man and a woman. There is another version of this scene with the same actors by Okumura Toshinobu. Published by Igaya Kan’emon (Bunkido) c early 1730s.
Very good impression. Urushi beni-e with hand-applied colour: Lilac, beni and yellow. Lacquered sumi over an embossed pattern and gold powder with sprayed blue bands around title. Light soil and small expertly repaired wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Signed Torii Kiyomasu hitsu.
Status: Sold