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Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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An original preliminary oban sumi drawing for an unpublished set. Shows a young woman teaching a child to play the shamisen and how to use the plectrum (bachi). With intended series title: Osana musume keiko awase, “Teaching the Arts to a Young Girl.” And sub-title: Imouto e oshieru no zu, “Picture of Teaching a Younger Sister.” A particularly interesting drawing as it shows the spontaneity of the initial concept. Kunisada may have made a further more detailed sketch but a final very detailed drawing was needed for the block-cutter to follow accurately and this would have been given to a pupil to undertake. For obvious reasons, these drawings did not survive.

 

 

In very good condition.

 

 

Status: Sold

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    Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)




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    An original hanshita-e entitled: Hanayagura, Tenno Matsuri. This famous festival takes place in July in Tsushima, Aichi, with boats floating down the Tenno River. Shows a festival participant with a lion mask. Sumi with touches of red on thin paper with pentimenti to face.

     

     

    In good condition. Signed Kunisada ga.

     

     

    Status: Sold

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      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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      An original harimaze-e drawing (two or more images on a single page originally intended to be cut apart). Sumi on paper. Intended for a set of such prints of the complete Tokaido. This sheet shows five stations: Shono (horse); Ishiyakushi (cherry blossom); Kuwana (oysters and cockles); Asakusa (the tori of a temple and visitor); Yokkaichi (boats in the bay). Provenance: Ex H. Beres collection, sold Sothebys, Paris, 25/11/2003, lot 168. Minor faults, but all congruent with an original drawing that has survived. Signed Hiroshige bottom right.

       

       

      Status: Sold

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        Utagawa YOSHITORA (Fl. c. 1850-1880)


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        An original hanshita-e triptych drawing for an unpublished print: Okehazama daikassen no zue, “The Great Battle of Okehazama.” Shows Imagawa Yoshimoto being attacked by Hattori Koheita and Mori Shinsuke and killed. The battle was in June 1560. The intended print was to be published by Kiya Sojiro and has the publisher’s mark on the drawing as well as the censor seal for 1866.

         

        Sumi on thin paper with extensive pentimenti. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.

         

        Status: Sold

         

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          Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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          An original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 14.5 x 10.5 in; 37 x 27 cms, laid onto Japanese card. Shows a standing warrior with his sword drawn: A common subject in Hokusai’s oeuvre.

          In very good condition.

           

          Status: Sold

           

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            UNSEN




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            The dates for Unsen are not known but he was working in the early Meiji period. This original hanshita-e shows Imperial troops defeating the rebellion during the Shimabara riot. (The events took place in 1637/8 although contemporary uniforms and artillery are shown. Comments on topical subjects were often “masked” by being set in a different period.)) A well drawn triptych in good condition using pentimenti. Signed Unsen hitsu.

             

            Status: Sold

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              Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Active c 1849-1867)




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              A five-sheet original drawing (hanshita-e) showing a parade of beauties before a wicker fence and blossom. Bigyoku imayo hanazoroi, “An Assortment of Modern Beautiful Gems as Flowers.” Nice brushwork on the sumptuous kimonos. Sumi with sumi wash and light touches of red on thin Japanese paper laid onto further thin Japanese paper. Each sheet signed Ichikawa Yoshikazu ga. Sold “as is” with all imperfections, but in good condition.

               

               

              Status: Sold

               

               

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                Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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                An original hanshita-e drawing showing actors in different roles; above as a warrior and beneath in an onnagata role. Sumi and red on thin paper. Image size 12.5 x 6 in, 31.5 x 15 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Good condition.

                Status: Sold

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                  Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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                  An original hanshita-e drawing possibly showing Kagekiyo breaking prison. Sumi on thin paper. Image size 13 x 6.5 in, 33 x 16.5 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Numerous indications for the printer for the colours to be used. One hole, otherwise good condition.

                  Status: Sold

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                    Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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                    An original hanshita-e drawing probably showing Danjuro IX as Benkei. Sumi with light touches of pink and blue on thin paper, image size 12.75 x 6.5 in, 32.5 x 16.5 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). In good condition.

                    Status: Sold

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                      Mizuno TOSHIKATA (1866–1908)



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                      A fine original drawing for the first sheet of a published triptych by Yoshitoshi for the set Dai Nippon shiryaku showing the naval battle of Dannoura in the reign of Antoku, the 80th Emperor. Published 20/4/1880. The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata” and is dated Meiji kano-e tatsu, 1880. Why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata.

                      Status: Sold

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                        Mizuno TOSHIKATA (1866–1908)



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                        A fine original drawing for the first sheet of an unpublished ( ?) triptych by Yoshitoshi showing the king of the Tengu, Dai Sojobo, teaching martial arts to the young Yoshitsune. Drawn c 1880. The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata.” It has more detail than the BM example but why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata.

                        Status: Sold

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                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

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                          An original drawing showing two beauties: One drying her hair, the other about to enter a mosquito net. Sumi on thin paper. 13 x 15.5 in., 33 x 40 cms.

                          Status: Sold

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                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                            A large original drawing showing a beauty on a balcony. In the distance another figure on another balcony. Possibly a study for a painting. Sumi and red under-drawing on thin paper. 15.25 x 25.5 in., 38.5 x 65 cms.

                            Status: Sold

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                              Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)




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                              A fine original sumi drawing (hanshita-e) for an unpublished print for the set Tokaido gojusan tsui, “Fifty-three Parallels for the Tokaido Road.” The set was published by various publishers in 1845-6 and was a collaboration with Kunisada and Hiroshige. Sumi on thin paper. This is a design for the lower half of the oban print, the top half having the title and a panel with the name of the post-station. Shows Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. A legendary prince, son of the Emperor Keiko. Shown here with his retainers.

                               

                               

                              In extremely good condition. Provenance: Purchased from me in 21/11/1975. Rare.

                               

                               

                              Status: Available

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                                Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)



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                                Four original paintings on silk. An artist who developed a style somewhere between Moronobu and Sukenobu. Well known for his elegant erotica painted with great refinement. Sizes vary from 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 12.75 in; 32.5 cms. to 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 11.5 in; 29 cms. Full colour and obviously taken from a hand scroll of 12 such paintings. Mounted onto gold-flecked paper. Unsigned.

                                Status: Sold

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                                  Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)



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                                  The ronin Yada Gorosaemon Suketake. A snow scene showing him facing an adversary with sword raised. From a fine set of twelve half length portraits of the forty-seven ronin: Seicho gishi shozo, “Portraits of Faithful Samurai of True Loyalty.” The depictions borrow strongly from western portraiture including imitation western script in the green border of the title cartouche. It is not necessary to repeat the story here as it is the best known Japanese tale. Published by Sumiyoshiya Masagoro, 12/1852.

                                  Fine impression. Fine colour. Full size with extra paper left and top. Slight soil left margin, otherwise fine condition. Extensive splashed gofun to imitate snow. The printing on this set is exceptional with details such as the sword blades and title cartouches burnished. Signed Kuniyoshi ga.

                                  Status: Sold

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                                    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                    Awabe or tokobushi, abalone or “sea-ear” ( Haliotus tuberculata ) and sayori, Japanese half-beak or snioe-fish ( Hemirhamphus sayori ), Together with peach blossom. Poems by Kumogaki Fujimi and Miwagaki Mimiki. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Extremely rare early state before the kiwame and large Eijudo seal. Kruml a/b

                                    Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga.

                                    Status: Sold

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                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                      Kurodai, black sea bream ( Acantho pagus schlegeli ) and akadai, red bream ( Pagus tumifrons ) together with bamboo shoots and Japanese pepper. Poems by Tomigaki Uchiyasu and Kaoan Hoshi.. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market.

                                      Fine, early impression before the grey block defect on the tail of the black sea bream. Full size. Kruml 10b. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige.

                                      Status: Sold

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                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                        Ise-ebi, spiny lobster or crawfish ( family Panulirus ) and shiba-ebi, shrimps. Poems by Ryokujuen Motoari and Toshihiro Machikado. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market.

                                        Very good impression and colour. Full size. Kruml 4c. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                        Status: Sold

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                                          Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)



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                                          A Chinese brigand ( Shinwa-Yi ? ) hanging onto a rock in a fast-flowing river. Above and below him other submerged protagonists. From an early set: Tsuzoku sangokushi yeiyu no ichi-ni, “Popular Heroes of the History of the Three Kingdoms.” Published c. 1837 by Joshuya Kinzo. Extremely rare: Not known to Robinson ( S.10 ) who only lists 8 prints ( including a key-block proof ) from this set. Possibly unrecorded.

                                          Very fine impression, colour and condition ( proof state ). Full size with extra paper all round. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.

                                          Status: Sold

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                                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                            A large and important painting showing a view of the Sumida River through the piles of the Ryogoku Bridge. In the distance the ofunagura, “boat houses,” boats on the river and the Shogun’s official horses – goyouba – being taken out by samurai to the shoal outside the ofunagura-mae, the Shogun’s dock, to be cooled off. This masterpiece appears to be from a series of views of the Sumida as there is another – a view of Mimeguri, Sumida river bank in snow – in the Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art. The size, signature and seal is the same. Sumi and light colour on paper, 21.25 in; 54 cms. x 37 in; 94 cms. In very good condition. Old mount and box. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.

                                            Status: Sold




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                                              Kono BAIREI (1844-1895)



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                                              A fine painter of kacho-ga and landscapes. Born and lived in Kyoto. Studied under Raisho and Bunrin. Especially well known for his teaching: In 1878 he began to work towards the establishment of an art school that opened in 1880 as the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting. Contributed to numerous books from Bairei hyakucho gafu, 1881 to Bairei kacho gafu, 1881, Bairei hyakucho gafu zoku hen, 1884, Bairei gafu, 1886 et al. Shows a shoal of red sea bream, Pagrus major, and an octopus. Full colour on silk, 42.75 in; 108.5 cms. x 14 in; 35.5 cms. Probably original mount. Several small insect marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Bairei with seals Naotoyo and Bairei.

                                              Status: Sold




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                                                Taki KATEI (1830-1904)



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                                                A fine and decorative painted silk folding hand-fan by the Meiji artist Taki Katei. He lived in Tokyo and studied painting under Araki Kankai; also studied Chinese painting in Nagasaki. A fine kacho-ga painter. He contributed a lot to the medium of books and was the principle artist on three gafu: Kokotan gato, 1883; Kacho gafu, 1883 and Tanjo ippan, 1887. Shows a Japanese lobster, sea bream and shells with various flowers on one side and a hydrangea in a Chinese basket with various lilies on the other. The fan is in very good condition; the silk flecked with gold; the ribs are bamboo, the exterior decorated with floral designs in raised lacquer. The fan is contained within what is probably the original brocade case and has the original tassles. Fully open the fan measures 20.5 in; 52 cms. across and 11.25 in; 8.5 cms. in height. Fully signed and sealed on both sides Katei Taki.

                                                Status: Sold

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                                                  Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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                                                  An important original painting showing a taro plant and balloon flowers. This statuesque plant is known as the village potato in Japan ( satoimo ) for its edible corms and “elephant ears” when grown ornamentally. Above is a poem by Ota Shokusanjin ( Ota Nampo ), a famous late Edo period poet and writer. The poem reads:

                                                  Aki chikoo saitsuru hanano koikaze ni

                                                  Kaburiwo fureru imoha arashina

                                                  Shokusanjin

                                                  Interestingly, Shokusanjin’s calligraphy is often at a slant. Why this should be I cannot say. The taro appears in other Hokusai paintings and there is another close version of this painting illustrated in the Special Exhibition, Hokusai, Nagoya City Museum, 1991.10.26 – 1991.11.24, no. 210. Hokusai often duplicated subjects as he was near to destitution many times. The painting employs the tarashi- komi – Rimpa technique of colours dripped or brushed into wet ink. Sumi and light colour on silk, 42.5 in; 108 cms x 11 in; 28 cms. Newly remounted and in fine condition with new box and futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). Signed Iitsu hitsu with seal Iitsu. Sold together with what is probably the original box.

                                                  Status: Sold




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                                                    Sugimura JIHEI (Fl. c. 1680-1698)



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                                                    The most prolific of Moronobu’s pupils and was originally confused with him, but now properly identified as a separate artist. Produced some of the finest erotic designs. A couple in flagrante beneath a sumptuous duvet. Published c. mid 1680’s.

                                                    A large oban ( 11in; 27cms x 14.5in; 36.75cms ).

                                                    Good impression. Some restorations but generally good condition. Partially hand-coloured. Unsigned ( as usual ).

                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                      Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)



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                                                      An extremely rare triptych: Sunshu Moho kokai chu no Fuji. Shows the paddle-steamer Daikokuya ploughing through the Sea of Miho, Suruga Province. The first rays of the sun hit the top of Mount Fuji. Kiyochika was an interesting artist: Although mainly self-taught, he also studied photography in Yokohama with Shimaoka Renjo and then the rudiments of western-style oil painting with the English correspondent, cartoonist, and painter Charles Wirgman. The influence of imported lithographs and etchings is evident in this print. Published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1878.

                                                      Very fine impression of the first edition with strong variegation in the sky, top left. Fine colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kobayashi Kiyochika hitsu.

                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                        Hosoda EISHI (1756-1829)



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                                                        A fine original painting by one of the best known Ukiyo-e artists. This high ranking individual produced some of the most refined prints during the late 1780s and the 1790s. He had many pupils including Eisho, Eiri and Eisui. Shows a standing beauty painted c. late 1790s. One hand adjusts a hairpin, while the other holds a partly concealed letter. Image size 35.25 x 13 in; 89.5 x 33 cms. Exquisitely painted in full colour on silk. In very good condition with futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ) and fine new mount and box. Signed Chobunsai Eishi hitsu with Eishi seal.

                                                        Status: Sold




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                                                          Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)



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                                                          A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus. Published c. mid 1680s.

                                                          Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.

                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                            Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)



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                                                            A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus being approached by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s.

                                                            Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.

                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                              Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)



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                                                              A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante aided by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s.

                                                              Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.

                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)



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                                                                A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante, the huge duvet slipping off their bodies. Published c. mid 1680s.

                                                                Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.

                                                                Status: Sold

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                                                                  Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



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                                                                  MAY in romaji from a set of the twelve months, Junikagetsu no uchi, although this is the only known design for the set. One of Kyosai’s best designs. Shows Shoki, the “Demon Queller” riding a tiger and brandishing his two-edged sword at a group of terrified oni. Shoki ( Chinese: Chung K’wei ) was lauded for having relieved the Emperor Ming Hwang of the fever demon during his sleep. A favourite subject for Japanese artists, although mostly ignored by the Chinese. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Paintings of Shoki were hung on Boy’s Day ( 5th day of the 5th month ). Hence Kyosai choosing this subject for May.

                                                                  Fine impression and colour. Very slight edge foxing, otherwise fine condition. This design is notorious for often being heavily trimmed and consequently for the three sheets not aligning properly. This example completely untrimmed with extra paper all round. Rare. Signed Kyosai ga.

                                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                                    Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                    Soga no Goro galloping at high speed, whipping the steed with a bamboo branch. He races to the aid of his brother in Oiso. This famous story tells how the brothers avenged the death of their father Sukeyasu by Suketsune who was under the protection of the shogun Yoritomo. The Soga brothers kill Suketsune but Juro is killed in the ensuing fight and Goro is subsequently beheaded. Published 1885 by Fukuda Yasushi. One of the great Yoshitoshi designs and rare.

                                                                    Fine impression and colour. In exceptional condition. A design invariably trimmed whilst this impression has all margins intact. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                                      Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)


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                                                                      The Aoigaoka [waterfall] in Edo: Toto Aoigaoka no taki from a set of eight prints with title, Shokoku taki meguri, “A Journey to the Waterfalls of All the Provinces.” A majestic set with a mostly beautiful unifying colour scheme: There is probably no other Hokusai set that has the same impact when viewed complete. Amongst Hokusai’s finest work and much sought after. There are numerous Hiroshige designs based on the same location but they are prosaic in comparison. Eisen, inspired by Hokusai, also produced a set of waterfalls in 1847 which are themselves fine and rare. This particular fall is in fact a spillway for the Tameike reservoir seen above. Aoi Hill near Toranomon Gate to the left. The set published by Eijudo, c. 1832. Rare.

                                                                       

                                                                      Fine impression. Fine, unfaded colour. Minimal soil and slight trimming on left: These designs are martyrs to trimming and many illustrated examples are trimmed, otherwise very good condition. (This raises an interesting problem because most Hokusai landscapes do not have a black border – contrary to Hiroshige’s – which do, making it easy to judge the trimming on the latter.) Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.

                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Sold

                                                                       

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                                                                        Suzuki SHONEN (1849-1918)



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                                                                        A large painting for the year of the Dragon 1880 ( Meiji 13 ). Suzuki Shonen was a major Kyoto-based Nihonga artist of the late Meiji period. The son of Suzuki Hyakunen, the founder of the Suzuki school of painting, whom he succeeded. He seems to have been a somewhat flamboyant character and was known as the “modern Soga Shohaku.” Shows the Dragon of the Storm descending above turbulent water. A mythological creature that dominated Chinese and Japanese art. It was a scaly four-legged serpent with dorsal spines, the head having two horns, long feelers, and flame-like streamers at the shoulders and hind quarters. Painted in sumi with light touches of red on paper. Image size 56 x 25 in; 143 x 64 cms. Newly mounted. Very good condition. Signed Suzuki Shonen with date seal.

                                                                        Status: Sold




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                                                                          Okumura MASANOBU (1686-1764)



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                                                                          A newly discovered painting by one of the most influential artist in Ukiyo-e. His long life covered hand-coloured prints through to full colour printing in the mid 1760s and he was one of the first to use the block-printing process after 1740 and pioneer the benizuri-e picture. Extremely innovative: he pioneered the uki-e print, pillar prints and ishizuri-e. Not only was he a print artist, he also illustrated books, albums and produced paintings. He started his own publishing house, Okumuraya, which gave him greater control over the printing process. The popularity of his work led to many copies by other publishers, and he had to certify his work as “genuine.” Shows a standing beauty, Tachi bijin-zu. She carries a cherry branch and her gorgeous costume is decorated with grasses and flowers with cages for collecting insects and above various colourful butterflies. Full colour on paper, image size 35.75 x 12.25 in; 91 x 31 cms. Fine new mount with futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ) and box. Fine condition. Ex collection Raizou Kanda. Signed Hogetsudo Tanchosai Okumura Masanobu with seals Masanobu and Okumura. Although long lived, genuine paintings by him are rare.

                                                                          Status: Sold




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                                                                            Kubo SHUMMAN (1757-1820)



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                                                                            A fine painting showing a seated girl fulling cloth ( a process of beating which eliminated the dirt and other impurities ) with another standing beauty holding beaten cloth in a wooden tray on her head. This scene represents Mishima, or Toi, Province of Settsu. One of the Six Crystal ( Tama ) Rivers. ( Toi is the alternative name of the river and the word for beating cloth. ) This was probably Shumman’s most celebrated subject. He produced a set of six prints on this theme published by Fushimiya Zenroku, c 1787. One of the most beautiful 18th century sets, and together with a night triptych showing people returning from a poetry reading, is considered his masterpiece. The prints and the known paintings of this subject use the benigirai style, “red avoiding” pioneered by Shumman, Eishi and Shuncho. Shumman, a man of great sophistication, designed only a few prints before concentrating on surimono and printing and issuing some of the finest in this format. ( See The Japanese Print A New Approach, J. Hillier, pp. 102-104: “Probably no artist except Choki has achieved so high a reputation on such a small number of prints.” ) He also excelled at painting, book illustration and light verse. Painted on silk in tones of sumi, very light green, gofun and a small touch of red on the girls’ lips. Image size: 36 x 12 in; 91.5 x 30.5 cms. Other versions of this subject are in the BM ( 1922.2-13.01 ) and the Freer Gallery of Art ( FI903.62 ), gift of Charles Freer. Painted c early 1790s. Slight loss of gofun and very minor spotting, but otherwise in very good condition. Interesting old mount. Exhibited in 1995 at Shunsen Museum in Nanamashi prefecture, Nikushitsu ukiyoe meisaku ten, hosted by Mr Keizaburou Yamaguchi, p. 40, no, 37. Painting guaranteed by Mr Narazaki, the box being signed and dated 1988 by him. Signed Shosado Shumman, with circular Shumman seal.

                                                                            Status: Sold




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                                                                              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                              A triptych showing koi, “carp” swimming beneath hanging wisteria. One of Yoshitoshi’s finest and most popular designs. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 5/1889. See Beauty and Violence, Society for Japanese Arts, 1992, no. 66, p. 144 for another impression plus the original drawing by Yoshitoshi ( from the British Museum ). Also see this website in Brush Drawings and Hanshita-e for another two original drawings of koi by Yoshitoshi, possibly preliminary working ideas for the British Museum drawing. Yoshitoshi only produced one other carp print, a large surimono. Common carp were first bred for colour in Japan in the 1820s. Their name is a homophone for another word meaning “love” or “fidelity” and they are symbols of love and friendship in Japan.

                                                                              Very fine impression and colour. Slight oxidation although not as much as is usually found on this design. Slight signs of mounting au verso, otherwise very good condition.

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                                A triptych showing a comic battle between wives and the second wife ( concubine ). An ancient custom: Oko uwanari uchi no. The two groups attack each other using kitchen utensils and other paraphernalia. Published by Maruya Seijiro, 8/1852.

                                                                                Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. Yellow ground. This is the first edition with three cartouches. ( For the other version, see my catalogue: 19Th Century Triptychs, Catalogue 18, 1977, no. 12. ) Signed Hiroshige fude with Hiro seal.

                                                                                Status: Sold

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