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Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Sakanoshita fudesute mine, “The Peak of Fudesute Mountain from Sakanoshita.” Fudesute means to “throw away brush” which alludes to the story of the artist Motonobu Kano who, unable to capture the beauty of this view, threw his brush away. From the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c. 1833-4.
Fine impression and colour. The seals very crisp. Very early impression: much better than the example in Ukiyoe Taikei. ( First edition ? ) Probably no other set went into so many reprints and there are a plethora of coarse impressions extant. Proof of how popular the designs were with the public. Indeed, it is stated that the first two hundred sets sold out in a matter of hours. Slight edge soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Otsu hashirii chamise, “The Running Well Teahouse at Otsu” from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. Shows the teahouse with the eponymous well at far left. So-called because of the water that gushed from it. Rice cakes in Otsu borrowed the name and were called Shirii rice cakes. This is the extremely rare first state of the first edition with the mountain in the background ( missing on all later editions ) and gradation on the tea house roofs. Ukiyoe Taikei, vol. 14, no 54 shows the first edition but second state without gradation. Other first editions were in the Happer sale, Sothebys, 26/4/1909, lot 141 and Metzger auction, AA Galleries, NY, 13/11/1916, lot 157.
Fine impression with very crisp seals and the mountain beautifully graded in grey ( some impressions being in blue ). Probably no other set went into so many reprints and there are a plethora of coarse impressions extant. Proof of how popular the designs were with the public. Indeed, it is stated that the first two hundred sets sold out in a matter of hours. Fine colour. Slight thinning in centre with backing support and small repairs top and bottom margins, but generally very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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An original Shun’ei brush drawing showing the Soga brothers revenge on Suketsune in his tent. This appears to be a preliminary design for a print illustrated in Ukiyoe meihan, 500 Ukiyoe Masterpieces, no. 85, p. 39 but with the figures facing the other way. The print published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c. 1798. On thin Japanese paper, 14.75 x 10.5 in, 37.5 x 26.5 cms. Fully signed Shun’ei ga. Sold “as is” with all imperfections. Drawings of this period are rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)
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An original Hiroshige brush drawing of an aji ( also muroaji ), horse-mackerel; awabi, abalone, and two ginger roots. On thin Japanese paper, 9 x 6.75 in, 22.9 x 17 cms. Beautifully signed Hiroshige hitsu. Probably a small present for a friend. Ex collections Hayashi ( seal bottom right ) and Oeder. Very good condition.
Status: Sold
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
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Two ehon complete with title on red slips: Shibata Zeshin gafu, “Picture Book by Shibata Zeshin, Shohan.” Original stippled yellow covers. Inside page: Ehon yamato nishiki no uchi, Shibata Zeshin sensei gafu. Toto Kikado zo. Twenty designs by Zeshin from the collection of Kikado of Tokyo. This appears to be the first edition and the designs were reprinted many times and some also incorporated into compilations with other contemporary artists. No date. Opening out to 9 x 11.5 in, 22 x 29.5 cms.
All, apart from two, fine early impressions. Fine colour. Slight edge soil on two sheets. Residue glue on fold of last design and slight edge crease on two sheets but otherwise very good condition. Most sheets signed Zeshin.
Status: Sold
Ittosai MASANOBU (active c1849-1853)
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The actor Kataoka Gado II as Honchomaru Tsunagoro in the play Honcho itoya no musume performed at the Chikugo theatre in 8/1849. From the set: Date kurabe kyokaku den, “A Comparison of the Stylishness of Famous Gallants”.
Fine deluxe surimono-style impression and colour. Margin trimmed to black line at left, otherwise fine condition on deluxe hosho. Signed Kunimasa monjin Masuharu ga ( “Masanobu pupil of Kunimasu” ).
Status: Sold
MASUHARU (active c1840-1850)
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The actor Arashi Rikan III as Ukiyo Tohei in the kabuki play Sendai Hagi performed at the Onishi theatre in 3/1848. From the set: Date kurabe kyokaku den, “A Comparison of the Stylishness of Famous Gallants”.
Fine deluxe surimono-style impression and colour. Margin trimmed a little at top, otherwise fine condition on deluxe hosho. Signed Kunimasa monjin Masuharu ga ( “Masuharu pupil of Kunimasu” )
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Mushashino no tsuki, “The Moon on Musashi Plain ” from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1892 ) by Akiyama Buemon. One of the three best designs from the set and the one that relies most on the printer’s art – using extensive bokashi. The fox was capable of transmogrifying into human form and vice versa and was popular in Japanese folklore.
Very fine impression with beautiful gradation of the earliest printings on the grasses around the fox. ( See Beauty & Violence, 1992, 54.97, p. 75 for an example of the more prosaic later printing. ) Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino on the roof of the pavilion Horyukaku fighting Kenpachi. A fine set based on Bakin’s Hakkenden, entitled “A Parody of the Hakkenden” published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1883. A rare series that shows, even at this late date, there are flashes of brilliance.
Very fine impression of the first de-luxe edition with silver and beautiful bokashi. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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Nakamura Shikan II as Inuyama Dosetsu battling with Inukai Kenpachi. A fine set based on Bakin’s Hakkenden entitled “A Parody of the Hakkenden” published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1883. A rare series that shows, even at this late date, there are flashes of brilliance.
Very fine impression of the first de-luxe edition with extensive burnishing and silver. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The best design from Rien kyokaku-den, ” The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Shows the actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro as Danshichi, a fishmonger and otokodate ( “chivalrous commoner” ) in the play Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami. “Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka.” He is shown washing off the mud from his heavily tattooed body after killing Giheiji. Published 1863 by Hiranoya Shinzo.
Superb impression of the first de-luxe edition with every embellishment: mica, embossing and the finest pigments. Fine colour. Very slight trimming and light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Nanajuhachi sai ( “78 year old” ) Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Arashi Kichisaburo III as the bandit Akatsuki Hoshigoro, the son of of Nitta Yoshisada. Originally performed as Yotuya kaidan Chushingura. One of the best designs from Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” A night scene showing the bandit seated on the back of a giant bat, a large spider’s web above and holding a lantern in his right hand. Published by Hirayano Shinzo, 1863.
Superb impression, colour and condition. The deluxe first edition on thick hosho and every refinement of printing using the finest pigments, burnishing, mica and gofun. Signed The 78 year old Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The best design from Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” Shows the actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Mo’un Kokushi. The story is based on the Takizawa Bakin and Hokusai Chinsetsu yumiharizuki. The magician is seated on a rocky promontory with exploding rocks emanating from behind his head. A stunning design. Published by Hirayano Shinzo, 1863.
Superb impression, colour and condition. The deluxe first edition on thick hosho and every refinement of printing using the finest pigments, burnishing, mica and gofun. Extra paper at left and top. Signed The 79 year old Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The best design from Kenjo reppuden, “Stories of Wise and Virtuous Women.” Shows Hatsuhana doing penance under the Tonozawa waterfall fulfilling a vow made on behalf of her sick husband, Katsugoro. She dies from the experience but Katsugoro is cured and kills his brother’s murderer near the waterfall observed by Hatsuhana’s ghost. Published c 1842 by Ibaya Sensaburo.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Completely untrimmed with extra paper showing all round. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Teisai HOKUBA (1771-1844)
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Three courtesans watching clients leaving in light rain. One of Hokusai’s best pupils; a fine painter and illustrator of kyoka books.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hokuba ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Bando Mitsugoro III as Washi no Osaburo disguised as Yamagatsu Kumao in Kawaranu hana Genji no kaomise performed at the Ichikawa Theatre in 11/1827. The left sheet of a surimono triptych probably issued for the new year of 1828. The complete set is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London ( E.3909-1916 ). A variant of the Kabujki play Seki no to in which two actors battle with giant axes.
Fine impression with gold and silver. Slight fading, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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A beauty holding a fan. Dated and signed top right: Taisho jusannen shichigatsu Shinsui saku, “Taisho 13 [ 1924 ], July, work of Shinsui.” Published by Watanabe Shozaburo. Mica ground.
Fine impression and colour. Minor soil extreme left bottom corner, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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Washing the Hair ( aka Tresses ). A large print ( 49.3 x 35 cms; 19.5 x 13.75 inches ) published in 1953 to celebrate the artist’s being made an “Intangible Cultural Property” in 1952. Shinsui supervised the printing and a mica ground was used, the usual symbol of a special edition. The figure closely follows the right-hand figure on his painted two-fold screen called Tresses ( 1949 ). The quality and simplicity harks back to his finest early work. Number 28 of a limited edition published by the Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties, Tokyo and cut and printed by the Japanese Association for Publishing Woodblock Prints.
Fine impression and colour. Very slight discolouration on bottom right edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shinsui ga.
Status: Sold
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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The Cotton Kimono from the series “New Twelve Images of Beauties”. See The female image, no 32, p.54. Published by Watanabe (seal lower left) in 1922. Limited edition of 200 seal au verso.
Perfect impression and colour. Signed Shinsui with dater Taisho 11.
Status: Sold
Torii KOTONDO (1900-1976)
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Obi, the “Sash”. See The female image, nos 168-2 – p.126. Yellow mica ground. Published by Kawaguchi, Showa 4 (1929). Limited edition of 350 seal au verso.
Perfect impression and colour. Signed Showa yonen go gatsu Kotondo ga.
Status: Sold
Charles W BARTLETT (1860-1940)
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A wet evening in Kobe. A rare print of Bartlett’s and probably his best design. Published by Watanabe (seal lower left) 1916.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed in red pencil in lower margin Charles W Bartlett.
Status: Sold
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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Cutting the nails from the Second Series of Modern Beauties. See The female image, no.79, p.74. Published by Watanabe (seals left and right) Showa 11 (1936). Limited edition seal au verso no.235 from 250.
Perfect impression, colour and, apart from a minor crease, perfect condition. Mica ground. Signed Showa juichinen hachigatsu Shinsui ga with Shinsui seal.
Status: Sold
Hirano HAKUHO (1879-1957)
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After a bath. See The female image, no.210, p.153. Published by Watanabe (his seal lower left) Showa 7 (1932). Limited edition seal au verso no.9 from 100.
Perfect impression, colour and condition. Signed Showa schichinen ichigetsu Hakuho ga with seal.
Status: Sold
Hirano HAKUHO (1879-1957)
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Woman before a mirror. See The female image, no.209, p.153. Published by Watanabe Showa 7 (1932).
Status: Sold
Kishi CHIKUDO (1826-1897)
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A large painting, 57 x 28 in; 144 x 71 cms ( image size ) showing a peregrine falcon dislodging snow from a heavily snow-laden pine tree. The bird was closely associated with the New Year. Chikudo was the fourth generation head of the Kishi school which was founded by Ganku. An artist with great talent, he participated in the decoration of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1854. Signed Kishi Chikudo. Very good condition. Original mount and wooden rollers. Ink, colour and gofun on silk. With box.
Status: Sold
Jokei RYUKOSAI (Fl. 1772-1816)
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The most important Osaka artist in the last quarter of the 18th century. His prints are rare and, apart from being an influence on Shunei and possibly Sharaku, he spawned a line of fine pupils. His actor prints are trenchant and full of character. A delightful painting showing a geisha parading and looking askance at a client ( ? ). Full colour on silk, 27 x 13 in., 68 x 32 cms. Good condition. Old mount. Lacquer ends. Signed Ryukosai with kakihan.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original painting on grey silk of an actor in a female role ( Segawa Kikunojo III ? ). Executed in fine detail – almost as a surimono with gold, silver and heightened gofun. Probably one of a set tipped into an album and commissioned by a wealthy patron of his favourite actors. Pin-ups of their day. 8.5 x 7 inches, 22 x 18 cms. Minor damage. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni hitsu, c. 1852.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861 )
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An original and unrecorded painting of a young beauty reading a letter. She looks to be around 18 or 19 years old and this was most likely a commission from the girl’s family. ( The flower on her bodice is probably the family crest. ) Only 32 paintings are currently known by Kuniyoshi and this appears to date from c.1848-54. Sumi and full colour on paper. Minor loss of pigment, otherwise good condition. 100 x 30.5 cms; 39.5 x 12 inches ( image size ). New mount and box. Signed and sealed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi. ( For other examples of these seals see Appendix 1, p. 261, Heroes & Ghosts, Robert Schaap, Hotei, 1998.)
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A fine and important original painting by Hiroshige in the Shijo style, sumi and light colour on paper, showing a beauty beneath a tree. This manner of painting seems to have appealed to Hiroshige and some of his best work employs it. ( See Kobijutsu, Special Issue, Number 3, March 1983, Hiroshige, colour illustrations 5 and 18. ) Ex collection Takeoka Toyota with lid of box signed and dated ( 1920 ) by him. Extremely good condition with new mount and boxes ( but retaining original lid ). 112.4 x 51.6 cms; 44 x 20.25 inches. Signed, sealed and dated 3rd year Ka’ei era, 1850, Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original painting; sumi and colour on silk showing sunrise on New Year’s day at Suzaki. This painting illustrated in The Memorial Exhibition, Hiroshige’s Two Hundred Anniversary, Dr Kobayashi Tadashi, 1996, no. 313. Image size 14.25 x 22 inches, 36 x 56 cms. Mounted as a scroll with box guaranteed by Dr Narazaki. Good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A large painting on silk, 54 x 34.5 inches ( 137 x 87.5 cms ) showing a side view of a huge Okame mask. Okame ( or Ofuku ) was the Goddess of Mirth, Ama no Uzume no Mikoto. She is known for helping Amaterasu out of the cave, into which she had retired, by performing a dance. At the bottom of the painting are the jingling bells used in her dance.
Minor wormage, otherwise good condition. Mounted with rollers and box. Signed oju Seisei Kyosai, “ By request, Seisei Kyosai “ with red kakihan of tengu mask
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Sumi and colour on silk, 17 x 21.5 in., showing a view of a bay with boats moored in the background. In the foreground figures wading in shallow water looking at fish and getting ready for a picnic. Yoshitoshi paintings are rare and this is an unusual and early subject for him in the style of Kuniyoshi. Signature c 1864-6. The seal was used on various sets ( eg Ikkai zuihitsu and Keisei Suikoden ). Rare.
The painting has been professionally cleaned and mounted but still shows signs of browning. Loss of gofun. Signed Yoshitoshi with seal Go Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An important unrecorded painting by Kuniyoshi. Sumi and colour on silk, 145 cms x 82cms. Shows the courtesan Jigoku Reigan of Takasu who was adopted and patronized by the priest Ikkyu. Her voluminous ceremonial attire is covered with designs of demons and the tortures of hell. This was a popular subject for Kuniyoshi and there are at least three self-portraits ( from the back ) showing him wearing a kimono adorned with these designs of hell ( see Heroes and Ghosts, Robert Schaap, 1998, figs 12, 13 and 14 ). Thirty one paintings are currently known by Kuniyoshi but this is probably his masterpiece. The painting has been professionally restored. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original painting on paper of an ai or ayu, river trout, (Plecoglossus altivelis) swimming in a stream. Sumi and light colour, 11 x 18 inches: 28 x 46cms. Painting comes from the collection of the Hiroshige collector Mr Oda Kakukiti and is sold with box guaranteed by the museum curator (and teacher of Narazaki) Fugikaku Shizuya, dated Dec.25th, 1954. There is also a letter from him to Mr Kakukiti telling him he is happy to guarantee the painting. Rare: It is now extremely difficult to find genuine Hiroshige paintings. (See also Flora & Fauna on this website for the print version of this painting.)
Very good condition. Fully mounted with box. Signed Ichiryusai with seal.
Status: Sold
Ono BAKUFU (1888-1976)
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An important two-fold screen in sumi and colour showing various Japanese fish and aquatic plants. Size of each panel 32 x 63 inches; 81 x 160 cms. Overall size double this. Bakufu is best known for his fish prints and paintings. Extremely decorative. Original mounting. Ex Spink & Sons.
Very good condition with only one small light stain. Signed Bakufu with seal.
Status: Sold
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Ogata GEKKO (1859-1920)
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A set of five tanzaku paintings on silk mounted onto card. Each painting is 14.25 x 2.25 inches; 36 x 5.75 cms.
Very good conditions. Each signed Gekko and sealed.
Status: Sold
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Yurakusai NAGAHIDE (fl. c. 1804-1848)
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A hosoban kappazuri print (stencil print) showing the actors Ichikawa Danzo IV, Yoshizawa Iroha I, and Arashi Kichisaburo II as Shurinosuke, his wife, and Toshihiro. Exceptionally rare: Seemingly the only other impression known is illustrated in 200 Years of Kamigata Ukiyo-e, 1975, no. 39. Published 1803. Publisher unread.
Very good impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Nagahide.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOHIRO (1773-1828)
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A girl offering a fruit (?) to a pet monkey. Hanging scroll. Sumi and colour on silk; 52 x 38 cms. Signed Toyohiro ga, seal Ichiryusai.
Status: Sold
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Kinoshita HIRONOBU I (Active c1851-1870)
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A large head oban print of the actor Onoe Shogyoku in an unknown role from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed Hironobu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyosai YOSHITAKI (1841-1899. Active c1854-1885)
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A large head oban print of the actor Nakamura Kanjaku II as Takeda Katsuyori (?) from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed Yoshitaki hitsu.
Status: Sold