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Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A vertical diptych showing the actors Ichikawa Danjuro as the teacher Kondo Tatsuo and Ichikawa Sadanji as Mikura Tomizo. Title: Kishu no oki kisen chinbotsu no ba, “ Sunken Ship in the Sea off Kishu Province.” Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, Meiji 20, 11th month ( 1887 ).
Fine impression and colour. Extensive mica and gofun applied. Retains original album backing. Signed Oju Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
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An aiban bust portrait showing Iwai Hanshiro IV in an onnagata role. Published by Yamaguchi Chusuke c 1794. Another aiban okubi-e of the same actor in another onnagata role and of the same date was published by Tsuruya Kiemon. A rare and fine design.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The complete set of five prints: Date otoku kisho kurabe, “A contest of Fashionable Men.” Shows actors as otokodate ( so-called chivalrous commoners, recognisable by the fact that they carried a sword together with a shakuhachi [ bamboo flute ] showing proficiency in the martial arts and music ). Published c 1847-1850 by Iseya Ichibei.
Fine impressions. Fine colour. Slight trimming and backed binding holes, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
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Ichikawa Yaozo III in a Shibaraku role c 1800. This standard Kabuki interlude was invented by Danjuro I as part of the drama Sankai Nagoya in 1697 and translates as “Wait a moment.” The long brick-red costume with the immense mon produced some of the most striking images in ukiyo-e. The best of Shunko’s work certainly equals that of his master and teacher, Shunsho. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. and Mrs. James B. Austin, illustrated in Eight Hundred Years Of Japanese Printmaking, Museum of Art, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, 1976/77, illustration 326, p.79.
Good impression and colour. Slight centre fold and minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shunko ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An excessively rare triptych showing the interior of a large mansion where a private performance of Kabuki interlude plays is being performed. Some of the most famous actors of the day are shown: Bando Mitsugoro III, Iwai Hanshiro V, and Ichikawa Danjuro VII. One of Hiroshige’s earliest prints published c 1818-20 when Hiroshige was 22-24 years old. Two other impressions appear to be known: The Tamba impression illustrated in The Art of Hiroshige, Tsuneo Tamba, 1965, no.122, p.58; and the Suzuki copy illustrated in Utagawa Hiroshige, Juzo Suzuki, 1970, no.86, which is the impression shown in the Memorial Exhibition of Hiroshige, Number Eighteen, Ukiyo-e Art, The Japan Ukiyo-e Society, 1968, no.1.
Good impression and colour. Some small areas of expert restoration, otherwise good condition. Signed “By special request” Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Shiragikumaru from the play Tsuruya Namboku riding the back of an enormous
prehistoric-looking sea animal. From the set: Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic-scenes by Toyokuni” published by Hiranoya Shinzo 12/1864. One of the best designs from the set.
Superb deluxe impression with burnishing, mica, splashed gofun and best-quality pigments. Perfect colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine. On deluxe hosho. Signed Shichijuku-sai Toyokuni hitsu, “The seventy-nine year old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Sold
Torii KIYOMASU I (Active c1700-1722)
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The actor Nakamura Takesaburo playing a female itinerant tea vendor. A pair of panniers is slung across his shoulders holding the paraphernalia for tea making including, in the lower sections, a brazier and water jug. Published c1716-20 by Sagamiya. Published in Yamaguchi and Asano ( 1982 ), Moronobu – Harunobu, vol.6 of the Complete Dictionary of Ukiyo-e, Tokyo, Shogakukan, pl.86, p.46. Probably the only known impression extant.
Very good impression with fine contemporary hand-colouring. Expertly restored corners and areas at left and bottom edges. One repaired wormhole beside the hand holding the bamboo rod. Signed Torii Kiyomasu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A print from a set of three with title: Sanshibai mitate tako, “Parody of the Three Plays Shown as Kites”. Shows various kite designs together with accoutrements to kite flying. The actors image/s together with other clues gave the name of the play which would have been obvious to the public at the time. Published 1862. Unidentified publisher. The only time I have recorded this print.
Good impression and colour. Some soil and small restorations, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A print from a set of three with title: Sanshibai mitate tako, “Parody of the Three Plays Shown as Kites”. Shows various kite designs together with accoutrements to kite flying. The actors image/s together with other clues gave the name of the play which would have been obvious to the public at the time. Published 1862. Unidentified publisher. The only time I have recorded this print.
Good impression and colour. Some soil and small restorations, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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The actor Segawa Kikunojo III as Yasukata performing a vigorous hobby-horse dance in Godai Genji mitsugi no furisode. Published by Tsuruya Kiemon c1790-91. Ex Tamba collection (seal bottom right).
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Shun’ei ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki. “A Celebration of Gallantry”. Firemen often had elaborate tattoos to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865. Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Extensive burnishing. Gofun oxidised (as usual). Slight offsetting of blue pigment, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki. “A Celebration of Gallantry”. Firemen often had elaborate tattoos to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865. Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Gofun oxidised (as usual). otherwise fine condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows dyer beetles being collected in Yamashiro Province. Yamashiro ebizuru mushi. The set published 1852 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Superb impression, very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows the making of tie-dyed cloth in Bungo Province. Bungo shiborizome. The set published 1852 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Superb impression, very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows crabs being caught in Nagato Province. Nagato kani. The set published 1852 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Superb impression, very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A lively design showing Ichikawa Danjuro VII in the role of the loyal warrior Arajishi Otokonosuke Terumitsu fighting a giant rat in the cellar beneath the women’s quarters of the Ashikaga Palace. This scene, Yukashita no Ba, is from the play Date kurabe okuni Kabuki performed at the Kawarasaki-za Theatre, 3/1829. Shortly afterwards, the rat escapes down a hole in the hanamichi pathway, only to re-emerge in a cloud of smoke as the arch-villain and master of the black arts, Nikki Danjo. Published by Eikyudo (Yamamoto Kyubei) 1829.
Fine impression, colour and condition on an extra large sheet of hosho. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A fine surimono showing the actor Danjuro VII casting roasted beans from a tray he holds in his left hand. This ritual called setsubun, “end of winter” was performed in the precincts of temples in the Spring (although now takes place in February). He wears the well known Shibaraku costume with the large mimasu crests. Two poems above by Shiseido Sutena and Hoichitei Masunari. The latter being a member of the Taiko-ren, Drum poetry club. Their symbol top right corner. Issued c 1822. Illustrated in colour on the front cover of Art of the Surimono, Theodore Bowie, Indiana University Art Museum, 1979. Rare.
Superb impression with extensive gold and silver. Perfect colour. Light Japanese backing and slightly trimmed at left. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
SESSHUNSAI (Dates unknown but active c 1800)
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An extremely rare early Osaka hosoban showing the actor Asao Tamejuro II (1779-1806) standing before a broken barricade in the role of Yamashiro Kantsubo in the play Meiboku sendai hagi. This artist and print appear to be unrecorded. Published by Houki (Honya Kichisai), c early 1800. A wonderful design. Many thanks to Hendrick Luhl for his help on this print.
Very good impression and colour. The fujitive background aobana, dayflower pigment, intact except for one small area affected by moisture visible au verso. Very good condition. Signed Sesshunsai ga with seal unread.
Status: Sold
Jokei RYUKOSAI (Fl. c 1772-1816)
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The most important and influential Osaka artist of the late eighteenth century. An innovator whose style may well have influenced such artists as Shunei and Sharaku. His prints – mostly hosoban – are all of the utmost rarity. Indeed, it is thought they originally formed triptychs but, so far, no complete design has been located. The oban design offered here is even rarer, there being only two other impressions known: Illustrated in colour, pl. 13, in Kamigata Ukiyo-e Nihyaku-nen Ten, “200 Years of Kamigata Ukiyo-e,” Susumu Matsudaira, 1975; and pl. 43, p. 56, catalogue of exhibition Ukiyo-e of the Kamigata Area at the Osaka Museum of History and Yamaguchi Prefectural Hagi Uragami Museum, Kitagawa Hiroko, 2014. Shows five actors. From right to left (rear): Nakamura Kyojuro, Arashi Sangoro III, Kataoka Nizaemon VII and (front): Asao Tamejiro I, Ichikawa Danzo IV. Published c 1790 by Ki.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Small areas of contemporary hand colouring to face and costume of Tamejiro. Slight folds and small sumi mark bottom left, otherwise very good condition. Probably full size. Signed Ryukosai ga.
Status: Sold
Jokei RYUKOSAI (Fl. c 1772-1816)
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The most important and influential Osaka artist of the late eighteenth century. An innovator whose style may well have influenced such artists as Shunei and Sharaku. His prints – mostly hosoban – are all of the utmost rarity. Indeed, it is thought, as here, that they originally formed triptychs but, so far, no complete design has been located. The unsigned left panel of a triptych published 1/1793 showing Onoe Shinshichi I (Fujaku) as Isshiki Yukinokami in the play Keisai yanagi sakura. The play involves the rescue of the Ashikaga Shogunate through the efforts of Yukinokami in uncovering a usurper’s plot. The hero stands in a snowy garden holding a fragment of a handscroll he has been found reading. Of the utmost rarity: Only a few impressions are known and there are two states: As here without role above and published by Osakaya Sashichi and with the calligraphy and published by Shiocho.
Fine impression, colour and condition.
Status: Sold
TOGAKUSAI (Active c 1782)
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An extremely rare and early Osaka hosoban (probably unrecorded) showing the actor Kano Hinasuke I (who later became Arashi Koroku III) standing on large geta and holding an umbrella. Published by Shioki-han (Shioya Kisuke), c 1782. The poem above is signed using the actor’s hango Arashi Minshi. Only a few designs are known by this artist. Many thanks to Hendrick Luhl for his help on this print.
Very good impression and colour. Some wear and tear which has been skilfully restored. On very thin paper. Signed Togakusai hitsu with seal Sadakuni.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An exceptionally rare original double-sided woodblock. On one side is the key-block showing Ichikawa Danjuro VII as the strongman, “chikaramochi,” Ura no Kingo. On the other is the key-block showing Iwai Kumesaburo II as the female acrobat, “karuwazashi,” Tamamoto Kosan. The play is Fujikawabune noriai banashi performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre, 5/1826. The block measures 8.5 x 10.75 x .75 in; 21.6 x 27.3 x 2 cms. The two images signed Gototei Kunisada ga. In very good condition but with obvious minor damage. Sold “as is.”
Status: Sold
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Okumura MASANOBU (1686 – 1764)
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A hosoban showing the fight between Ushiwaka Maru ( Yoshitsune ) and Benkei on Gojo Bridge ( 1170 ). Arguably the most influential figure in ukiyoe, reputedly being the innovator of colour printing. An urushi-e, coloured by hand in yellow, tan, lilac, gofun and heavy sumi over embossed lines. Published c 1725. Ex collections Tony Straus-Negbaur and Walter von Scheven ( 1878 – 1950 ) and purchased by him at Cassirer & Helbing, 1928, lot 64, ( from Tony Straus-Negbaur ). Extremely rare.
Very good impression. Slight soil and small repaired edge wormholes. But generally very nice condition for such an example. Signed Okumura Masanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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Saito Toshimoto and a Chinese general struggling underwater. The second best design from Taiheiki yeiyu den, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” Published by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi, 1848-9. Robinson S62.31.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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Sasai Kyuzo Masayasu enveloped in smoke and avoiding musketry at the battle of Anegawa ( 1570 ). The best design from Taiheiki yeiyu den, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” Published by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi, 1848-9. Robinson S62.36.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Torii KIYONAGA (1752 – 1815)
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A chubby red Kintaro acting as an umpire for two battling tengu. Other tengu in baskets behind him and at his side a bear also watches. These tengu – winged, beaked and clawed creatures – lived in the mountains and forests. It is narrated that as a toddler he was observed shaking and tearing at a large tree in which there was a nest of tengu fledglings, which he took home in a basket. Kiyonaga designed at least 28 of these Kintaro prints, see Kiyonaga, Chie Hirano, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1939, nos. 979 – 1006 ( this being 1005, PLLXV ). Published by Nishimura, 1812. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Minor edge soil and signs of mounting au verso. Signed Kiyonaga hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
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Takatsuna’s greatest exploit: Shown here ( centre ) swimming with his horse across the swollen Uji River to attack Kiso no Yoshinaka. His rival Kagesuye ( left ) and Shigetada further off to the right. Published by Yenshu-ya Hikobei 1849. A wonderful design. Robinson T217.
Superb impression. Very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows the young warrior said to be as strong as an ox Sen-Kanja Usjiwaka Saburo Yoshitora. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Ake Tamanosuke, a famous rider and archer with a wooden statue of his mentor Kansho behind him. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour with mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows the boisterous Koo-maru, also known as “Hyonosuke” the Leopard Kid. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Rokugi Suginosuke Norifusa, a robber-chief and magician, also known as Tengu-jiro as he could fly like the tengus. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour with mica. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Akashi Shiganosuke, the notoriously strong Yokozuma sumo-fighter, holding an opponent at bay with one hand. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Oshima Tanzo, a member of the robber-chief Shindo Kajiro Nobuyuki’s tribe. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows the robber-chief Shindo Kojiro Nobuyuki being asked by the monkey spirit of Shinohaza to avenge his murder by Inaba Taro. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour with strong burnishing. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Kinezumi Konoshi Kaiden, the muscular monk, killing a monstrous wild cat that had tormented a village. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Sangoku Taro who travelled through India and China learning conjuring tricks. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour with mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Satami Jirotaro Yoshishige collecting the head of his adversary Awa Katsegura that his faithful dog has retrieved. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7.
Fine impression and colour with gauffrage on the dog and mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1886 ) by Akiyama Buemon. Shows Benkei, at the prow of the ship holding Yoshitsune, attempting to pacify the ghosts of the Taira warriors and hence calm the storm in Daimotsu Bay.
Very good impression and colour. Full margins with extensive mica. Offsetting visible au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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The monkey battles Kinkaku Daio on a sea cliff from the rare set of eight prints: Tsuzoku Saiyuki, “A Modern Journey to the West.” Based on Wu Cheng’en’s ( 1500-1582 ) most famous novel, Journey to the West, which was translated and condensed by Arthur Waley and entitled Monkey. This is probably the finest design from this high quality set. Published by Fukuta, 10/1864 ( this design 2/1865 ).
Superb impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769 – 1825)
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A complete diptych showing Kagekiyo and Mihonoya no Shiro battling. This is an episode from the beginning of Chapter 5, “The Dropped Bow” in book 11 of the Heike Monogatari, “ Tales of the Heike.” This episode, which took place in 1184, has the Genji warrior Mihonoya no Shiro confronting the Heike Kagekiyo on the beach at Yashima. Published c 1815 by Yamamotoya Heikichi.
Fine impression and in exceptional condition. Fine colour with large borders left and top. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold