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Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” The 32 metre fall is 4 metres wide and is located in Yoro Park, near Nagoya. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

Fine, very early impression with extensive blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour. Some wrinkling of the large margins, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

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    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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    Hoki, ono Daisen enbo, “Hoki [Province], Distant View of Mount Daisen.” Shows rice-planting in the rain, with the volcanic mountain in the background. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

    Very fine impression: This is the true first edition: Impressions with the bands of blue and yellow in the sub-cartouche are often catalogued as first editions but the impression must also have gradation on the top of the embankment at the bottom. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

    Status: Sold

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      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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      Mikawa, Horaiji sangan, “Mikawa [Province], Horai Temple.” The temple is situated in the Horai mountains. The 425 steps are shown here leading up to the temple. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

      Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

      Status: Sold

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        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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        Shibaura, shiohigari no zu, “Low Tide [or Ebbtide, or catalogued in some instances as Shell-gathering] at Shibaura” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c. 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first oban landscape set with some outstanding designs. Shibaura is now an area with high-rise residential towers. The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the designs. These were removed on later editions. Extremely rare in this state.

         

        Fine impression and colour. Very minor edge soil and slight centre fold. Slight trimming of decorative border on left, otherwise very good condition. Prints from this set are often missing or have the publisher’s name and address on the right border trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. (The last set to be signed like this.)

         

        Status: Sold

         

         

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          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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          Susaki yuki no hatsuhi, “Snow on New Year’s Day at Susaki” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c. 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first oban landscape set with some outstanding designs. Fukagawa Susaki was a spit of land along Edo Bay. (Also the subject of the Eagle design, Jumantsubo Fukagawa Susaki, from the One Hundred Views of Edo later on.) The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the designs. These were removed on later editions. Extremely rare in this state.

           

          Fine impression and colour. Very minor edge soil and slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Prints from this set are often missing or have the publisher’s name and address on the right border trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. (The last set to be signed like this.)

           

          Status: Sold

           

           

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            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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            A chu-tanzaku print, Natsu, Ryogoku no tsuki, “Summer Moon at Ryogoku Bridge” from a set Shiki Koto meisho, “Famous Views of Edo in the Four Seasons.” Published by Kawaguchiya Shozo, 1834-5.

             

            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

             

            Status: Sold

             

             

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              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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              Okute from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). Shows woodcutters making their way home as evening approaches.

               

              Fine impression: There is a plug of wood next to the last rock on the right. This repair gradually reveals itself and moves out leaving a gap. On the earliest impressions, as here, nothing is discernible. Slight fading of red, otherwise fine colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

               

              Status: Sold

               

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                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                A triptych, Takanawa tsuki no kei, “Moon at Takanawa” from a set Edo meisho shiki no nagame, “Famous Places of Edo in the Four Seasons.” Shows beauties on the veranda of an inn overlooking the bay. Takanawa was a popular place to visit with views on a clear day of the Boso mountains across Edo Bay. Hiroshige depicted this area many times. Published by Maruya Jimpachi (Enjudo), 1847-8.

                 

                Very fine impression. Fine colour. Minor trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                 

                Status: Sold

                 

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                  Torii KIYOMITSU (1735-1785)



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                  An hosoban showing two female travellers and their man-servant crossing a river beside a waterwheel, a giant sun on the horizon, the ancient symbol of Japan. Very few prints show waterwheels, the best known being Hokusa’s waterwheel at Onden from the 36 Views of Fuji set. They were in use until the 1880s and, apart from being used for irrigation, they were also employed to run grain mills to polish rice for making sake and threshing machines. Published by Yamashiro han c. 1759. Benizuri-e, with beni, green and blue (turned). Apparently unrecorded.

                   

                  Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Torii Kiyomitsu hitsu.

                   

                  Status: Sold

                   

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                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)




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                    A snow scene showing Muro Harbour in Harima Province, Banshu Muro-tsu shinkei, “Actual View of Muro Harbour Banshu [Harima] Province.” From Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views in the Various Provinces.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi, 1859-61 (this being 1859). An uncompleted set with only 81 prints known. Beyond the harbour can be seen the Inland Sea, the Seto Inland Sea aka Setouchi.

                     

                     

                    Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                     

                     

                    Status: Sold

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                      Yashima GAKUTEI (1786?-1868)



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                      Osaka Ajigawa niiyama fukei, “View of the Aji River and the New Mountain in Osaka” from a set of six prints Naniwa meisho Tenpozan hajimari no zu, “Fine Views of Mount Tenpo at a Glance.” The mountain (more a hill) and park was created by dredging the Aji River. Shows a sailboat approaching the mouth of the river, Tenpozan to the right. In the distance can be seen Osaka Castle and to the right the Shitennoji pagoda. Published by Shioya Kisuke, c.1834.

                       

                      Fine impression and colour. Slight vertical fold as per usual as the set was published in album form. Fine condition. Signed Gakutei.

                       

                      Status: Sold

                       

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                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                        Fukagawa, Suzaki, Juman-tsubo, “The One Hundred Thousand Tsubo Plain, Suzaki, Fukagawa” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1859 (this being 1857). An eagle hovers over the snowy coastal plain, Mt Tsukuba and the Chiba mountains in the distance. Collectors at the beginning of the 20th century considered this the pre-eminent design from the set. Since then Ohashi has replaced it.

                         

                        Fine impression, colour and condition. A nice early impression. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                         

                        Status: Sold

                         

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                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                          Atago shita Yabukoji, “Bamboo Lane Below Atago Hill” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1859 (this being 1857). A snow scene showing figures beside a stream, Atago Hill was to the right and lay just outside the northeast corner of the mansion of the daimyo of Minakuchi. It was the highest natural point in Edo.

                           

                          Superb impression of the extremely rare first edition. Very fine colour. Left corner margin expertly restored, otherwise fine condition. Large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                           

                          Status: Sold

                           

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                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                            Asakusa Kinryuzan, “The Kinryuzan Temple at Asakusa” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1859 (this being 1856). A snow scene showing the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, the Sensoji or Asakusa Kannon, built on the low hill of Kinryuzan. Shows the Kaminarimon gate with the huge lantern with one character of the name shinbashi (a donor’s organisation).

                            Very good early impression and colour. Before the square plug becomes evident on the bottom left. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                            Status: Sold

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                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                              A snow scene: Fukagawa kiba, “Fukagawa Timber Yards.” The yards date back and are the result of the Meireki fire of 1657. Large amounts of wood was required for expanding Edo and the wood yards were moved to this area of swampland east of the Sumida River. From the set Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi 1856-58 (this being 1856). The set comprises 118 prints by Hiroshige and another by Hiroshige II. However, three prints are dated 10/1858, the month following Hiroshige’s death, and these are thought to be by Hiroshige II as well. They are: Ueno Yamashita, Ichigaya Hachiman and Bikunibashi.

                              Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

                              Status: Sold

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                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                Shoheibashi Seido Kandagawa, “Seido Shrine and Kanda River Seen from Shohei Bridge.” The scene under light rain and is near present day Akihabara. From the set Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi 1856-58 (this being 1857). The set comprises 118 prints by Hiroshige and another by Hiroshige II. However, three prints are dated 10/1858, the month following Hiroshige’s death, and these are thought to be by Hiroshige II as well. They are: Ueno Yamashita, Ichigaya Hachiman and Bikunibashi.

                                 

                                 

                                Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                 

                                 

                                Status: Sold

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                                  Utagawa YOSHIKATA (Fl. 1841-1864)



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                                  A triptych showing the second battle of Uji River on February 19th, 1184. The centre sheet shows Taira Minamoto Yoshitsune and Benkei with their horses leading the troops to defeat Minamoto no Yoshinaka. The bridge had been dismantled so the small army had to ford the river which was in spate, because of early snow melt, against volleys of arrows and abatis barriers in the river bed (a method of cutting trees down, sharpening their ends and staking them into the river bed facing the enemy). Published by Iseya Tokichi, 1863.

                                  Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Isshinsai Yoshikata ga.

                                  Status: Sold

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                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                    Azuma no mori yoru no ame, “Evening Rain at Azuma Shrine.” From a fine and rare early set Edo kinko hakkei, ”Eight Views in the Environs of Edo.” Shows figures walking along a dike beside the Kita Jumagawa. Azuma Shrine is seen amongst trees to the left. This set was first published privately for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) c 1837-8. (Similar to Hiroshige’s first set of fish prints.) For obvious reasons examples of these prints are of the utmost rarity. An entire set is in the Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, nos. G492 – G499, this being G498. They have the copyright owner’s name in the left border, Taihaido Nomimasu, who was the head of the poetry club. They also have three poems on each design. The commercial edition, as here, has one or two poems and loses the Taihaido name. (Again, similar to the fish series.) These prints, initially not intended for commercial consumption, are more refined with a greater degree of care taken with the cutting of the blocks. Contrary to later sets, figures are small, pigments are subdued and large foreground objects are not in evidence yet. One of Hiroshige’s finest sets. Rare.

                                     

                                     

                                    Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                     

                                     

                                    Status: Sold

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                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                      Haneda no rakugan, “Descending Geese at Haneda.” From a fine and rare early set Edo kinko hakkei, ”Eight Views in the Environs of Edo.” Planes now descend here. This set was first published privately for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) c 1837-8. (Similar to Hiroshige’s first set of fish prints.) For obvious reasons examples of these prints are of the utmost rarity. An entire set is in the Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, nos. G492 – G499, this being G492. They have the copyright owner’s name in the left border, Taihaido Nomimasu, who was the head of the poetry club. They also have three poems on each design. The commercial edition, as here, has one or two poems and loses the Taihaido name. (Again, similar to the fish series.) These prints, initially not intended for commercial consumption, are more refined with a greater degree of care taken with the cutting of the blocks. Contrary to later sets, figures are small, pigments are subdued and large foreground objects are not in evidence yet. One of Hiroshige’s finest sets. Rare.

                                       

                                       

                                      Very fine impression. Fine colour. Minimal edge soil, otherwise fine condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                       

                                       

                                      Status: Sold

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                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                        Koganeibashi no sekisho, “Evening Glow at Koganei Bridge.” From a fine and rare early set Edo kinko hakkei, ”Eight Views in the Environs of Edo.” This area was famous for its cherry trees and visitors are seen cherry viewing. It is also where the Tamagawa-josui was made to draw water from the Tama River into Edo. This set was first published privately for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) c 1837-8. (Similar to Hiroshige’s first set of fish prints.) For obvious reasons examples of these prints are of the utmost rarity. An entire set is in the Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, nos. G492 – G499, this being G495. They have the copyright owner’s name in the left border, Taihaido Nomimasu, who was the head of the poetry club. They also have three poems on each design. The commercial edition, as here, has one or two poems and loses the Taihaido name. (Again, similar to the fish series.) These prints, initially not intended for commercial consumption, are more refined with a greater degree of care taken with the cutting of the blocks. Contrary to later sets, figures are small, pigments are subdued and large foreground objects are not in evidence yet. One of Hiroshige’s finest sets. Rare.

                                         

                                         

                                        Very fine impression. Fine colour. Small edge nibble on top border and minimal edge soil, otherwise fine condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                         

                                         

                                        Status: Sold

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                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                          A rare ko-tanzaku design, Tsukudajima natsu no kei, “Summer View of Tsukudajima Island.” From a Toto meisho set published by Shogendo, c. 1837-8. Shows a large fishing boat beneath a bursting rocket; Tsukudajima in the background. There is another version of this design with a halo of light falling from the bursting rocket. This impression is so fine, I am surmising this is the earliest state.

                                           

                                           

                                          Very fine early impression with strong woodgrain visible. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                           

                                           

                                          Status: Sold

                                           

                                           

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                                            Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)




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                                            A design interpreting a poem by the Lady of Ise (c. 875-c. 938) from an unfinished set Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, “The Hundred Poems [By the Hundred Poets] as Told by the Nurse.” Published 1835-36 by Eijudo with 27 prints known and 67 outstanding drawings for the set. Shows a mother and daughter or lady and servant at a window overlooking Naniwa Inlet with rice fields in the distance and men working on the roof of the building they are in.

                                             

                                             

                                            Fine early impression with woodgrain showing on the roof. Fine colour. Small nick out of right edge, otherwise fine condition. Signed Zen Hokusai manji.

                                             

                                             

                                            Status: Sold

                                             

                                             

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                                              Utagawa KUNITORA (Active early 19th c.)




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                                              An aiban yoko-e print from an extremely rare and fine set of prints published 1810s by Yamasho. Kunitora’s finest set. Hira bosetsu, “Evening Snow at Mount Hira” from a set Omi hakkei, “Eight Views of Omi.” The set employs strong Western elements with hatching and sinuous hills and houses. Four designs from the set are illustrated in The Western-Style Colour-Prints In Japan, Usaburo Toyama, 1936, nos. 180-183 (this design being 182). A wonderful design.

                                               

                                               

                                              Fine impression, colour and condition. Oxidation on the title label. Signed Kunitora ga.

                                               

                                               

                                              Status: Sold

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                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                                The great shrine at Izumo, Izumo, taisha hotohoto no zu from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, 1853-6 (this being 1854). Shows a group of three young women bringing offerings to the Shinto shrine. A large cryptomeria tree in the foreground and other figures, trees and a torii in the misty background. The main deity of the shrine is Okuninushi no Okami, patron of good relationships and marriage (which probably accounts for the women’s visit). A beautiful design when well printed.

                                                 

                                                 

                                                Fine early impression: Should have applied bokashi across the foreground area, as here. Fine colour. Slight vertical crease in left margin, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

                                                 

                                                 

                                                Status: Sold

                                                 

                                                 

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                                                  Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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                                                  Hokusai’s interpretation of a poem by Ono no Takamura (802-852). From an unfinished set: Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, “Pictures of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by the Nurse.” The poems are from an anthology Hyakunin isshu, “One Hundred People, One Poem Each” compiled by the poet Fujiwara no Teika (1162-1241). The poem was composed on the eve of Takamura’s banishment to an isolated island, later to be pardoned by the Emperor. (His boat can be seen in the distance.) One of Hokusai’s most beautiful prints showing women divers (ama) fishing for abalone (awabi). The divers are seen between waves reminiscent of a Victorian theatre stage set. Published by Eijudo, 1835-1836. A considerable number of original drawings exist for the set that were not turned into prints and are in various museums and private collections.

                                                  Fine impression and colour. Very slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Saki no Hokusai.

                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                    Samidare no kei, “Summer Rain” from an untitled set of eight landscapes published by Kinkodo c. 1832. Shows a man washing a horse in light rain. A group of pilgrims appear over a hill to the left. Part of the scene is based on an illustration from Kawamura Bumpo’s Bumpo sansui gafu of 1824. There are various states of this print. This is the earliest and most successful with the rain printed in green (not black) and the rain splashing in the river bottom right is blind-printed, not inked-in. Rare.

                                                    Fine impression and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                      Station Annaka from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” Published by Kinjudo, the set was started by Eisen in 1835 who designed twenty-four prints before Hiroshige replaced him and completed the series before 1843. Shows the entourage of a feudal lord progressing along the road between rest houses.

                                                      Very fine impression of the earliest printing. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige g

                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                        Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                        A bloodied Sugenoya Kuemon resting his head on the hilt of his sword in stormy weather from a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1868. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) Possibly the best design from this fine set.

                                                        Fine impression of the early state with dark background and yellow at the bottom of the title cartouche. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.

                                                        Status: Sold

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                                                          Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)




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                                                          Suo Iwakuni Kintaibashi, “The Bridge of the Brocade Sash at Iwakuni in Suo Province.” From an uncompleted set: Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of the Provinces.” Published by Uoei between 1859 – 1861 (this being 1859). Shows the beautiful five-arch bridge spanning the Nishiki-gawa under heavy snow. The village of Nishikimi in the foreground. The bridge was built in 1673 using massive stone pilings because earlier bridges had been swept away. It was destroyed in 1950 due to a typhoon but rebuilt in 1953. The best print from the set and probably Hiroshige IIs finest design.

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Fine impression of the first edition with mica applied. Fine colour. Minor edge discolouration, otherwise very good condition. Later editions lack the variegated cartouche and the colour-banded publisher’s seal in left margin. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                                            Fujikawa from the so-called “Upright Tokaido.” One of the two snow scenes from the set. Shows travellers coming and going at the edge of the village. Published by Tsutaya, Hare 7 (1855).

                                                             

                                                             

                                                            Very good impression and colour. Several small blemishes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                             

                                                             

                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                              A snow scene: Meguro taikobashi yuhi no oka, “Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, Meguro” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Shows the valley of the Meguro River with travellers crossing the stone bridge, Yuhi Hill to the left. Stone bridges were uncommon in Edo because of the risk from earthquakes. Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 (1856-58). This design dated Snake 4 (1857).

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              Status: Sold

                                                               

                                                               

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                                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                Suruga Satta no kaijo, “The Sea at Satta, Suruga Province” from Fuji sanjurokkei, “The Thirty-Six Views of Fuji.” The best design from the set published by Koeido (Tsutaya Kichizo), 4/1858. A huge wave breaks on the right releasing a flock of chidori. These birds were supposed to originate from the spume of these waves. Originally, travellers on the Tokaido had to traverse the base of the cliff, to the left. However, in 1655, a pass was cut in the cliff above. Fuji rises above the bay of Kiyomi. A popular design.

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                Very good impression and colour. Crease in right hand margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                Status: Sold

                                                                 

                                                                 

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                                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                  Masaki yukibare no zu, “Clear Weather After Snow at Masaki” from a Toto meisho, “Famous Sights of the Eastern Capital” set published by Kikakudo (Sanoki), the seal in red in right margin, c 1832-35. (Late editions have the seal in black.) There is confusion over how many prints belong to this series: The original set of twenty-one prints seems to have been extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. The temple, under a deep layer of snow, is shown on the far shore. In the foreground two figures in yellow straw coats navigate the river.

                                                                   

                                                                   

                                                                  Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                   

                                                                   

                                                                  Status: Sold

                                                                   

                                                                   

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                                                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                    Asukayama bosetsu, “Evening Snow on Asuka Hill.” From a fine and rare early set Edo kinko hakkei, “Eight Views in the Environs of Edo.” Shows figures struggling through the deep snow. This set was first published privately for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) c 1837-8. (Similar to Hiroshige’s first set of fish prints.) For obvious reasons examples of these prints are of the utmost rarity. An entire set is in the Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, nos. G492-G499. They have the copyright owner’s name in the left border, Taihaido Nomimasu, who was the head of the poetry club. They also have three poems on each design. The commercial edition, as here, has one or two poems and loses the Taihaido name. (Again, similar to the fish series.) These prints, initially not intended for commercial consumption, are more refined with a greater degree of care taken with the cutting of the blocks. Contrary to later sets, figures are small, pigments are subdued and large foreground objects are not in evidence yet. One of Hiroshige’s finest sets and this is one of his finest designs. Rare.

                                                                     

                                                                     

                                                                    Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins and splashed gofun. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                     

                                                                     

                                                                    Status: Sold

                                                                     

                                                                     

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                                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                      Shibaura no seiran, “Clearing Weather at Shiba Bay.” From a fine and rare early set Edo kinko hakkei, “Eight Views in the Environs of Edo.” Shows boats anchored on the edge of Edo Bay. This set was first published privately for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) c 1837-8. (Similar to Hiroshige’s first set of fish prints.) For obvious reasons examples of these prints are of the utmost rarity. An entire set is in the Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, nos. G492-G499. They have the copyright owner’s name in the left border, Taihaido Nomimasu, who was the head of the poetry club. They also have three poems on each design. The commercial edition, as here, has one or two poems and loses the Taihaido name. (Again, similar to the fish series.) These prints, initially not intended for commercial consumption, are more refined with a greater degree of care taken with the cutting of the blocks. Contrary to later sets, figures are small, pigments are subdued and large foreground objects are not in evidence yet. One of Hiroshige’s finest sets. Rare.

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                      Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Sold

                                                                       

                                                                       

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                                                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                        Ikegami no bansho, “Evening Bell at Ikegami.” From a fine and rare early set Edo kinko hakkei, “Eight Views in the Environs of Edo.”The otherwise nondescript town is famous for the large temple overlooking it. This was the Ikegami Honmonji, the main temple of the Lotus sect, a branch of Buddhism founded by Nichiren. This set was first published privately for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) c 1837-8. (Similar to Hiroshige’s first set of fish prints.) For obvious reasons examples of these prints are of the utmost rarity. An entire set is in the Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, nos. G492-G499.They have the copyright owner’s name in the left border, Taihaido Nomimasu, who was the head of the poetry club. They also have three poems on each design. The commercial edition, as here, has one or two poems and loses the Taihaido name. (Again, similar to the fish series.) These prints, initially not intended for commercial consumption, are more refined with a greater degree of care taken with the cutting of the blocks. Contrary to later sets, figures are small, pigments are subdued and large foreground objects are not in evidence yet. One of Hiroshige’s finest sets. Rare.

                                                                         

                                                                         

                                                                        Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                         

                                                                         

                                                                        Status: Sold

                                                                         

                                                                         

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                                                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                          Gyotoku no kihan, “Returning Sails at Gyotoku.” From a fine and rare early set Edo kinko hakkei, “Eight Views in the Environs of Edo.” Gyotoku was a prosperous area on the Edogawa and Edo Bay. This set was first published privately for the Taihaido Poetry Club by the publisher Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) c 1837-8. (Similar to Hiroshige’s first set of fish prints.) For obvious reasons examples of these prints are of the utmost rarity. An entire set is in the Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, nos. G492-G499. They have the copyright owner’s name in the left border, Taihaido Nomimasu, who was the head of the poetry club. They also have three poems on each design. The commercial edition, as here, has one or two poems and loses the Taihaido name. (Again, similar to the fish series.) These prints, initially not intended for commercial consumption, are more refined with a greater degree of care taken with the cutting of the blocks. Contrary to later sets, figures are small, pigments are subdued and large foreground objects are not in evidence yet. One of Hiroshige’s finest sets. Rare.

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                          Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                          Status: Sold

                                                                           

                                                                           

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                                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                            Hakone from the “Reisho” Tokaido. So-called because of the titles written in formal script. The best Tokaido set after the Hoeido. Shows travellers holding pine-torches climbing a mountain path at night. The Hakone mountains were one of the most gruelling parts of the Tokaido, but at the same time one of the most relaxing with the hot springs, Lake Ashi and the fine cryptomeria trees. Published by Marusei, c 1851-2. One of the five best designs from the set and probably the masterpiece. The composition and use of kimetsubishi to show the woodgrain in the night sky and mountains makes it one of Hiroshige’s most beautiful prints.

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                            Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                            Status: Sold

                                                                             

                                                                             

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                                                                              Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                                                              A view of pilgrims bathing in the Roben waterfall at the Afuri (Shinto) shrine, Oyama in Segami Province. Oyama sekison otaki no zu. This happened during the summer months and was considered a purification ritual. Oyama is a sacred mountain near the Izu peninsula and a short distance from Kamakura and Enoshima. Kuniyoshi designed another oban of this subject as well as two triptychs. Published by Wakasaya Yoichi, 1839-40. It has been suggested that the tattooed figure, on the left, holding a lantern with Kuniyoshi inscribed on it may be Kuniyoshi himself.

                                                                              Very good impression and colour. Slight centre fold and expertly repared wormage. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Yashima GAKUTEI (1786 ?-1868)



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                                                                                A saling junk caught in stormy seas, driving rain, and under a threatening sky. The masterpiece from a set of six prints issued in album form with title Naniwa meisho, Tempozan shokei ichiran, “A Famous Place in Osaka, Selected Views of Mount Tempo.” Published in Osaka , 1834, by Shioya Kisuke. In the circular cartouche: Osaka Tempozan yudachi no kei, “View of a Storm at Tempozan, Osaka.” Gakutei is best known for his many surimono. He was also a kyoka poet and painter. Unfortunately, he only produced a few landscapes. Other impressions illustrated in Michener, Japanese Prints, no. 198; Mellor sale catalogue, Sotheby, July 1963, pl. XXXI; Grabhorn, Landscape Prints of Old Japan, pl. 30.SC1/344. One of the great 19th century landscapes.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold (as usual as it was published in folding album form), otherwise very good condition. Signed Gogaku with seal Go.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                Status: Sold

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

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