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Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kozuke, Harunasan setchu, “Kozuke [Province], Mount Haruna Under Snow.” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. A red bridge spans a gorge with precipitous cliffs and a fast flowing river. Fantastic crags point upwards into the sky. In the distance is Mount Haruna – a sleeping volcano.
Very good impression. Good colour. Trimmed close, otherwise good condtion. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A street scene with travellers, an ox cart and a teahouse at the Okido gate, Takanawa, in Edo bay to the south-east of Edo. This stretch of coast leading to Shinagawa was lined with stalls and restaurants and very popular. The gate – the stone remains of which can be seen on the left and right – was the last travellers passed through on the Tokaido road to Edo. Another impression is in MFA Boston (21.10262, ex Spaulding via Frank Lloyd Wright) and a third in the BM (1937-0710-0-209).
Fine impression, colour and condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A snow scene showing Nichiren struggling up a snow-covered mountain near Tsukahara on the Island of Sado. The best design from Koso goichidai ryakuza, the “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren being the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect (Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a follower) and indeed the set of ten prints may have been commissioned to mark the 550th anniversary of his death. Published by Iseya Rihei, c. 1831. Like many great landscapes, there exist different states which causes confusion over which is the earliest. The version offered here has the mountain printed in brown. Other impressions keep the mountain white. The other basic difference is that the design is known with and without a horizon line and that there is at least one impression where the un-inked, blind-printed line can be seen in a raked light. It has been asserted that those impressions without are the earliest; however, it seems from this that the sumi block was probably cut initially with the line but the publishers thought that it looked aesthetically better without printing it, and it was subsequently removed. In any case, this is a rare print and most surviving examples appear to be similar in impression. There is a break in the border to the left of the bottom of Kuniyoshi’s signature which could give a guide to the earliest states, but as this is often painted in, it is not reliable. The composition is based on a design in the illustrated book Bumpo sansui gafu by Kawamura Bumpo, published posthumously in 1824.
Very good impression, colour and condition with splashed gofun. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A triptych Ryogoku hanabi zu, “Fireworks at Ryogoku.” Chikanobu designed a number of triptychs on this subject and boating on the Sumida River, but this is the best and rarest. The government in 1733 had a display of fireworks over the bridge called the Ryogoku kawabiraki hanabi, “Ryogoku River-opening Fireworks” as part of a memorial service for the victims of starvation due to crop failures and an epidemic of cholera. This became an annual event.
Fine impression and colour. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyohara Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shimotsuke Nikkosan urami no taki, “Back-viewed Waterfall on Mt. Nikko in Shimotsuke [Province}.” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. Figures gaze up at the back of the waterfall which thunders over the path. It is also known with variant colour schemes. A fine design.
Very fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Very fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kii Wakanoura, “Waka Bay in Kii [Province}.” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1855. Shows cranes taking off from the bay.
Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shinano, Sarashina tagoto no tsuki Kyodaisan, “The Moon Reflected in the Sarashina Paddy-fields, Mt. Kyodai, Shinano [Province}.” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. It was a popular outing to view the multiple images of the moon reflected in the pools.
Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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Bikunibashi setchu, “Bikuni Bridge in Snow.” From the set Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi 1856-58 (this being 1858). Bikuni Bridge was known for its cheap restaurants. On the right is a sign advertising that imo are roasted whole. (Yakimono were roasted sweet potatoes.) On the left is another sign advertising yama kujiri, “mountain whale.” (In fact wild boar meat. Whale was considered a fish and therefore not forbidden.)
Superb impression of the rare first edition.Very fine colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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Akasaka kiribatake uchi yukei, “Evening View of the Paulownia Plantation at Akasaka under rain.” From the set Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi 1856-58 (this being 1859: a replacement print for Hiroshige’s for which the blocks were probably damaged).
Very good impression with mica sprinkled across the top. Very good colour. Trimmed close at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Nisei “second” Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from an unfinished set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces” published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1861). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.
Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Musashi, Sumidagawa, yuki no ashita, “Musashi [Province], Sumida River, Morning after Snow.” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by b Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.
Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tosa, kaijo katsuo tsuri, “Tosa [Province], Bonito Fishing at Sea.” Fishermen used fishing rods, rather than nets, to reduce the stress on the fish and maximise taste. Tosa, located on the southern coast of the island of Shikoku, was famous for its bonito. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by b Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1855.
Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
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 and colour. The rain printed with gofun. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tango Province, Amanohashidate (“Bridge to Heaven”). One of Japan’s three scenic views. The sandbar, located in Miyazu Bay, is said to resemble a pathway connecting heaven and earth. Also known for its fine pine trees. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by b Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.
Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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Taira no Tadamori Mido hoshi o toraen zu. The story relates how the Emperor Shirakawa was perturbed by a monster in the precincts of the Mido Temple at night. He commands the samurai Taira no Tadamori to kill it. The triptych shows Tadamori discovering that the monster is, in fact, the bedraggled old priest of Mido Temple who steals oil from the stone lanterns. Published by Hara Taneaki, c 1883.
Very fine impression with particularly fine gradation and printing. Fine colour. Minor edge damage, otherwise fine condition. Full margins: This design often comes with the title and or publisher’s seal trimmed. Signed Hoensha Kiyochika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Shotei HOKUJU (1763-1825)
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Shimosa Choshi no ura katsuo tsuribune, “Fishing for Bonito in Choshi Bay in Shimosa Province.” Hokuju, a pupil of Hokusai, produced a number of these fine “westernized” landscapes designed with stylised clouds, cubistic mountains and shadows cast by figures. This is one of the best. Bonito is a favourite fish in Japan where it is in the markets from around May each year. Choshin Bay has always produced the largest seafood catch in Japan. Hokuju produced a substantial body of work in this vein. However, he was not the only one. Okyo, Toyoharu, Hokusai, Kunitora, Kuninao and Shinsai also designed prints in this genre, as well as other artists producing examples. Interestingly, Hiroshige, the pre-eminent landscape artist, designed nothing like this. Indeed, the influences flowed the other way before too long, Hiroshige being a favourite of the Impressionists. This is the rare first edition published by Eijudo, c. 1820. His landscapes were republished by Yamamoto. Rare.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Full size. Signed Shotei Hokuju ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kisoji no Yamagawa, “Mountain River on the Kiso Road.” One of Hiroshige’s most iconic images: Snow from an untitled set of three Setsugekka (“Snow, Moon, Flowers”) triptychs. The other two being Moon at Kanazawa and Whirlpools at Awa. The Setsugekka theme was taken from a poem by Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi (Haku Rakuten). It’s a metonym for beautiful views, etc. This part of the Kiso Road was particularly treacherous but it’s not possible to identify the exact location and Hiroshige most likely used a certain amount of artist’s license. Published by Okasawaya Taheiji, 1857, a year before his death.
Fine impression and colour. Centre sheet lightly backed and slightly trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu with Bokurin Shokoku seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Aigo Gozayemon Hisamitsu (Haigo Gozaemon Hisamitsu) mounted and armoured (less helmet) in battle levelling his long spear. He was a retainer of the Oda family and served under Shibata Katsuiye. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 43) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.1. One of the best designs from the set.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Negoro- no Komizucha (Negoro-no Komizucha) dressed as a warrior-monk fighting with a long nail-studded club (a tetsubo) and a broken naginata. Swords and arrows fly about him.. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 26) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.26. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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Shows Captain Kani Ichita who, because he was suffering from dysentery, broke down 100 yards from the assault on Two Dragon Hill at the siege of Port Arthur in the Russo-Japanese war ( 1/8/1904-2/1/1905 ). Not able to forgive his weakness, he went back to the same spot a week later and commited seppuku. From a set Rikukaigunjin komei kagami, “Mirror of Army and Navy Heroes.” Published by Inoue Kichijiro, 2/1895. For whatever reason, a rare set. Fine design.
Fine impression and colour. Signs of mounting au verso, otherwise fine condition. Signed Kiyochika.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Fukishima Masamori (Fukushima Masanori) in armour struggling with three assailants. He was the son of a cooper in the province of Owari. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 15) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.9. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.2. One of the best designs from the set.
Status: Sold
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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Lieutenant Mitsutani on horseback in swirling smoke. From a set Rikukaigunjin komei kagami, “Mirror of Army and Navy Heroes.” Published by Inoue Kichijiro 1895. I have been unable to get any information on this hero. For whatever reason, a rare set. Fine design.
Fine impression and colour. Signs of mounting au verso, otherwise fine condition. Signed Kiyochika.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Akashi Ridayu Hidemoto (Akashi Gidayu Tadamasu) with a peasants’ straw raincoat over his armour and armed with a hoe. On one occasion, together with Shioren Sajima, he commanded a force of men dressed as farmerts. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 34) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.2. One of the best designs from the set.
Very fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The demon Ibaraki of Rashomon ( a gate south of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto ) visits Watanabe no Tsuna disguised as an old woman to retrieve its severed arm. This famous story relates how Watanabe cut off the arm after camping out at the gate to rid the neighbourhood of the beast. ( See below on this website for Yoshitoshi’s vertical diptych of the same subject. ) From Yoshitoshi manga, “Sketches by Yoshitoshi” from a fine set of seven diptychs. Published by Kobayashi 1885-86 ( this being 1885 ).
Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Fine condition apart from one minor mark. As originally published with no backing paper, with the margins completely untrimmed ( often cut in this set ), and plenty of space for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
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. Benkei against a full moon. In 1185 Yoshitsune attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, was forced to flee to northern Japan by ship. Sailing along the Inland Sea off the coast of Harima Province not far from Kyoto, the ship was struck by a storm in Daimotsu Bay caused by the vengeful ghosts of the Taira warriors Yoshitsune and his men had slain. Benkei pacified the spirits in the prow of the boat by holding up his string of prayer beads.
Fine impression, colour and condition. (A good guide to the quality of the impression is to look at the outline of Benkei’s face: This fine line started to break down early on.) An impression that has not been in an album: Full margins with very extensive mica. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Inuzaka Keno Tanetomo struggling with four adversaries from Kyokutei-o seicho Hakkenshi zui-ichi, “The One and Only Eight Dog History of Old Kyokutei [Bakin], Best of Refined Authors.” The set of eight prints form diptychs and are based on Bakin’s (1767-1848) famous novel Satomi Hakkenden, “Eight Dogs of the Satomi Clan.” Robinson S5.7.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Roba kiwan o mochisaru zu, the best design from Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889. The well-known story relates how Watanabe no Tsuna cuts off the arm of the demon Ibaraki near the Rashomon Gate in Kyoto in 976. Watanabe locks the arm in a box. Subsequently he is visited by his wet-nurse who asks to see the arm, whereupon she seizes it and flies off revealing her true guise as that of the demon. The story was made into a no play, Ibaraki, and later a kabuki play.
Very fine first edition, fine colour and condition. Full size with the publishing details intact on left margin. The second edition (with only two-colour cartouche) is shown on the front cover of The Age of Yoshitoshi, The Rijksmuseum, 1990 and no. 47, p. 40. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Edo Ryogokubashi noryo no yakei, “View of an Evening Cooling Off at the Ryogoku Bridge, Edo.” Shows a multitude of boats beneath the bridge, fireworks above. Published c 1829.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Eisen ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Hohodemi Mikoto battling a giant bream to regain the magic fish hook. The best design from a fine chuban set Biyu Suikoden published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 (this being 1867). He eventually marries the Sea God’s daughter Princess Toyotama. There is a later edition with the publisher’s name removed.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Takagi Umanosuke, a seven foot tall Jujutsu master, holding a trial of courage with a giant ghost in an ancient temple. He also mastered the arts of Bojutsu (staff), Sojutsu (spear), and Naginarajutsu (halberd). One of the best designs from a fine chuban set Biyu Suikoden published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 (this being 1866). There is a later edition with the publisher’s name removed.
Very good impression and colour.One small mark, otherwise good condition. Signed Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Fushimi ojishin Momoyama goten no zu. Shows Kato Kiyomasa protecting Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the earthquake which destroyed the Fushimi castle two years after it was completed in 1594. Published by Fukase, 1885.
Very fine impression, colour and condition with extra paper around. Signed Oju Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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Raiko and his four retainers: from left to right, Sakata no Kintoki, Usui no Sadamitsu, Watanabe no Tsuna and Urabe no Suyetake on Oyeyama, “Devil’s Mountain.” Shows Raiko having just decapitated the giant head of the demon Shuten-doji which then descended upon his helmet. Unidentified publisher, 1858.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Daininbo Umegae o satsugai no zu, “Picture of the Priest Dainin Killing the Girl Umegae from the set Shinsen azuma nishiki-e, “New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures.” The set was based on episodes from kabuki drama although set in naturalistic surroundings. Published by Tsunashima Kamekichi between 1885-89 (this being 1886).
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Full, untrimmed yellow borders. Two-colour cartouche: Supposedly the first edition has three-colour cartouche but this impression could not be better, so presumably the printer had a forgetful day. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Ina-uye Daikuro Masatada (Inoue Daikuro Nagayoshi) in armour but without helmet, his sashimono adorned with a skull, about to discharge a huge gun. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numberSurimono 033ed 47) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.16. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Kido Takuzayemon Nagachika (Kido Sakuzaemon Norishige) on stone steps above a river attempting to prise open a metal grill. He was lord of the castle of Uda in Higo Province. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design not numbered) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.19. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Orio Mosuke Yasuharu (Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu) in early youth overcoming a huge wild boar. A feat which caused Hideyoshi to take him into his service. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design not numbered) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.27. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Saito Toshimoto nyudo Ryuhon (Saito Toshimitsu nyudo Ryuhon) in armour struggling with a Chinese brigand underwater. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this numbered 48) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.31. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine early impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling to left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A still life surimono showing a right-eye flounder or flatfish, Karei, and a red bream, kaneme-tai. And small unidentified vegetables. Provenance: A slip from a catalogue on the back indicates that it comes from a Paris sale, probably early 20th century describing it as Limande et dorade. Hokkei is best known for his surimono. He was originally a fishmonger, hence his name Totoya, and also accounts for the number of surimono he designed with fish and shells. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour with mica on the bream. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The most gruesome of Yoshitoshi’s designs showing the old hag of the Lonely House about to eviscerate the pregnant woman hanging from the roof. Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1885.
Fine impression of the first edition. Little work has been done on the various states in this set other than that most were reprinted by Hasegawa Tsunejiro. Fine colour. Very full size with large margins left, top and where the sheets join. (The left border is often trimmed thereby losing the publication details.) Minor soil, otherwise fine condition. On thick hosho. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The stern of a large sailing-junk and a smaller vessel infront. A poem by Sangi Takamura (Ono no Takamura) from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets” published by Ebine c 1838. Depending which story one reads, either Takamura, who was a customs official for ships trading to and from China, went missing on a mission or was reported for being an extortioner and banished to the Oki Islands. Either way, he was subsequently pardoned. One of the best designs from this fine set. Robinson S19.11 and illustrated in Robinson (1961), no. 59.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold