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Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Suma Urabe Suetake, one of the retainers of Minamoto Yorimitsu, meeting the apparition of the woman Ubume, who is to place a baby boy in his arms. One of a set of 26 prints with title: Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIHARU (1828-1888)
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A fearsome beast looking over the shoulder of Senkaiji Chojun. One of a set Suikoden goketsu kagami, “Mirror of Heroes of the Suikoden.” The set published in conjuction with Yoshitaki and Yoshitsuya by Yamaguchiya Tobei, 1856.
Fine impression of the first edition with variegated cartouche. Fine colour. Trimmed at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichibaisai Yoshiharu ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The ghost of the wicked Genta Yoshihira attacking his executioner Nanba Jiro at the Nunobiki waterfall from Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts.”The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889-1892 (this being 1889). One of the two best designs from the set.
Very fine first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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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 basic difference is that the design is known with and without a horizon line and that there is at least one impression where the uninked, blind-printed line can be seen in a raked light (as indeed it can on this impression). 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 an extremely 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. Although not from a landscape set, this is considered one of the great 19th century landscapes.
Fine impression and colour. Beautiful gradation with splashed gofun (oxidised). Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing Ushiwakamaru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune, 1159-1189) and his manservant Onmaya Kisanta watching his loyal retainer, the warrior monk Benkei, dragging the giant Mii Temple bell up Mount Hiei. Benkei ga yuriki tawamure ni Miidera no tsurigane no Eizan e hikiaguru zu. Published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1845-6. One of Kuniyoshi’s great designs. Rare.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Some edge strengthening on the back on centre sheet, otherwise very good condition. Full size: An extremely difficult design to find without trimming and illustrated examples often have the bell not aligning up because of this. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The entrance to the Yoshiwara from a rare set of fourteen prints, Famous Places of the Eastern Capital, published by Sanoki in 1840-2.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A triptych showing Mitsuuji, the romantic hero of the Inaka Genji (“A Rustic Genji”) accompanied by a beauty looking out across a snow-covered garden to where a group of girls are building a giant snow rabbit. Hiroshige and Kunisada collaborated on a number of these Genji triptychs in the 1850s and this is one of the most charming. Published by Moriya Jihei of Kinshodo, 12/1854 (and therefore probably in anticipation of the following year, which was a Year of the Rabbit).
Fine impression. The early state with gradation behind the rabbit and bokashi on stream and in the sky. Fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni ga on two outside panels and Yuki no kei oju, “Snow landscape by request” Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )
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Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, from the so-called “Upright Tokaido”, Gojusan tsugi meisho zue. The 12th of the 53 Stations. At its peak in Edo times the town had 1200 buildings. It is now Numazu City. The old adage that familiarity breeds contempt certainly applies to this set, which was reprinted many times. Early printings, as here, enable us to appreciate this underrated series. One of the two snow scenes from the set showing figures crossing one of two trestle bridges. Published by Tsutaya, 1855.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Fireworks over Ryogoku Bridge from a rare set of fourteen prints, Famous Places of the Eastern Capital, published by Sanoki in 1840-2.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A view of Hara, Yoshiwara and Kanbara from Tokaido gojusan eki (shishuku meisho), “ Famous Views of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Four at a Time)” although the set actually varies, showing between three and six per sheet. The set of twelve designs published by Tsuruya Kiemon and Tsutaya Kichizo, c 1835.
Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Some soil on reverse, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi shuku zu (“Drawn together by Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi”).
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Travellers viewing Mount Asama. Usui-toge yori Asama o miru zu, “A View of Mount Asama from Usui Pass.” From Kuniyoshi’s best landscape set. Of the utmost rarity with most extant impressions differing. This and the impression in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, are similar, without the smoke coming from the cone of Asama (the most active volcano on Honshu). Other impressions are in: The British Museum, 1948, 0410, 0. 108, which has gradation up the left side of the mountain; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, JP 1424, with gradation down from the summit; and Worcester Art Museum which is similar to the Mets, 1901.692. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, c 1836. I have only had one other impression in over forty-five years of dealing.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
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A view of a smoking Mt Asama, Shinano Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, the ‘One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces’. Published by Uoei, Sheep 9 ( 1859 ).
Very good impression, colour and, apart from one small spot, very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
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A surimono showing plum blossom and fugu (blowfish or puffer, Fugu pardalis). These fish are infamous for being poisonous, mainly from their liver and are expensive delicacies in the winter. Extremely rare: Two other genuine impressions are in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, acc. no. 21.9297 and illustrated in Coloured in the Year’s New Light, Japanese surimono from the Becker collection, Daniel McKee, 2008, Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, no. 15. There are also copies of this surimono which is how one will come across it. Poems above by Mahmansai Iedaru and Kanayaen Mahiro. Published c. late 1810s. Gakutei is best known for his surimono but he was also an accomplished painter and produced a fine set of landscape prints of views of Tempozan.
Fine impression and colour. One small repaired wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gakutei Harunobu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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The Seven Ri Beach, Sagami Province, Sagami Shichirigahama, 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 1859). A popular area during Edo times as one could get a view of both Mount Fuji and Enoshima at the same time. The Ri in the title is an old unit of measurement. This design obviously bears comparison with both Hiroshige’s “wave” from the Thirty-Six Views of Fuji and Hokusai’s “wave” from a series with same title.
Superb impression of the first edition. (Extremely rare in this state.) Very fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchi yama 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 1860). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.
Superb impression and colour. The extremely rare first edition with gradation on the figure’s straw cape and bokashi clouds. The best quality red pigment is used and double-printed in the cartouches. Fine condition. A masterpiece in this state. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Suruga Satta no kaijo, “The Sea at Satta, Suruga Province” from the set Fuji sanjurokkei, “The Thirty-Six Views of Fuji.” The series published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. Shows the coast of Oyashirazu at Satta on the west side of Suruga Bay with a large wave about to break on the coast. The spume from the wave is supposed to turn into chidori and they can be seen here flying away. This area is on the Tokaido Road between Edo and Kyoto and, previous to 1655, travellers had to circumvent the cliffs – some of which are 300-400 metres tall – by way of the base, near the sea. However, in that year, to facilitate the journey a pass was cut in the rock above the cliff. The best design from the set. Early impressions of this set were particularly well printed as a tribute to Hiroshige’s life. Late editions have a signature label printed in yellow instead of red.
Fine impression and colour. Trimmed close at bottom left, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A fine snow scene: Iki Shisaku, “Shisaku in Iki Province” from a set of sixty-nine prints plus title page Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, 1853-1856 (this being 1856). This far-flung region of Japan at the southern tip of the main group of islands is evocatively captured here.
Superb impression of the very rare first edition with variegated cartouche and bokashi clouds. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Awa Naruto no fuha, “Angry Seas at Naruto, Awa” from a set of sixty-nine prints plus title page Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, 1853-1856 (this being 1855). The most famous design from the set. This area of sea between the islands of Shikoku and Honshu , where the waters of the Inland Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, is famous for its whirlpools. Hiroshige returned to this theme in a triptych setsu-getsu-ka set where the whirlpools represent “Flower.”
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A complete Tokaido set of 56 prints printed four-to-a-sheet on fourteen sheets, uncut. Each sheet has an indication of where it is to be cut. Published by Aritaya Seiemon, 1845. Extremely rare complete.
Fine impressions and colour. Centre folds and some soil at bottom on some sheets. One sheet restored, but overall in good condition. Each design signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Although Eisen produced a considerable number of bijin-e and surimono, his best work was in landscape design and amongst these the finest are this set and a few designs for the Kisokaido. Kirifuri-no-taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “Kirifuri Waterfall – View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkozan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” The set of eight prints published by Yamamotoya Heikichi, c. mid 1840s. The set obviously invites comparison with Hokusai’s earlier waterfall set but they are chunkier, more prosaic and with the movement of the water more defined. Shows travellers admiring the fall. A stone Jizo figure on the right (guardian of travellers). Rare.
Fine impression. (There do not appear to be late impressions of this set – presumably it was not popular at the time.) Fine colour. Imperceptible fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Eisen utsusu.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Although Eisen produced a considerable number of bijin-e and surimono, his best work was in landscape design and amongst these the finest are this set and a few designs for the Kisokaido. Somen-no-taki, “Somen Waterfall.” From a set Nikkozan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” The set of eight prints published by Yamamotoya Heikichi, c. mid 1840s. The set obviously invites comparison with Hokusai’s earlier waterfall set but they are chunkier, more prosaic and with the movement of the water more defined. Shows travellers at the base of the fall.
Fine impression. (There do not appear to be late impressions of this set – presumably it was not popular at the time.) Fine colour. Imperceptible fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Eisen utsusu.
Status: Sold
Furuyama MOROMASA (C. 1712-1772)
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A rare artist, possibly the son and pupil of Furuyama Moroshige. Shows the famous poet Saigyo Hoshi (1118-1190) gazing up at the courtesan Eguchi as the Bodhisattva Fugen on a white elephant. The poet is famous for his long poetic journeys around Japan but especially to northern Honshu. Fugen is known for offering shelter to travelling monks. A large panel, 27.5 x 6.5 in; 70 x 16.5 cms. Coloured by hand in tan, yellow, beni, brown, and sumi. Published c. 1740s by Igaya. Provenance: Sold Christies, New York, 31/10/1995, lot 10.
Fine impression. Slight soil and creasing. Several small restored areas but generally very good condition for the date. Signed Getsugetsudo Furuyama Moromasa.
Status: Sold
Kitao SHIGEMASA (1739-1820)
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A large panel, 12.5 x 16.75 in; 31.5 x 42.5 cms in two shades of beni, yellow and blue (partially faded). Published by Eijudo c. 1768-72. Title in right panel: Uki-e Kanadehon Chushingura youchi no zu, “The Night Attack from the Storehouse of Loyalty, New Perspectives.” On the left border is written: Furyu Edo goshikizumi ganso, Eijudo Hibino, “ The original of elegant Edo pictures in five colours, Eijudo Hibino [Nishimuraya Yohachi]” This publisher considered himself the inventor of benizuri-e. Shows Act 11 of the Chushingura. This famous story revolves around the suicide of Enya Hangan in 1701. Forced to draw his sword in the Shogun’s palace by the goading of the courtier Moronao, he has no option but to commit seppuku. His retainers become Ronin and vow revenge. This Act shows the night attack by the 47 Ronin led by Yuranosuke on Moronao’s house. He is seen lower left confronted before his assassination. The Chushingura was an 11 act bunraku puppet play written in 1748. Shigemasa had a long career and was founder of the Kitao School. A prolific book illustrator including collaborations with Shunsho. Designed a number of these uki-e, western perspective prints. Extremely rare: One other impression is in the Achenbach Foundation, S.F., acc. no. 54755.84. An early rendition of this famous tale.
Very good impression and colour. Some careful restoration with slight soil and fold marks, but given the date and size in very good condition. Signed Kitao Shigemasa dzu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A vertical oban diptych showing the renowned swimmer and fishmonger Rorihakucho Chojun grappling underwater with the famous (but non-swimmer) warrior Kokusenpu (“Black Whirlwind”) Riki. The result of Chojun challenging Riki to a fight after his gang attempt to rob some fishermen. They eventually become friends. Rorihakucho Chojun Kokusenpu Riki ochude tatakau zu. Published by Matsui Eikichi early 1887. This is the first edition without publisher or date. It was then issued with this information and then re-published by Hasegawa Tsunejiro in September 1887. This is most likely a proof impression with extra large margin on the left. The finest impression I have seen of this design.
Superb impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych showing an exploding land-mine throwing bodies and horses into the ether. Taiheiki Masakiyo nansen no zu, “Masakiyo’s Difficult Battle from the Taiheiki.” Figures identified in the print are the 14th century warriors Sato Shukei no Kami Masakiyo and Shimura Masazo Katsutoyo, but by way of avoiding censorship, it is actually showing Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) and Kimura Matazo Shigekatsu. It may also be that the design alludes to the rogue samurai in Choshu Province during the summer of 1866. Published by Yamashiroya Jinbei, 1866. One of Yoshitoshi’s great designs. An unidentified collector’s seal at the bottom right of each sheet. In fact, this is a reworking of a similar composition in a book early in his career, Ehon jitsugokyo dojikyo yoshu of 1853.
Fine impression and colour. Lovely oxidation of the orange pigment. Fine condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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Triptych showing Kusunoki Matsatsura and his staff on a cliff watching Ashikaga’s troops massing. Published 1839-41 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The finest design from all the Hiroshige/Kunisada collaborations with the superb snowscape designed by Hiroshige, and the figures by Kunisada. From a triptych series Furyu Genji, “Elegant Genji.” The Tale of Genji was written by Shikibu Murasaki and published in 1021 and follows the life of this multi-endowed character. Published in 1858 by Isaya Kanekichi.
Fine impression and colour. Extensive splashed gofun ( oxidised ). Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga and Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNTEI (1770-1820)
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A fabulous and extremely rare triptych showing the ama diver Tamatori-hime escaping from the Dragon King’s Palace with the priceless pearl. The story (with variations) relates how the Dragon King stole the jewel during a storm when it, and two other treasures, were being sent to Japan by the Tang dynasty emperor in memory of his consort’s father, Kamatari. Subsequently, Fujiwara no Fuhito, the son of Kamatari, searches for the pearl; meets the pearl diver Tamatori-hime, falls in love and marries her. She vows to retrieve the pearl which she eventually achieves but is pursued through the ocean by the dragon and a myriad grotesque sea creatures who were guarding it. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, c. 1810.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Shuntei ga.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Jakko Nunobiki no taki, “Jakko [Temple] Nunobiki Waterfall” from a set of eight prints Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi c. 1844. Obviously inspired by Hokusai’s set of waterfalls. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape-prints.” Extremely rare.
Very fine impression. (I have only seen early impressions of this set – perhaps it was not popular at the time.) Fine colour. Extremely slight vertical fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Kegon no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “Kegon Falls, One of the Three Waterfalls” from a set of eight prints Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi c. 1844. Obviously inspired by Hokusai’s set of waterfalls. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape-prints.” Extremely rare.
Very fine impression. (I have only seen early impressions of this set – perhaps it was not popular at the time.) Fine colour. Extremely slight vertical fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych of the Ink Wars, Bokusen no zu. Evidently a court pastime during the Nara period (710-794) was to stage ink battles. Courtiers are involved in throwing ink and daubing each other with brushes. Published by San, 1843.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi giga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa SADAHIDE (1807-1873)
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An exceptionally rare triptych showing the great battle between Takeda Shingen (left) and Uesugi Kenshin (right) during the fourth (of five) Kawanakajima battles. Kenshin lunges with his sword but is parried by Shingen using his iron war fan (gunbai). These skirmishes took place in the mid. 16th century. I can, at the moment, only locate one damaged impression of this fine design. Published 1846 by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Gyokuransai Sadahide ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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A snow scene showing Prince Genji and attendants on Sugatami Bridge from a set of twelve months: Junikagetsu Genji no Sugatami. This being the eleventh month. Published by Yamashiroya Jinbei, 1867.
Fine impression, colour and condition with extensive splashed gofun. Signed Kochoro Kunisada hitsu
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
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Soshu Shichirigahama, the “Seven Ri Beach” near Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. From the set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “The One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” From the beach one gets a clear view of Fuji and Enoshima Island – both framed by a giant wave. The set (of which only 80 are known) was published by Uoya Eikichi, 1859-61 (this being 1859). Hiroshige’s foremost pupil. He was called Shigenobu until assuming the name Hiroshige II on Hiroshige’s death. Married his daughter.
Very good impression and colour. Very slight stain in cartouche, otherwise very good condition. Sugned Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki, “The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in Snow.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c. 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c.1839-42. One of the most famous places in Edo. Known for its pergola, two drum bridges, koi ponds and the wisteria which flowered in the fifth month. The main shrine is dedicated to the memory of Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin), the father of Japanese learning and built in 1662. The design comes in various states: Late editions have a black sky and the red publisher’s seal on right margin, is replaced with an abbreviated Sanoki seal in black. Even later editions show a slipping plug becoming evident on the edge of the water, centre left.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Numazu, Hikure, “Yellow Dusk” from Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” The set of fifty-five prints was published jointly by Hoeido and Senkakudo in 1834. Shows travellers about to enter the village of Numazu beneath the huge orb of the moon. On each side are dark pines, and this station is famous for its forest which stretches along the seashore. One of the travellers is carrying a red tengu mask on his back, the mark of a pilgrim to the Shinto shrine of Kompira.
Very good impression and colour. Imperceptible centre fold and minor repaired wormage on bottom margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kozuke, Harunasan setchu, “Kozuke [Province], Mount Haruna Under Snow.” From the set of sixty-nine prints, Rokuju-yoshu meisho zue, “Views of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published 1856 by Koshihei, although sealed between 1853-56 (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.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The warrior Ritchitaisai Genshoji in a boat attacked by grappling-hooks thrown by his adversaries. A design from the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi’Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2.53.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size (unusual as these prints are overlarge obans and often trimmed). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The ghost of Genta Yoshihira, having been executed by Taira no Kiyomori, springs into the air causing a thunderstorm and exacting revenge. The best design from Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” Published 1889 by Sasaki.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. The first edition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
MADOYA (Active c. 1830s)
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A surimono by an Osaka artist from a series with title Hasoku shunsho juhachi-ban no uchi,”Eighteen Pieces Praising Spring Near the Water.” Sub-title: Tenpozan (the name of the new port in Osaka Bay). Shows a girl in a boat beside the prow of a larger vessel. The Osaka port sign is seen in the background. Three poems above. Rare.
Fine impression and colour with touches of gold and silver. Very slightly trimmed left, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Madoya hitsu.
Status: Sold