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Santo KYODEN (Kitao MASANOBU) (1761-1816)




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A pair of original paintings, full colour on silk, image size 38.5 x 15.5 in; 97.75 x 39.5 cms. Shows a courtesan on the left with a portrait of a novelist on the right. The paintings are signed “By special request” and were presumably commissioned by the novelist showing his paramour. I have not identified the novelist. Masanobu was a pupil of Shigemasa and was one of the leading authors and illustrators of kibyoshi, ehon and kyoka anthologies as well as being a painter and print artist. He illustrated the fine set of double-oban prints of courtesans in 1783-4: Yoshiwara keisai shin bijin awase jihitsu kagami. These painting must come from around this date as the pose of the courtesan is very similar to some of the figures in the above album. A controversial figure who ran foul of the authorities in 1789, subsequently ceasing to use the name Kitao Masanobu and thereafter his paintings are always spontaneous in an abbreviated style, often quite slight and signed Kyoden. Paintings fully finished like this are rare. In generally very good condition, although some loss of gofun. Signed Oju Kyoden Masanobu ga on each painting.

 

 

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    TORII School (c. late 1750’s)




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    An original painting, full colour on paper with gold additions, image size 30 x 10 in; 76 x 25.5 cms. Shows a beauty holding up a puppet of the actor Bando Hikosaburo II. Painted c. late 1750s and possibly by Torii Kiyomitsu. In good condition with seal Torii.

     

     

    Status: Available

     

     




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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] Rokujuyoshi 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 fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

       

      Status: Available

       

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        Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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        A triptych showing the priest Iwakura Sogen in a snowy garden. “Snow” from a set of three half-length portraits of actors with title: Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon, and Flowers.” Sogen was infatuated with the beautiful courtesan Irokotohime. He broke his vow of chastity and was expelled from his temple. Unfortunately, Irokotohime dies and Sogen is left with just his memories. There are other versions of this story and a play with the actor Onoe Baiko V. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890.

         
         

        Fine impression of the first edition with variegated and unaltered sub-cartouche. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.

         
         

        Status: Available

         
         

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          Torii KIYOHIRO (Active 1737-1776)

          Torii KIYOHIRO



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          A large oban, 17.25 x 12.25 in; 44 x 35.2 cms, sumizuri-e with hand-applied colour. Shows two ama, abalone divers, on the seashore with nets in the background , abalone shells at their feet and an octopus in the waves below them. The poem above speaks of the salty sea breeze wafting across the shore. Published by Maruya Kuzaemon (Gyokeido) c late 1730s. Extremely rare: Another impression is in the Ritsumeikan University, https://www.dh-jac.net/db/nishikie/Z0164-003/portal/

           
           

          Very good impression. Light soil, and lightly laid down. Faint fold marks, but generally good condition for its size and date. Signed Torii Kiyohiro hitsu.

           
           

          Status: Available

           
           

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            Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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            A triptych from a set of ten: Dai Nippon shiryaku zue, “Short Illustrated History of Great Japan.” Each print is in the form of an unrolled makimono. This design shows the third son of the twelfth century Emperor Keiko, Yamato Takeru no mikoto (Wo-usu). His father was constantly sending him on dangerous missions making him suspect that he wished his death. One such journey was to the Emishi in northeast Japan. On complaining about this to his high-priestess aunt, Yamatohime, she gave him the famous sword Ame no murakumo no hoken to aid him. On his arrival, the ruler of the Emishi lured him onto open grassland which he set on fire. Wo-usu used his sword to cut the grass, evade death, and start new fires to kill his enemy. Published by Kobayashi, 1880. A fine design.

             

            Fine impression of first edition. Fine colour. Very slight crease bottom margin of centre sheet, otherwise fine condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi.

             

            Status: Available

             

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              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. 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: Available

               

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                Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                A triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria. A rare and extremely unusual subject in Yoshitoshi’s canon of work. Koi are symbols of love and friendship in Japan. The breeding of ornamental carp began in the 1820s. The outside world was unaware of the advances in breeding colour variations until an annual exposition in Tokyo in 1914. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1889. There is an original drawing, most likely for this triptych, elsewhere on this site. A much sought after design.

                 
                 

                Very fine impression. Fine colour. Completely untrimmed with the extra margins around. Fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.

                 
                 

                Status: Available

                 
                 

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                  Kitagawa FUJIMARO (1790-1850)


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                  An original painting, full colour on silk, image size 35.25 x 13.5 in; 89.5 x 34.5 cms. Fujimaro was a talented late pupil of Utamaro. More than a dozen paintings are recorded by him including an example in the Portland Art Museum, acc. number 69.51. His best-known work is in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum depicting Yujyo risshi-zu and another four paintings of beauties in the four seasons is in the collection of the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, Tokyo. Shows a standing courtesan beside a vase containing peonies and cherry blossom. On her sumptuous costume are the black wheels of a hanaguruma, “flower cart.” These vehicles carried baskets with often elaborate arrangements of flowers. It seems more than coincidence that the vase is placed where the basket would have been on the cart.

                   

                  Painted c 1820. Signed Fujimaro with seal Yozan. Newly remounted and in fine condition with new box and futo-maki (thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage).

                   

                  Status: Available

                   


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                    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                    A triptych Taira Kiyomori hi no yamai no zu, “The Fever of Taira no Kiyomori.” Kiyomori’s wife, Niidono, dreams that the King of Hell, Ema, is coming for Kiyomori for his crime of burning the Rushana Buddha. His family gather around him and pray but to no avail. He dies on the 4/2/1181. Shows Niidono and her son beside a convulsed Kiyomori. Behind are visions of hell with Ema and figures who may have been Kiyomori’s victims. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1883.

                     

                    Fine impression, colour and condition. A lovely copy of this triptych. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.

                     

                    Status: Available

                     

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                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                      One of a set: Edo Murasaki meisho Genji, “Murasaki’s Genji in Famous Places of Edo.” Mitate Ukifune Sumidagawa no watashi, “A Parody of Ukifune Crossing the Sumida River.” Shows a beauty on a ferry crossing the Sumida River in heavy snow, representing Ukifune, one of the court ladies of the Genji Monogatari. Stylised clouds above and below copying the traditional kiri-gane gold found on Yamato-e scrolls. These Genji pictures were popular at this time to circumvent the reforms of 1842. Published by Kinseido (his seal also appearing on the umbrella bottom right). Rare.

                      Fine impression. Very good colour. Lower margin trimmed close, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                      Status: Available

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                        Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                        An o-tanzaku print, Yugao chapter from the fifty-four chapters of Genji, the Genji Monogatari. A tenth century romance written by Murasaki Shikibu. From a set Buyu nazoraye Genji, “Heroic Comparisons for the Chapters of Genji.” In this case showing Benkei creeping up on Ushiwaka on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto. The story relates how Benkei only needs one more blade to add to the 999 he has wrenched from samurai attempting to cross the bridge in order to fashion an invincible weapon. Benkei loses the fight and becomes Yoshitsune’s loyal retainer. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c. 1843.

                         

                        Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.

                         

                        Status: Available

                         

                         

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                          Shotei HOKUJU (Active 1787-1818)



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                          Kai no kuni Saruhashi no shinsha no zu, “A True View of the Monkey Bridge in the Province of Kai.” An impressive wooden bridge spans a deep chasm. It was called the “Monkey Bridge” because the original rickety plank structure was so precarious that only an agile monkey could cross it. Hokuju produced a number of these westernised landscapes and this is one of the best designs. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1815. It is also known with variant colour schemes.

                          Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed around and imperceptible centre fold. Signed Shotei Hokuju ga.

                          Status: Available

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                            Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1793)



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                            The actor Otani Hiroji III as a samurai, one sword drawn and facing an adversary. Shunsho was the founder of the Katsukawa school and had many pupils (including Hokusai [Shunro]). He was a prolific designer of hosoban actor prints and produced some of the finest designs in this format. Published c 1775.

                             
                             

                            Fine impression. Very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Shunsho ga.

                             
                             

                            Status: Available

                             
                             

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                              Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                              Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the ghost of Asakura Togo in the play Higashiyama Sakura zoshi, “The Story of Sakura of Higashiyama.” Based on historical events in 1653 with the characters’ names changed (Asakura Togo was actually Sakura Sogoro). The story tells of a village chief who was forced to witness the beheading of his sons before being crucified by the cruel samurai Lord Hotta Kozuki, after he had protested at the levy of unfair taxes. Sakura’s ghost returns to haunt Hotta’s castle. In fact the left sheet of a diptych. However, nearly always sold as a single sheet as the other side does not marry up, is undistinguished and was probably sold separately. Published by Sumiyoshi Masagoro, 1851. Beside the signature is the seal shita-uri, “low sale” meaning it was sold “under the counter” due to censorship laws prevalent at the time. This is the very rare first edition with the carver’s seal Hori Take, Yokokawa Takejiro, to the right of the publisher’s seal on the left. This was removed on later editions. One of the great ghost prints.

                               
                               

                              Fine impression, colour and condition with gum applied to the eyes (only found on the first edition).Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                               
                               

                              Status: Available

                               
                               

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                                Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                A poem by the celebrated poet Oe no Chisato from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teiki (1162-1241). Shows two porters with an empty palanquin beneath a haloed moon. One of the best designs from the set. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 prints are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:

                                 
                                 

                                Looking at the moon
                                Thoughts of a thousand things
                                Fill me with sadness –
                                But autumn’s dejection
                                Does not come to me alone

                                 
                                 

                                Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                 
                                 

                                Status: Available

                                 
                                 

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                                  Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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                                  The actor Otani Tomoemon V as Danshichi Kurobei, a fishmonger and an Osaka otokodate, in the drama Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami, “Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka.” From an untitled set of large-head actor portraits published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Based on actual events, the scene depicted here is from Act VII of the play where the heavily tattooed Danshichi has murdered his wife’s father, the untrustworthy Mikawaya Giheiji, and is pouring water from a bucket over himself to wash off the mud from the murder scene. Probably the best design from the set.

                                   
                                   

                                  Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Kunichika hitsu.

                                   
                                   

                                  Status: Available

                                   
                                   

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                                    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                    Jiki-tsuki-so: Kaei nenkan anego no fuzoku, “Looking as if Somebody is About to Arrive: The Appearance of a Fireman’s Wife in the Kaei Era [1848-1854].” A fireman’s wife waits for the return of the head of the household. From a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set depicts women of different backgrounds and occupations from the Kansei era through to the Meiji era with punning allusions to their situation or mood.

                                     
                                     

                                    Very fine impression of the true first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.

                                     
                                     

                                    Status: Available

                                     
                                     

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                                      Isoda KORYUSAI (1735-1790)



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                                      An hashira-e, “pillar print.” A night scene showing a beauty on the shoulders of her lover reaching up to a branch of plum blossom beneath a spring moon. From a set Furyu Rokkasen, “Fashionable Six Poetic Immortals,” this being a poem by Ariwara no Narihira (825-880) where the poet composes a poem inspired by a beauty he has seen. Koryusai was the master of this format. Pillar prints were introduced to hang, when mounted, on the pillars of a Japanese house. Consequently, they often come browned, creased or faded and finding good examples is difficult. Rare: Not in Pins.

                                       
                                       

                                      Very good impression and colour. Slightly toned, otherwise very good condition. Signed Koryusai ga.

                                       
                                       

                                      Status: Available

                                       
                                       

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                                        Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)



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                                        A snow scene showing Sakura Sogoro, the leader of a peasant rebellion, kneeling to thank the ferryman Jinbei for the selfless deed of taking him across Lake Inba. Soga watashiba no zu from Choga kyoshin kai. Published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1884.

                                         
                                         

                                        Fine impression, colour and condition with extensive splashed gofun. Signed Kiyochika ga

                                         
                                         

                                        Status: Available

                                         
                                         

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                                          Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                          A large original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 12 x 20.5 in; 30.5 x 52 cms. Shows a battle between two armies. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Julius Kurth (1870-1949), an eminent scholar who wrote extensively on Japanese and Chinese art. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.

                                           
                                           

                                          Status: Available

                                           
                                           

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                                            Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                            A large original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 15 x 20 in; 38 x 51 cms. Shows a large group of actors in front of a theatre. Most likely two sheets for an intended triptych. There appears to be the publisher’s seal Kiya Sojuro brushed-in at the bottom who was active c 1851-1904. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Julius Kurth (1870-1949), an eminent scholar who wrote extensively on Japanese and Chinese art. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.

                                             
                                             

                                            Status: Available

                                             
                                             

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                                              Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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                                              The actor Kawarasaki Sansho (later Ichikawa Danjuro IX) in the role of Sato Masakiyo in the Momoyama Goten Ohiroma scene from Momoyama Monogatari performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 8/1869. From a set of at least 22 prints published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Kunichika produced some fine triptychs (horizontal and vertical) as well as this fine set.

                                               
                                               

                                              Fine impression and colour. Slightly trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunichika hitsu.

                                               
                                               

                                              Status: Available

                                               
                                               

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                                                Katsukawa SHUNCHO(Fl. c 1780-1801



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                                                The first sheet of a triptych showing travellers on a mountain path – possibly the Tokaido Road. Published by Eijudo (Nishimuraya Yohachi), c 1790. Other impressions in the MFA Boston, acc. no. 21.5953 and the BM, 1910, 0212, 0.439. Little is known of Shuncho’s life. He was a pupil of Shunsho and heavily influenced by Kiyonaga. Probably the greatest exponent of the triptych format and a master of the pillar print format.

                                                 
                                                 

                                                Fine impression. Extremely good colour. Fine condition. Signed Shuncho ga.

                                                 
                                                 

                                                Status: Available

                                                 
                                                 

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                                                  Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



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                                                  A fan print showing the actor Bando Shuka I as Shirai Gonpachi from a set Mitate gonin otoko, go-hiiki no omoizashi, “A Parody of the Five Chivalrous Commoners: A Cup of Sake From Their fans.” Omoizashi means to pour sake for one’s loved one and indicates the adoration of the fans for their actors. Published by Yama-Ta, 2/1852.

                                                   
                                                   

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

                                                   
                                                   

                                                  Status: Available

                                                   
                                                   

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                                                    Teisai HOKUBA (1771-1844)



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                                                    One of Hokusai’s best pupils. Known for his paintings of beauties but also designed some fine surimono. An original fan painting showing a reclining beauty. Sumi and light red on silvered paper, 7.25 x 17.75 in; 18.5 x 45.2 cms. Removed from a fan, so rib folds and other minor marks. Signed Hokuba ga.

                                                     

                                                     

                                                    Status: Available

                                                     

                                                     

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                                                      Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                                                      A vertical double oban showing a falcon on a pine branch with a large red sun above. This was a very popular subject and many artists produced versions in different formats. However, I cannot, at the moment, locate another impression of this design. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, c 1830s. Extremely rare.

                                                       
                                                       

                                                      Fine impression and colour. Slight soil and several expertly repaired wormholes, but otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.

                                                       
                                                       

                                                      Status: Available

                                                       
                                                       

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                                                        Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                                                        A carp swimming among water-weed. The moon’s reflection in the blue water. There are various editions of this design: without the moon’s reflection; with and without the censor seal; with and without publisher’s seal; with and without currents in the water. Published by Ezakiya, c. 1843-6. Rare.

                                                         

                                                        Fine impression and colour. Faint vertical folds and two areas of sumi, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai with seals Ippitsuan and Keisai.

                                                         

                                                        Status: Available

                                                         

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                                                          Kishi GANTAI (1782-1865)




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                                                          An extremely large painting, 55.5 x 32 in; 141 x 81.3 cms, sumi and light colour on silk. Shows a pair of Sika deer, their summer coats spotted and white. Gantai was the son and pupil of Ganku, and together with his brother, Renzan, carried on the Kishi school tradition. With his father, worked on the paintings for the new Kanazawa Castle in 1809. A highly accomplished painter, especially of kachoga. This is possibly the largest Gantai painting and it’s interesting to compare with the gajo by him also offered on this update. In very good condition. Framed and glazed. Signed Chikuzennosuke Gantai hitsu with seals Gantai and Kunchin.

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Status: Available

                                                           

                                                           




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                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                            Oki Province, Takuhi Shrine. 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. The prows of two boats near the island of Nishinoshima. A torii seen at the top of the print indicates the Takuhi Shrine, one of the most important shrines dedicated to the gods of the sea.

                                                            Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                            Status: Available

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                                                              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, which has gradation down from the summit; and Worcester Art Museum which is similar to the Mets, 1901. 692. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, c. 1836.

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              Status: Available

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                                                                Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)



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                                                                Presumably the last sheet of a triptych (I cannot locate the complete design at the moment). Shows three geisha representing three of the Seven Lucky Gods: Benzaiten, Fukurokuji, Ebisu. The other sheets would show the other four. They are depicted on the Takarabune, ” Treasure Ship” which has been constructed on a stage with artificial water. Probably an event that occurred during the first three days of the New Year.. Published by Tsuruya Kinsuke, c 1802.

                                                                 
                                                                 

                                                                Fine impression. Extremely good colour. Fine condition. Signed Utamaro ga.

                                                                 
                                                                 

                                                                Status: Available

                                                                 
                                                                 

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                                                                  Kitagawa UTAMARO II (Fl. c 1807-1830s)



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                                                                  A courtesan and her Shinzo from a set Edo murasaki edoru hinagata, “Models Designed in the Purple of Edo.” A bluish purple as opposed to the more reddish purple from Kyoto. A pigment that had been extremely expensive and reserved for the elite few, but became cheaper and more accessible during the Edo period, fuelled by leading actors – such as Danjuro – wearing an Edo murasaki headband. Published 11/1807. Publisher unread.

                                                                   

                                                                  Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.

                                                                   

                                                                  Status: Available

                                                                   

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                                                                    Utagawa KUNIMASA II (KUNIMUNE II) (1792-1857)


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                                                                    An original painting, full colour on silk, 38.75 x 14 in; 98.5 x 35.6 cms. Shows a beauty at a Satori no Mado (round window of enlightenment) unrolling a handscroll, a willow tree above. Kunimasa II was a pupil of Toyokuni and, apart from paintings, also designed surimono. Another example is in the Art Gallery of NSW, acc. no 108.2019. In good condition. Signed Utagawa Kunimasa ga. Seal unread.

                                                                     
                                                                     

                                                                    Status: Available

                                                                     
                                                                     


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                                                                      Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)



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                                                                      A triptych showing the fight on the roof of the Horyukaku Tower of Koga Castle beside the Tone River. A popular scene from the complex novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden, “The Diary of Eight Dogs” by Takizawa Bakin (1767-1848). The macabre tale revolves around the eight offspring of a supernatural marriage between a princess and her father’s dog and their commitment to restore the fortunes of the samurai house of Satomi. Shows Inuzuka Shino Moritaka defending himself against the chief of police Inukai Kempachi Nobumichi. Published by Tsutaya Kichizo 1854.

                                                                       
                                                                       

                                                                      Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichijusai and Baichoro Kunisada ga.

                                                                       
                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Available

                                                                       
                                                                       

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                                                                        Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)



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                                                                        A triptych showing the Shinto Storm God Susanoo about to slay the eight-headed dragon, Yamata no Orochi, at the head of the Hi River in pouring rain. The dragon devoured virgins and had eaten the seven daughters of two earthly deities, seen top right. The eighth, Kushi-inada-hime, also on the right, is saved by Susanoo who encourages the dragon to drink eight-times brewed sake from eight vats which intoxicates it enough to be killed. Rare: Chikanobu is not known for this type of subject. Published c 1870s.

                                                                         

                                                                        Fine impression, colour and condition. Mica applied to sky and the rain printed in silver. Full size. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.

                                                                         

                                                                        Status: Available

                                                                         

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                                                                          Utagawa KUNIYASU (1794-1832)



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                                                                          A triptych Soshu Enoshima Benzaiten Iwaya narabi sairei no zu, “Picture of Iwaya, the Main Shrine, Pilgrims to the Display of Benzaiten at Enoshima.” Enoshima island was a popular place to visit with the Iwaya caves and the shrine of the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten (Benten), goddess of the arts, entertainment and wealth, and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. A fascinating print showing a multitude of various visitors. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, late 1820s. Rare.

                                                                          Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kuniyasu ga.

                                                                          Status: Available

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                                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)



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                                                                            Nikko Shimofuri no taki, “Shimofuri Waterfall in Nikko” from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1859).

                                                                             
                                                                             

                                                                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                             
                                                                             

                                                                            Status: Available

                                                                             
                                                                             

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                                                                              Kitagawa TSUKIMARO (Active c 1804-1836)



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                                                                              An original painting, full colour on dark silk, 33.5 x 11.5 in; 85 x 29 cms. Shows a Chinese beauty – possibly Yang Guikei – collecting medicinal leaves from a Japanese spice bush. An intriguing painting with Ukiyo-e elements fused with both Chinese and Western styles. Tsukimaro was Utamaro’s best pupil and his paintings are rare. Painted c 1818.

                                                                              Some loss of gofun but generally good condition. Newly mounted with new box. Signed Bokutei Tsukimaro hitsu with two unidentified seals.

                                                                              Status: Available




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                                                                                Kawanabe KYOSAI (GYOSAI) (1831-1889)




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                                                                                A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early age studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Tohaku Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Was famous for his crow paintings but also loved skeletons. This newly discovered painting shows a full-length skeleton humorously hiding its genital area – not with a fig-leaf – but a large lotus leaf. Sumi and light green on silk, 38.75 x 13 in; 98.5 x 33 cms. Interestingly, a very faint under-drawing can be seen where he first thought of placing the figure.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                Many copies of his work. In very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai with bell seal.

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                Status: Available

                                                                                 




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