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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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A dramatic shini-e (“memorial picture”) of the kabuki actor Nakamura Utaemon IV. Unsigned, as is usual with this sort of print, but the attribution to Kuniyoshi is certain: An original Kuniyoshi preparatory drawing for this print exists in the Rijksmuseum, Leiden (3513-663). Utaemon is shown in the role of Taira Kiyomori, the leader of the Taira Clan, seen here dressed as a monk. The print gives the date of his death as 17/2/1852. The tanka poem, above, is by Kuniyoshi’s friend the poet Umeya Kakuju (Murota Matabei).

 
 

Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming and centre fold, otherwise very good condition.

 
 

Status: Available

 
 

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    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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    Shows Endo Morito about to murder Kesa Gozen’s husband in his bedroom. Morito became enamoured of Kesa Gozen although she was married to a palace guard. She eventually succumbs to his advances on the condition that he kills her husband. However, she takes the place of her husband in bed and is subsequently killed by him. Full of remorse Morito changes his name to Mongaku and does penance under the Nachi Falls. A famous scene much depicted in Japanese art. From a set Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883.

     
     

    Fine impression: This is the first edition with three-colour cartouche and small red seals in left margin. There are late editions of this set. It was republished by Tsunajima Kamekichi in 1886. Fine colour and condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.

     
     

    Status: Available

     
     

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      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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      Shows Kon Sosho (Chin. Gongsun Sheng), a famous character from the Chinese popular novel Tales of the Water Margin (Jap. Suikoden). A Taoist sorcerer known as “Dragon in the Clouds” he was able to conjure up wind and rain, as here, where he is seen standing on a rocky promontory summoning up the Storm Dragon from the sea. From the set Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Ghost Stories of China and Japan,” published by Daikin, 1865.

       
       

      Fine impression and colour. Small backed wormhole in top right corner and has original album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.

       
       

      Status: Available

       
       

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        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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        Momotaro, “Peach Boy” with two of his companions: the talking dog and monkey battling an oni on Onigashima. Momotaro invokes a storm with thunder and lightning using Raijin’s drums. The story relates how an old childless couple discovered the child in a peach floating down a river. They adopted him and he evolved into a child of enormous strength. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, 1818-20. Very Rare.

         
         

        Very good impression and colour. Backed, centre fold and slight trimming. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

         
         

        Status: Available

         
         

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          Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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          A triptych Goketsu kijutsu kurabe, “A competition Among Powerful Magicians.” Published by Masadaya, 1869. A compilation of well known sorcerers, wizards and magicians. From right to left: Iwafuji Tsubone, Senkanja Yoshitora, Orochimaru, Otomo Wakanahime, Madamaru, Sumizu Kanja Yoshitaka, Mori Soiken, Kusunoki Goma-hime.

           
           

          Good impression, colour. Slight toning, otherwise good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu, Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga, Oju Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.

           
           

          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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              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.

               

               

              Status: Available

               

               




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                Cho GESSHO (1772-1832)



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                A large original painting of moored junks caught in a violent squall. A fine painter who studied under Tanke Gessen and Matsumura Goshun in Kyoto before moving to Nagoya in 1798 and becoming Nagasawa Rosetsu’s assistant for a short time. Also illustrated some fine ehon. Sumi and colour on silk with the currents of air painted in gold; 55.25 x 26 in; 140.25 x 66 cms. Painted c. 1810s. Provenance: Two previous owners’ seals on the exterior of mount: The Honda family library and the Ueno family. Old box with inscription which states that Gessho wanted to acquire a painting from the Owari district. Although not intrinsically valuable it was esteemed by the local people. He offered to exchange the painting offered here for their painting. There is a dig here in that the inhabitants of Owari were known to be avaricious. Written by Mizutani Okurei (1848-1926). Presumably based on the accounts of the two previous family owners.

                Signed Gessho with seal: Yukisada, Genkei, Gessho. Obviously an important painting by Gessho and in very good condition.

                Status: Available



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                  Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                  The poet Dainagon Tsunenobu (1016-97), seated at the window of his study having recited his most famous poem which speaks of the evening breeze in Autumn, is visited by an enormous ghost who screams a poem by the Chinese poet Bai Juyi (Jap: Hakuraten). From a set Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets.” A compilation by the celebrated poet Fujiwara Teika in 1235. Only 58 of the set are known published by Ebine c 1840-42. A number of variant impressions exist of this design with the apparition printed either much darker or lighter, or the background darker and other minor differences. These all appear to be contemporaneous as the printers experimented. This impression appears to be the most successful. A fine design from an underrated set.

                   
                   

                  Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chooro 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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                      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 HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                        Sumidagawa hazakura no kei, “Cherry Trees along the Sumida River” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first landscape set. The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the design. These were removed on later editions. There are also variant states with different shading. Rare.

                         
                         

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

                         
                         

                        Status: Available

                         
                         

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                          Utagawa 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.

                           
                           

                          Fine impression and colour. Probably the earliest printing. Slight trimming on right margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                           
                           

                          Status: Available

                           
                           

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                            Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



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                            A woman peering through a gap in a shoji from a set Arigataki miyo no kage e “Shadow Pictures for Our Blessed Times.” Published by Maruya Seijiro c. 1845-6 and is based on strong light sources shining on beauties. This chiaroscuro technique was pioneered by Shumman and used by Utamaro and Toyokuni I.

                             

                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga.

                             

                            Status: Available

                             

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                              Utagawa TOYOMARU (SHUNRO II) (Act. 1785-1797)



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                              The actor Onoe Matsusuke, probably in the role of Matsuo-maru in the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami. Published c 1780s by Igaya Kan’emon (Bunkido).

                              Fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Toyomaru ga.

                              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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                                  Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                  The actor Onoe Kikugoro III as the ghost of Yasukata from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Nakatsukasa.The ghost haunted the ruined palace of Soma at Sashima. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.

                                   
                                   

                                  Fine early impression. Fine colour. Very small binding holes and slight discolouration at left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni 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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                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                      Seki and Kameyama from the chuban Muraichi Tokaido. The set of 56 prints published by Muraichi, 1852. Printed two-to-a-sheet uncut and probably from a complete proof set. Double censor’s seals Murata and Kinugasa and date seal 2ic/1852 top right.

                                       

                                       

                                      Fine impressions with strong woodgrain showing. Fine colour. Very small binding holes in right border, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga on each print.

                                       

                                       

                                      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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                                          Maruyama OKYO (1733-1795)



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                                          One volume complete Okyo gafu, “Book of Paintings by Okyo.” Original covers and title slip. A large book, 11.5 x 7.5 in; 28.4 x 19.2 cms folding out to 11.5 x 15 in; 28.4 x 38 cms. Published by Hishiya Magobe. Dated 1833 but first published 1850 (dated Kaei 3 [1850] at end). Twenty-four pages of sumi illustrations based on Okyo’s paintings. Arguably the most important Maruyama-Shijo painter. A tour de force of the block-cutters’ art replicating Okyo’s brush strokes. Minor imperfections but otherwise a very nice example of this work. Mitchell, p.441, example “A.”

                                           
                                           

                                          Status: Available

                                           




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                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                            An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 11 x 18 in; 28 x 45.75 cms. Shows the sea off the Miura Peninsula in Sagami Province with Mount Fuji rising above mist in the distance. Hiroshige used the same view for one of his designs for the Thirty-six Views of Fuji set published in 1858. A beautiful painting with a signature dating it to the mid to late 1830s.

                                             
                                             

                                            Minor creasing and old mount, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige with Hiro seal.

                                             
                                             

                                            Status: Available

                                             
                                             


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                                              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                              A geisha partly illuminated by a lantern on a boat from a set Tsuki no kage shinobiau yo, “Secret Meetings by Moonlight.” Published jointly by Izumiya ichibei (as here) and Yamamoto Kyubei, c. 1836-38.

                                               
                                               

                                              Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                                               
                                               

                                              Status: Available

                                               
                                               

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                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                An original drawing, sumi and colour on thin paper laid onto Japanese paper. A preliminary design for a fan print, the outline indicated in red. Apparently never published. Shows a woman in the box on the left picking mulberry leaves (?), signed Ryusai. And in the box on the right a woman possibly in the process of spinning silk, signed Hiroshige. Good condition.

                                                 
                                                 

                                                Status: Available

                                                 
                                                 

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                                                  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. Fine design.

                                                   
                                                   

                                                  Very fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                   
                                                   

                                                  Status: Available

                                                   
                                                   

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                                                    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                    Looking Itchy: the appearance of a kept woman of the Kaei era [1848-1854]. Shows a beauty emerging from a mosquito net that has apparently not been entirely successful. 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 with strong blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                     
                                                     

                                                    Status: Available

                                                     
                                                     

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                                                      Utagawa KUNIYASU (1794-1832)



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                                                      Shows a beauty after a bath. The poem above compares her to the young green shoots of the willow tree in spring. Published by Omiya Heihachi, c. 1820.

                                                       
                                                       

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

                                                       
                                                       

                                                      Status: Available

                                                       
                                                       

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                                                        Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)



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                                                        A triptych with title Taiheike Yakiyama-Goye no zue, “Picture of the Slope of Burning Mountain in the Taiheiki.” Shows the Japanese Daimyo Sato Masakiyo (Kato Kiyomasa), who was a leading general in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea, far left, and his men encountering a monstrous serpent surrounded by bats, tengu and flying goblins on a haunted mountain. Published by Kagaya Kichibei, 1861.

                                                         

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

                                                         

                                                        Status: Available

                                                         

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                                                          Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                                          An original hanshita-e (preparatory drawing) for a triptych showing, from the left, the actor Bando Takesaburo I as Nagoya Sanza, Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as the Shinzo (“courtesan’s apprentice”), and Nakamura Fukusuke I as Fuwa Banzaemon. This is actually from the dance Sanpukutsui Kabuki no irodori performed at the Ichimura-za theatre, 5/1855. The publisher was Sanoki. These first drafts by the artist themselves survive because a more detailed drawing was needed by the blockcutter, and this was normally given to an assistant to execute. Or the drawing was never taken up by the publisher, for whatever reason. Sumi and touches of red with some pentimenti. Signed Toyokuni ga on the three sheets. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Status: Available

                                                           

                                                           

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                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                            Izumo, taisha Hotohoto no zu, “Izuma [Province], Hotohoto Festival at Izumo Shrine.” Shows pilgrims to the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. A heavy mist scene with the torii gate seen to the right. Every year from the 11th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month (usually November) all Shinto’s deities from around Japan supposedly assembled here. It is also the shrine to visit in the hope of finding a partner. 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. Light album backing and very small wormhole at extreme edge of margin, top left, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                            Status: Available

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                                                              ANONYMOUS (Mid to late 19th century)


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                                                              A fine original painting in muted tones on silk, 43.75 x 16.5 in; 111.2 x 41.9 cms. Shows a vengeful female ghost (yurei) emanating from a ball of fire. She wears a plain white kyokatabira (funeral robe), has long unkept hair and her claw-like hand clutches her skeletal chest. Yurei-zu reached a peak of popularity in the 19th century, there being a seemingly insatiable demand from the public for stories of ghosts, demons and the supernatural reflected in popular fiction, Kabuki drama and art in general. These ghost paintings were often not signed: This one bears two seals reading “surpassing lotus” and “happy and heaven.” In very good condition with the surrounding mount: hashira and ichimonji areas painted in imitation of silk (kaki byoso) and the image overlapping these areas.

                                                               
                                                               

                                                              Status: Available

                                                               
                                                               


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                                                                Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (FL. 1684-1704)




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                                                                An original painting showing a high-ranking samurai household at leisure. Moroshige was the senior pupil of Hishikawa Moronobu, and, it is said, was the father of Furuyama Moromasa. Sumi and full colour with gold additions on paper. 11.5 x 19 in; 29 x 48.25 cms. This is most likely from a handscroll as the height is correct, and the slight vertical striations indicate it has been rolled at some time. Painted c. 1700. Some slight loss of pigments, especially the verdigris and minor marks, but all commensurate with the age of the painting. The details on the costumes of the two main figures are exquisite.

                                                                Status: Available




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                                                                  KYOJINSAI (Fl. c 1789-1801)



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                                                                  A large and fine original painting by an artist whom I am unable to find in the literature; possibly a pseudonym. Shows a high-ranking courtesan wearing a sumptuous kimono under cherry blossom. Full colour on paper, 49.25 x 20 in; 125 x 51 cms. The calligraphy above is by Kan’watei Onitake, best known as the author of a series of yomihon entitled Katakiuchi kidan Jiraiya setsuwa , “The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya,” also known as the Jiraiya monogatari published in 11 volumes from 1806-7. The protagonist was a thief-come-wizard who is usually depicted astride a giant toad. Onitake was a pupil of Tani Buncho, Kyokutei Bakin and Santo Kyoden. It translates as a courtesan musing on the fact that customers’ attention in the spring turns to buying many things and, as the sun sets, will there be many clients in the Yoshiwara gathering as thickly as the cherry blossom. Signed Kan’watei Onitake san with a kakihan of an octopus. On the right the signature and seal of Kyojinsai. On the lid of the box is an inscription reading Kansei-ki Kyojinsai-hitsu oka no tayu sugata gasan, “A Kansai period inscribed painting of a high-class courtesan under cherry blossoms brushed by Kyojinsai.” And a repeat of the Onitake inscription. On the inside of lid: Showa shinyu Yayoi chukan, “Mid-March of the metal rooster [Showa 56/1981].” Appraised by Kimura Suetsuke ((a dealer and Ukiyo-e expert). Very good condition.

                                                                  Status: Available




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                                                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                    Omi, Biwako Ishiyamadera, “Ishiyama Temple and Lake Biwa in Omi [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. Moonlight on Lake Biwa is one of the iconic Eight Views of Omi.

                                                                     

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

                                                                     

                                                                    Status: Available

                                                                     

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                                                                      Ikeda EISEN (1790-1848)



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                                                                      Two beauties in front of a mirror, Ada ni torikumite, “Grudge Match” from a set Ukiyo shiju hatte, “Forty-eight Habits of the Floating World.” This was a popular title for sets of prints – especially during the next thirty years. The sub-titles are quite obtuse, whereas in later series – for example Kuniyoshi’s set of c 1846 – the meanings are self-evident. A fine double okubi-e set published by Matsumura Tatsuemon, c 1821-22. Eisen was a prolific and repetitive artist but produced some fine landscapes and okubi-e sets. Rare.

                                                                       
                                                                       

                                                                      Fine impression. Slight fading and minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.

                                                                       
                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Available

                                                                       
                                                                       

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                                                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                                                        An original painting showing the old lighthouse at Tempozan, Osaka. To the left is the mount which was formed by earth dredged from the Ajigawa in 1831 to allow easier access for ships. In the foreground masts of moored vessels. There appear to be few images of this lighthouse. It was replaced by a lighthouse designed by the British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses” in 1872. Sumi and light colour on paper, 12.75 x 20.25 in ; 32.4 x 51.4 cms.

                                                                         

                                                                         

                                                                        Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. Very good condition.

                                                                         

                                                                         

                                                                        Status: Available

                                                                         

                                                                         




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                                                                          Uragami GYOKUDO (1745-1820)


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                                                                          An original painting, sumi with light touches of pink on paper. Image size 10.4 x 14.2 in; 26 x 36 cms. Shows a hilly landscape with a small figure crossing a bridge bottom left. Gyokudo is now considered the leading exponent of Nanga painting. An artist whose spontaneous paintings often appear as though executed under deep emotion or when partially intoxicated. Now greatly admired in Japan and the West with many fakes. His father was of samurai rank and Gyokudo initially served a nobleman, Ikeda Masake, in Bizen. However, his passion for music, painting and verse composition caused him to become a wanderer in 1794. His bohemian life eventually leading him to Kyoto where he joined the literati circles of Mokubei and Chikuden. Most paintings done after 1794 and this example probably dates to around 1800-1810.

                                                                           
                                                                           

                                                                          Signed Gyokudo with two indistinct seals. Good condition.

                                                                           
                                                                           

                                                                          Status: Available

                                                                           
                                                                           


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                                                                            Oda KAISEN (1785-1862)



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                                                                            A concertina painting album, full colour on paper, 11 x 6.5 in; 28 x 16.5 cms folding out to 11 x 13 in; 28 x 33 cms. Twenty six paintings in the Shijo manner. Kaisen moved to Kyoto when he was 22 years old and studied under Matsumura Goshun but later switched from the Maruyama Shijo school to study Nanga painting with Rai San’yo.

                                                                             
                                                                             

                                                                            Minor wormage, otherwise good condition. Complete with original covers and wooden box. seal.

                                                                             
                                                                             

                                                                            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 leading to the Buddhist Haruna shrine. Below is a fast flowing river with precipitous cliffs. Fantastic crags point upwards into the sky and in the distance is the dormant volcano Mount Haruna.

                                                                               
                                                                               

                                                                              Good impression and colour. Slight soil on bottom left margin, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                               
                                                                               

                                                                              Status: Available

                                                                               
                                                                               

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                                                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                                Mimasaka, Yamabushidani, “Mimasaka [Province], Yamabushi Valley.”A high wind and rain in the valley with a man on a raft on the Yoshi River. Other figures in the foreground, one having lost his hat. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

                                                                                 
                                                                                 

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

                                                                                 
                                                                                 

                                                                                Status: Available

                                                                                 
                                                                                 

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