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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Fl. c 1850-1880)
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An okubi-e of the onnagata actor Bando Mitsugoro V in the role of Shindo Saemon’s daughter Yushide. From a set of large heads of actors past and present which were to be the pinnacle of Kunisada’s career. The set was intended to have one hundred and fifty prints but only seventy-two were completed (with Yoshitora designing twelve). Only the most expensive materials and the finest printers and engravers were employed. Shows Yushide in the play Karukaya doshin tsukushi no iezuto who, in a fit of remorse, stabs herself in the throat with an arrow (seen here used as a hair pin). Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, 1862.
Very fine impression and colour. Fine condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Shibuya Konnomaru Masatoshi from a set Edo meisho zue, “Famous Places of Edo.” This being Shibuya. Published by Iseya Chusuke 1852.
Very good impression. Good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (centre) battling Shirakura Dengoemon (left) and his henchmen. The story usually relates how a jealous Dengoemon plots to kill Musashi by inebriating him and locking him in a bath house without his sword. However, Musashi, wielding a huge broken beam, slays Dengoemon and his followers aided by Dengoemon’s daughter Itohagi (right) who has fallen in love with Musashi. Kuniyoshi, however, depicts the event beside a mill-stream and a large waterwheel. Seiran, “Clearing Weather” from a set Mitate hakkei, “Selection for the Eight Views.” Published by Joshuya Juzo, 1846.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A vertical diptych showing the actor Onoe Kikugoro V as the archvillain and sorcerer Nikki Danjo emanating in a cloud of smoke from his alter ego – the giant rat. He holds in his mouth the scroll containing the names of the conspirators given to Masaoka which he has purloined. This is one of the great scenes in Kabuki from the play Meibuku Sendai hagi, “Precious Incense and the Bush Clover of Sendai.” Kikugoro rises through a trapdoor (suppon) which is on the hanamachi leading out from the Kabuki stage. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Heavy oxidation, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Kawamata TSUNEYUKI (1677-c 1744)
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An original painting, full colour on paper, 13 x 19 in; 33 x 48.3 cms. Shows a reclining beauty playing a shamisen. The subtle outline of her body can be seen through her yukata. A tasseled pillow behind her and a fan lying on the floor. Tsuneyuki was the founder of the Kawamata School. (A pupil was Kawamata Tsunemasa.) Little is known of his life and there are few paintings: A group were in Christies NY, 27/10/1998, lots 40, 42, 44, 45; and there are examples in the BM, reg. no 1931,1116,0.2, the Met, acc. no 36.100.90, and the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, acc. no. F1898.118. Two small areas of restoration only visible obliquely, otherwise good condition for its period. Presented in double box. Signed Tsuneyuki hitsu with one seal Tsuneyuki, the other unread.
Status: Available
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Sakai HOITSU (1761-1828)
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One volume complete Oson gafu, “Drawing Book of Oson.” (This being one of the artist’s names taken from the village Uguisu-mura where he lived in retirement.) The Rimpa artist Hoitsu revived the work of Ogata Korin (1658-1716). Dated on the first preface Bunka 13 (1816) and was originally published by Izumiya Shojiro, but this is an early reissue published by Tohekido (Eirakuya Toshiro in Nagoya). Another impression is in the BM, 1942,0918,0.2. Twenty-five double-page illustrations in muted tones of birds, flowers, figures, etc. Original yellow covers with title slip. Bound in Japanese brocade boards. This was a method used by the leading French collectors of Japanese books such as Javal, Duret, Haviland, Gonse, etc, hence, this will have come from one of those collectors. A very nice copy with only minimal marks.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A poem by the celebrated poet Bunya no Yasuhide from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). The poet in the background watches as a fierce wind blows away some of the umbrellas that are being made. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:
The mountain wind in autumn time
Is well called “hurricane”;
It hurries canes and twigs along,
And whirls them o’er the plain
To scatter them again
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling of border but otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A sheet of original drawings being hanshita-e for an ehon. Shows, above, a seated samurai and a female figure to the right holding a mirror. Below, actors in a garden setting. Sumi with touches of red on thin paper laid onto thicker Japanese paper, 14 x 10 in; 36 x 25 cms. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
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