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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
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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2 vols. complete: Kanjaku tsuizen hanashidori, “The Liberated Birds: A Memorial Book for Kanjaku.” A memorial book for the actor Nakamura Utaemon who died in 1852. He had the literary name of Kanjaku, meaning ”playing with sparrows” and the covers and many illustrations allude to this custom of releasing birds at funerals. Vol. 1: 1st preface , 3pp. giving the biography of Utaemon IV; poem 1p. 3 sheets: calligraphy (in ishizuri), 1p.; illustrations in colour, 5pp. signed on first page Toyokuni (III). Sheets 1-8: 2nd preface, 5pp., remaining pp. text, poems and colour illustrations. Sheets 1-75 with 15 single-page and 62 double-page illustrations in sumi and light colour. Inside back cover: colophon dated Kaei 5 (1852). Vol. 2: 110 sheets of text, poems, and illustrations. 38 single-page and 50 double-page illustrations (many in colour and includes a double-page illustration by Kuniyoshi). Last page, colophon, dated Kaei 5 (1852). Original covers with clouds and sparrows. Some soil and minor damage. One title slip missing and other damaged. Contents extremely good.
Status: Available
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Volume 11 from the Manga. Front cover with original pink title slip: (Denshin kaishu) Hokusai manga juichihen, (“Transmitted from the Gods.”) “Hokusai’s Sketches, Vol. 11.” Original grey covers with burnished wave and diamond pattern. Inside front cover catalogue of newly published books; 2 pages preface and 29 numbered pages comprising 56 illustrations , 36 single page and 10 double page. 2 pages block-holders catalogue and inside back cover catalogue of newly published books. The extremely rare first edition published by Eirakuya Toshiro, Nagoya, c. 1834. The Manga was eventually completed in 15 volumes (the last two posthumously). The first 10 volumes published by Kadomaruya Jinsuke, Edo and Eirakuya Toshiro, Nagoya, 1814-1819; vols. 11 and 12 by Eirakuya only, c. 1834; vol. 13 by Eirakuya only, c. 1849; vol. 14 by Eirakuya only, c. 1850s; vol. 15 by Eirakuya only, 1878. Initially based on sketches produced on a visit to his friend and pupil Maki Bokusen in Nagoya in 1812. These sketches were collated by Bokusen and Katsushika Hoku’un and published in 1814. Other pupils collected sketches and so the set expanded. The books were enormously influential and popular, not just in Japan, but in the West and were endlessly reprinted giving rise to a plethora of late editions. In 1831, the German Phillip Franz von Siebold, reproduced images from the Manga in lithograph in his Archiv zur Beschreibung von Japon. They were also highly admired by the Impressionists, especially Manet and Bracquemond.
Fine impressions of the first edition. Some minor defects but otherwise in very good condition.
Status: Available
Kawamura BUMPO (1779-1821)
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I volume complete Bumpo gafu (Sampen), “Album of Drawings by Bumpo” (3rd Series”). Original light grey covers with burnished pattern. Original title slip. Preface 3 pp., with 18 double-page and 32 single-page illustrations in sumi and light colour numbered 1 – 35. Colophon dated Bunka 10 (1813).(First edition.) Signed Bumpo with publishers Kawachiya Kihei and Yoshidaya Shimbei. Fine impressions. Very good condition with no thumbing to corners.
Status: Available
Onishi CHINNEN (1792-1851)
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One volume complete Azuma no teburi, “Customs of the Eastern Capital”. Published Bunsei 12 (1829). Original covers, light blue-grey with silver stencilled decoration. Original title slip (damaged). Inside front cover title Taihei Uzo (the original title). Artist: Chinnen, and publisher Sonando. 25 double page illustrations showing the inhabitants of the capital going about their daily pursuits. Inside back cover: Colophon, dated Bunsei 12 (1829) and publishers Kobayashi Shimbei and Osakaya Gembei. Slight repared wormage and minor marks, but generally a nice copy of a fine shijo book.
Status: Available
Suzuki HARUNOBU (c 1725-1770)
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Two volumes complete: Ehon haru no nishiki, “Picture Book: The Brocades of Spring.” Vol. 1: 1 page preface dated Kanoto U (1770); single page and 8 double page colour prints. Vol. 2: 1 single page and 8 double page colour prints. 1 page colophon with date, publisher, block-cutter and artist as Suzuki Harunobu with his seal. 2 pages publisher’s announcements. Published by Yamazaki Kimbe, Edo. This is the first edition, Meiwa 8 (1771). Other copies are in the MFA, Boston, acc. no 1997.477.1-2 and Philadelphia Museum of Art, acc. no. 1970-46-1. Provenance: Ex collections H.M.Kaempfer and Hayashi (their seals on the first page of each volume). Original covers and title slips. Covers worn. Some soil and edge restoration. Very good impressions with generally very good colour. Rare in the first edition.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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One volume complete: Hokusai soga, “Hokusai’s Free Sketches.” Two versions of this publication are known: Solely printed in sumi and ( as here ) sumi with gradated shading and a pink block. This version also with the colophon. Both are almost certainly contemporaneous. Contain’s some of Hokusai’s best known images and was considered by Jack Hillier to contain “the finest figure prints by Hokusai.” Published 1820 by Eirakuya, Nagoya; Surawaya Mohei and seven others in Edo.
Original light blue burnished covers. Original title slip. Some slight damage to covers, and thumbing on some pages, but overall a very nice copy with fine impressions.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Two volumes complete Yakusha sugao natsu no Fuji, “Portraits of Actors Compared to Fuji in the Summer.” (In other words, without white makeup.) Vol. one: Preface signed Santoan Kyozan. Frontispiece illustration showing Mt. Fuji and nine double-page illustrations of actors and their acolytes in a variety of pursuits offstage. Postscript dated Bunsei 11 (1828). Vol: two: Preface by Tsuruya Namboku IV dated 9/1827. Frontispiece illustration showing a washbowl and fan and nine double-page illustrations of actors from Edo, Kyoto and Osaka. Postscript signed Kochoro Utagawa Kunisada ga with seal Gotokan to tekichoku ko and the publishers: Tsuruya Kiemon; Yamamoto Kyubei; Eijudo (Nishimuraya Yohachi); Kansendo (Izumiya Ichibei); Kinrindo (Moriya Jihei). This fascinating book shows actors in and around their residencies. Replaced title slips and covers. Fine impressions and very good colour. Minor marks and thumbing. Rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa YOSHITORA (active c. 1850-1880)
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One volume complete Kyoka chakizai gazoshu, “Tea Ceremony Utensils, a Kyoka Collection.” Published Ansei 2, 1855 by Seiryuteizo. Inside front cover artists given as Ichiryusai Hiroshige and Ichimosai Yoshitora. Three pages preface; three pages decorative labels; four pages landscapes by Hiroshige (including the Uji River – a prime tea growing area); twelve pages of portraits by Yoshitora; twenty-one pages kyoka poems. Original covers with a hand inscribed title slip. Ex collection Edmond de Goncourt with his brocade binding and imitation wood slipcase. In very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A complete set of Kyoka Edo meisho zue, “Collection of Pictures of the Famous Places of Edo in Kyoka.” Fourteen volumes (sixteen books) dated Ansei 3, 1856. Artist: Ryusai Hiroshige ga, with volumes fifteen and sixteen being by Hiroshige II. Compiler of poems: Tenmei Rojin. Publisher not given. Book 1: 25 sheets, 11 illustrations. Book 2: 24 sheets, 10 illustrations. Book 3: 23 sheets, 10 illustrations. Book 4: 19 sheets, 9 illustrations. Books 5-6: 34 sheets, 15 illustrations. Book 7: 22 sheets, 9 illustrations. Book 8: 21 sheets, 9 illustratins. Book 9: 22 sheets, 9 illustrations. Book 10: 21 sheets, 8 illustrations. Book 11: 14 sheets, 6 illustrations. Book 12: 18 sheets, 7 illustrations. Book 13: 16 sheets, 6 illustrations. Book 14: 16 sheets, 8 illustrations. Books 15-16: 23 sheets, 9 illustrations. The monochrome illustrations show the popular life of Edo as well as the views. Original covers and title slips.
In very good condition. Rare complete.
Status: Sold
Kawamura BUMPO (1779-1821) and Watanabe NANGAKU (1763-1813)
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One volume complete Kaido kyoka awase, “Comparison of Kyoka Poems on the Highway.” Three pages preface signed Bumpo and thirty-six double-page illustrations alternating by Nangaku and Bumpo; last page colophon dated Bunka 8 (1811) with artists Nangaku Tseki and Bumpo Basei. Publishers Kawachiya Kihei, Osaka, and Yoshidaya Shimbei, Kyoto. Original embossed yellow covers with original title slip. Originally published in two volumes with the poems in volume one and almost immediately reissued as a one volume work, as here. Numerous collectors’ seals: Tanido Kyohitsu, Seiyo Kosetsu, and Edmond de Goncourt with his brocade binding and imitation wood slipcase. A beautiful example of this fine Shijo book in very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
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One of Toyokuni’s most famous books: 2 volumes bound as one, Yakusha Awase Kagami, “A Mirror of Actors’ Physiognomy.” Published Kyowa 4 (1804) by Bunshundo and Yamadaya Sanshiro. Vol. I, 4pp. preface, undated, 18 single-page half-length portraits of actors below kyoka poems. Vol. II, 15 single-page half-length portraits, followed by single page poem signed Ichikawa Hakuen (Danjuro V), 4pp. postscript, signed Kankoku. Lacking original covers with publisher Toto Banshundo on inside cover of Vol. I. Also lacking 2pp. second postscript by Banshundo and colophon. Very minor soil and three portraits with colour turned, otherwise very fresh impressions. Extremely Rare.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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One volume Shuzo suiko meimei den, Shohen, “ Portraits of the Characters in the Suikoden, First Series.” Original embossed orange covers with yellow title slip. Inside front cover title and signature within a western-style surround. Preface 6 pp. including two double-page colour illustrations, last sheet dated Keio 3 ( 1867 ). And 18 numbered pages with 36 illustrations of Suikoden warriors on yellow grounds. Inside back cover advertisements. Published by Odawaraya Yashichi, Edo. In extremely good condition. Superb engraving ( by Egawa Ichigoro ). Presumably a response to the copper plate books and prints being circulated at the time. There is a two volume variant of this book printed in just sumi and blue. However, judging from the impressions in this one volume version with woodgrain showing and blind printing, this must be a very early printing.
Status: Sold
[Shiba] Shin nigao-e (Published 1915)
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Five volumes complete: [Shibai] Shin nigao-e. Published in Tokyo Taisho 4 (1915) and illustrated by Natori Shunsen, Yamamura Koka, Torii Kotondo, Ishida Hakutei and others.
Volume one: 18.5 x 12.5 cm. Original covers, beige. The abbreviated title: Shin nigao and volume number are printed directly on the cover. On the right is the publication date, June 1, Taisho 4 (1915), and a note that subsequent numbers will be published on the first day of each month. Table of contents. Preface by Kinoshita Sataro. The fourteen colour woodcut portraits are by Natori Shunsen (5), Matsuda Seifu (4), Yamamura Koka (3), Torii Kotondo (1), and Ogawa Heibei (1). Block cutter: Igami Bonkotsu. Printer: Namamura Sanjiro. The text on actors and roles are mainly printed on tissue interleaves. Colophon page, dated June 1, Taisho 4 (1915). Compiler: Egawa Kinpei. Published by Nigao-do.
Volume two: 25.2 x 18.7 cm. Covers, light blue. The abbreviated title and volume number are printed directly on the cover. The first actor print is pasted to the cover, credited internally to Natori Shunsen. Front endpaper, table of contents. The forteen woodcut portraits are by Shunsen (4, including the cover), Koka (3), Terazawa Kotaro (2), Isshii Hakutei (2), Matsuda Seifu (2), Heibei (1). Colophon, dated July 1, Taisho 4; otherwise as Vol. one.
Volume three: 25.2 x 18.7 cm. Covers, beige. Title and volume number as for Vol. two. The first actor print is pasted to the cover, as above. The fourteen actor portraits are by: Shunsen (5), Seifu (3), Hakutei (3), Koka (2), and Heibei (1). Colophon dated August 1; otherwise, as above.
Volume four: 25.2 x 18.5 cm. Covers light blue in the same format as above. The fourteen actor portraits are by: Shunsen (5), Koka (4), Hakutei (2), Seifu (2), Heibei (1). Colophon dated October 1; otherwise, as above. Back cover, an ad for forthcoming special Coronation issue of Shin nigao.
Volume five: 25.1 x 18.6 cm. Covers, grey paper embedded with green fibres over stiff boards, bound with green silk tassels. The title, Shin nigao-kinen-go: Tairei Hoshoku gafu, “Shin nigao: Special Coronation Number” is printed directly on the cover. The format is basically the same, but two special sections have been added: five portraits of officials associated with Emperor Taisho’s coronation, and five portraits of geisha from Tokyo and Kyoto. The remaining eleven prints are of actors, for a total of twenty-one colour woodcuts: Shunsen (11), Heibei (3), Seifu (3), Ishizuka Kan (2), Kondo Hiroshi (1), and Koito Gentaro (1). Colophon dated November 1, Taisho 4 (1915), otherwise as above.
This set contains the earliest prints by Natori Shunsen and gave the impetus to have the larger actor portraits published. In slipcase. Very good condition.
Status: Sold
Cho GESSHO (1772-1832) and Kazaore YUJO (fl. c. 1790-1800)
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5 vols. complete: Zoku Koya Bunko, “The Sequel to Koya Library.” Vol. 1: 52 sheets; 48 illus. Vol. 2: 49 sheets; 48 illus. Vol. 3: 53 sheets; 51 illus. Vol. 4: 53 sheets; 52 illus. Vol. 5: 56 sheets; 54 illus. Preface, 5 pp. by Kogetsutei, dated Kansai 9 (1797). Artists: Kazaore Yujo and Cho Gessho. Published by Fugetsu Magosuke, Nagoya, Kansai 10 (1798), together with other publishers in Edo, Osaka and Kyoto. The greatest anthology of printed haiga (haiku poems accompanied by illustrations based on simple, yet often profound, observations of everyday life). The anthology was started by Yujo but taken over by Gessho on his death. Most of the work is Gessho’s. This is one of the few books where the block-cutter and printer must take pride of place beside the artist. The most striking effects were achieved by these artisans by imaginative working of the block surface and wiping of the blocks to produce distinctive variations in texture and formless adumbrations of trees, plants and landscapes, all in sumi. Other examples: Duret 464 (5 vols. 1799); Gonse (III), 438 (4 vols., 1798); Holloway 18; Ryerson, pl. XI. Original covers and title slips. Some slight damage to covers and slight restored wormage at bottom of first sheets of vol. 1. But otherwise an exceptionally fine and clean copy with hardly any thumbing on corners. A lovely and rare set.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Two volumes complete: Toto shokei ichiran, “Fine Views of the Eastern [Edo] Capital at a Glance.” Shows famous places in Edo with accompanying kyoka poems at the top. Volume 1: 10 sheets, 1 p. preface. Volume 2: 11 sheets with colophon giving date Kwansei 12 (1800). Publishers Tsutaya Jusaburo, Suharaya Mohei and Suharaya Ihachi. Ando Enshi engraver and artist Hokusai shinsei. This book was first published with title Toto meisho ichiran by Tsutaya Jusaburo. Shortly afterwards the title was changed and the two other publishers joined Tsutaya Jusaburo. This is the edition offered here. Original hand-painted covers with a decoration of iris flowers and water (only found on the original edition). The blocks were subsequently sold to the Nagoya publisher Hishiya Kinbei who reissued it in 1815 together with Suharaya Mohei and Ihachi. The blocks were yet again sold, this time to Kawachiya Mohei who issued another reprint in 1840 with the above publishers. A lovely early example of this famous book. Cover and title slips in very good condition.
One wormhole affecting last 4 pages at the top outside image area, otherwise contents fine and clean. Provenance: Large seal of Hayashi Tadamasa at the start to each volume.
Status: Sold
Takehisa YUMEJI (1884-1934)
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One volume complete Sakura-saku shima : Haru no kawatare. Title page: Within purple borders, the subtitle and Yumeji-saku in reddish brown. Frontispiece: colour woodcut across two pages entitled TUMABIKI, “Finger-plucking” in roman letters, with decorative seal. One page introduction by Yumeji. The remaining 50 pages (unnumbered) with poems by Yumeji and ten double-page and four single-page b/w woodcuts, all dealing with emotions associated with springtime. Colophon dated Meiji 45 (1912), first printing. Artist/author: Takehisa Yumeji. Publisher Kawamoto Kamenosuke. Publishing house Rakuyodo. One page ad for the four books then planned but only this and the following Sakura-saku shima: Mi shiranu sekai were produced. Original pale blue covers with original title slip. In very good condition. Wonderful early designs before becoming overly cloying.
Sold together with: Sakura-saku shima: Mi shiranu sekai. Title page: Within black borders, the subtitle and Yumeji-saku in black, flanked by images of two demons, one red, the other green. Frontispiece: colour woodcut across two pages entitled UNKNOWN WORLD in roman letters, with decorative seal. The remaining 46 pages (unnumbered) with poems by Yumeji and ten double-page b/w woodcuts dealing with family relations and images of souls in hell. Colophon dated Meiji 45 (1912), first printing. Artist/author: Takehisa Yumeji. Publisher: Kawamoto Kamenosuke. Publishing house: Rakuyodo. Original yellow covers with title slip. In very good condition.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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One volume complete, Ehon tebikigusa, “A Model Book of Plants.” Published by Iseya Rihei, 1849. Signed on inside of front cover Ichiryusai Hiroshige hitsu with three page preface signed Ryukatei Tanekazu (1807-1858) plus one page introduction by Hiroshige on how he was asked to design a book as a guide to drawing for children. (See Strange, The Colour Prints of Hiroshige, Cassell, 1925, p. 112-114 for a full translation.) Thirty-five pages of flowers, grasses and fish plus two page view of Mt. Fuji and last page signed Ichiryusai. This is the rare first edition: It was republished by Shojuya Shoshichi, lacking the introduction. Original embossed grey covers and blue title slip.
Extremely fine impressions. Some slight edge wormage at end, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Kitao MASAYOSHI (1764-1824)
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One volume complete Choju ryakugashiki, “Simplified Forms of Drawing Birds and Flowers.” Published Kwansei 9, 1797, by Suharaya Ichibei. Illustrated by Kuwagata Keisai ( Masayoshi ). These influential books of Masayoshi’s were popular and were reprinted many times.
Fine early copy. Original title slip and lemon-yellow covers ( some wear ). Some thumbing at bottom especially towards front, and other minor marks, otherwise good condition. Unidentified collectors’ seals at end and small annotation on back cover of a previous (?) collector: L. de la Bedollier.
Status: Sold
Teisai HOKUBA (177 -1844)
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One volume complete Kyoka sumidagawa meisho zue, ” Humorous Poems on Famous Views of the Sumida River.” Colophon dated Bunsei 6, 1823, published by Shunsuien. Extremely rare.
Original covers with a printed design of chidori. Original title slip. Very good condition.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760–1849)
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One volume complete Ehon Suikoden, “A Picture Book of the Suikoden”, published by Kadomaruya Jinsuke, Bunsei 12, 1829 showing 108 Chinese brigands. Some fine designs. Signed Katsushika Zen Hokusai I-itsu fude.
Fine impressions. Original covers lacking title slip. Some slight foxing and minor marks.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868) and Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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Two vols. kyoka books complete: Ressen retsujo gazoshu, a “Collection of the Portraits of Immortal Men and Women.” Twenty eight portraits of Chinese hermits and twenty one portraits of celebrated women in Japanese history. Being a selection of kyoka presented at the meetimg held at Kawachiya of Yanagibashi Ryogoku in Edo, 1st day of the 9th month, Bunsei 7 ( 1824 ). Published by Shinsenyen. Rare.
Original covers and title slips. Minor marks to covers, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Keisai MASAYOSHI (1764-1824)
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One volume complete Gyokai ryakugashiki, “Fishes and Shells in the Abbreviated Style of Drawing.” Published in Osaka by Fukusada Tobei, 1813. Originally published in 1802 with alternative title and poems by Ichiyosei Sogai and others. 31 sheets numbered 1-31. Initial page with title and illustrator Kuwagata Keisai (Kitao Masayoshi). Colophon with date Bunka 10 (1813), engravers and publisher.
Some minor soil and damage to covers, otherwise good condition. Extensive use of mica on various pages.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A copy of Ryakuga Korin-fu Ryusai hyakuza, the One Hundred Abbreviated Drawings by Ryusai [Hiroshige]. 1 vol. complete: 21 sheets; inside front cover title and illustrator Hiroshige (also given on last page). 3pp. preface dated Kaei 4 (1851) and signed Ryukatei Tanekazu and 20 pages, numbered, with illustrations in sumi, blue and pink. Colophon inside back cover with a list of bookshops (?) in Osaka and Edo and publisher Yoshidaya Genpachi. According to Brown (L.N.Brown, Block Printing And Book Illustration In Japan , George Routledge & Sons Ltd. 1924, p. 195) this book was republished as vol. IV of Sohitsu gafu. Original covers, missing title slip. Contents very good with only minor marks.
Status: Sold
Hatta KOSHU (1760-1822)
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One volume complete, Koshu gafu, “The Drawing Book of Koshu.” Original covers and title slip: 35 sheets ( numbered ex last sheet ); 5pp. preface dated Bunka 9 ( 1812 ), signed Kamo Suetaka, 30 double-page colour-printed illustrations, 1 p. signature Koshu, seal Fujizane and Koshu, 2pp. closing note, dated Bunka 9, signed Fuminoya Shigetaka; sheets numbered 1/2 advertisements of publisher Yoshida Shimbei, Kyoto. Colophon dated Bunka 9 with publishers Kawachiya Kihei, Osaka and Yoshidaya Shimbei, Kyoto. A fine artist who came under the influence of Okyo. Jack Hillier in The uninhibited brush, Hugh M. Moss ltd, 1974, p. 162, speaks of the Koshu gafu: “This is a perfect exposition of his quite personal style and shows his competence in handling widely varied subject matter.” A two-volume edition without date is known and probably constitutes a second edition ( Brown, p. 100; Gonse III, No. 520 ). Ex collections Hayashi Tadamasa and H.M.Kaempfer. Slight soil and staining. One page with a blue pigment mark and small ink inscription on front cover, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Kitao MASAYOSHI (1764-1824)
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One volume complete Sansui ryakuga shiki, “Landscapes in the Cursive Picture Style.” Published by Suwaraya Ichibei, Kansei 12 ( 1800 ). This is the first edition. It was reprinted in 1813. I fine book and one of a series of influential books that he published using abbreviated images with a limited palette. Ex Hayashi collection ( large red seal ). Signed Keisai fude.
A fine copy with original pale blue covers and white title slip.
Status: Sold
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Onishi CHINNEN (1792-1851)
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A highly talented artist, he is considered – with Nanrei – to be the finest exponent of the Maruyama-Shijo style in Edo at this time. Of samurai birth, he initially studied under Nangaku. See elsewhere on this site for two original paintings by Chinnen. One volume complete Sonan gafu, “Album of Sonan” ( a go of Chinnen ). Published 1834. 6 pp. preface signed and dated Tenpo 3 ( 1832 ); 1p. contents; 26 sheets illustrations in colour. Last page colophon with date Tenpo, year of the Dragon 9/1832 and annotation in sumi with seal: Renkado Ichiyo zo, “From the collection of Ichiyo.” Inside back cover date Tenpo 5 1/1834 and publishers Osakaya Gembei and Kobayashi Shimbei of Edo.
Yellow covers with cross-hatched embossing and original title slip. Some slight soil throughout, otherwise a nice copy of Chinnen’s masterpiece.
Status: Sold
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Ki BAITEI (1774-1810)
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One volume complete: Kyuro gafu, “Kyuro’s Picture Album.” ( Kyuro was one of the art-names of Baitei, a Nanga painter in the Buson manner. ) The first edition of this book is in two volumes with haiku, c 1795. However, there is some confusion on the other issues: Mitchell, Biobibliography Of Nanga, Maruyama, Shijo Illustrated Books, pages 402-4, lists three examples: “A” ( 2 vol. 1795 ); “B” ( 2 vol. 1799 ), and “C” ( 1 vol. 1797 ). The example offered here does not tally with either of these having preface of 2 pp. with 64 single-page illustrations plus 2 pp. afterward and colophon dated Kansai 11 ( 1799 ) published by Koto Shorin. There are also examples with 62 pp. of illustrations and some lacking forward and or afterward and colophon. A later edition of 1824 is also known. A famous book with impressive, bold and austere images.
Lacking original covers and title slip and with some offsetting, but generally a nice copy. Ex Bing collection. In chitsu.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Three volumes complete: Ehon kyoka yama-mata-yama, “Kyoka: Range Upon Range of Mountains.” The fanciful title is based on the fact that the views illustrated are located around Yama-no-te, the higher ground situated in the north and north-western part of Edo. The pictures accompanied by kyoka poems. Vol.1: 12 sheets, 11 illus.; Vol.2: 10 sheets, 11 illus.; Vol.3, 10 sheets, 10 illus. Kyoka selected by Daigentei Sumikata and Benbenkwan Koryu. This is one of Hokusai’s most admired works. Published 1804 by Tsutaya Jusaburo.
Original dark green embossed covers. Original title slips. A very nice clean copy of this famous book. Some slight smudging of pigments and turning of colour on one or two sheets, but otherwise extremely well retained colour, the elusive blue and purple intact.
Status: Sold
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Aikawa MINWA (? – 1821)
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Korin gashiki, “Drawing Methods of Korin.” One volume complete. Original orange-brown covers with original title slip. Preface dated Bunka 15 ( 1818 ) with 56 pp. of illustrations in light colour. Booksellers: Tsurugaya Kihei ( Osaka ); Kikuya Shichirobei and Kikuya Kihei ( Kyoto ). Ex collections Ulrich Odin, seal bottom right first page ( lot 126, Paris, 1928, ill. pl.V, and Javal ( ref: brocade covered boards ).
Very good impressions. Minor marks with ink smudge on one sheet and two paper repairs on another, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Nishiyama KAN’EI (1834-1897)
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A very fine and beautiful book: Kan’ei gafu, “Album of Drawings by Kan’ei.” One volume complete with 25 double page illustrations of birds and flowers. Kan’ei ( proper name Nishiyama Kenichiro ) was an Osaka artist and the son and pupil of Nishiyama Hoen. The 2pp. preface, dated Meiji 19 ( 1886 ); 2pp. colophon dated the same and gives the artist’s name Nishiyama Kenichiro; the publisher Maekawa Zembei of Osaka and the printer’s and block cutter’s name. See colour illustration in Jack Hillier, The Art of the Japanese Book, 1987, pl. 188 where he states “……his one book confirms the view, gained from the relatively few kakemono and album drawings, that he possessed greater individuality than most of the Shijo practitioners of the time.” Original brocade covers with original title slip. No two examples of this work are the same: Every copy has different antique brocade boards with the edges deliberately distressed ( presumably to give a wabi-sabi spirit to the work ).
Obviously an expensive work at the time with superb printing on thick paper. Minor defects: Slight damp staining on colophon and slight creasing and pin holes, but generally very good condition.
Status: Sold
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Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
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Two ehon complete with title on red slips: Shibata Zeshin gafu, “Picture Book by Shibata Zeshin, Shohan.” Original stippled yellow covers. Inside page: Ehon yamato nishiki no uchi, Shibata Zeshin sensei gafu. Toto Kikado zo. Twenty designs by Zeshin from the collection of Kikado of Tokyo. This appears to be the first edition and the designs were reprinted many times and some also incorporated into compilations with other contemporary artists. No date. Opening out to 9 x 11.5 in, 22 x 29.5 cms.
All, apart from two, fine early impressions. Fine colour. Slight edge soil on two sheets. Residue glue on fold of last design and slight edge crease on two sheets but otherwise very good condition. Most sheets signed Zeshin.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MORONOBU (c 1618–1694)
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A superb and important book by an unrivalled illustrator in depicting street life and views of the Yoshiwara and the theatre. One volume complete, Tsukinami no asobi, “Months in the Eastern [ Edo] Capital.” One page preface and 19 double page illustrations plus one page colophon. Shows the inhabitants of Edo engaged in various activities from pleasure to devotion as well as street markets and daimyo processions. Published by Urokogata-ya of Odenba-cho, Edo, Genroku 4, 4th month, 1691. Beautiful contemporary hand colouring. Ex collection Walter von Scheven, 1878 – 1950, and purchased by him from Karl W. Hiersemann, Leipzig, in 1924. Extremely rare. Listed by Mrs Brown in Block Printing and Book Illustration in Japan, p. 48.
Original salmon pink covers with embossed pattern and original title slip. Minor soil and marks but otherwise extremely good condition for a book of this period.
Status: Sold
Kawamura BUMPO (1779-1821)
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One volume complete Kimpaen gafu “A Book of Paintings by Kimpaen [ Bumpo ].” Published Bunsei 3, 1820, by Hishiya Magobei. Bumpo’s major book of kacho-e. The better impressions ( as here ) do best justice to what Jack Hillier called the “boneless” technique ( without outline ).
Original covers with an indented mushroom design and title slip. Minor thumbing and other minor marks, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Nishimura NANTEI (1775-1834)
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One volume complete Nantei gafu kohen, “A Book of Drawings by Nantei, Second Part.” Also published as Jimbutsu gafu. Published by Bunchodo ( Yoshida Shimbei ), Bunsei 9 ( 1826 ), the preface dated Bunsei 6 ( 1823 ). Fine designs of everyday life in the Kyoto area.
Original light orange covers and brown title slip. Some wear to covers. Slight thumbing to lower corners, otherwise a nice copy.
Status: Sold
Various SHIJO ARTISTS (Compiler Bunshodo Fuji Mokyo)
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One volume complete Keijo Gaen, “An Album of Pictures by Kyoto Artists.” One of the finest of the Shijo anthologies. Published by Yoshida Shimbei, Bunka 9 ( 1812 ). The colophon dated Bunka 11 ( 1814 ). Twenty-six double-page illustrations by Goshun, Soken, Roshu, Hironari, Toyohiko, Shiba Kokan, Zaimei, Shoin, Toyo, Ozui, Keibun, Gito, Shodo, Hakuei, Gantei, Kokei, Nangaku, Gyokorin, Bummei, Kiho, Kosen, Minwa, Chikudo, Koshu, Geppo and Ozui ( in that order ). There are also copies known with twenty-five illustrations. Ex collection Hayashi ( small red seal ).
Original blue covers with impressed pattern. Original brown title slip. Minor marks and wormage, but generally good condition.
Status: Sold
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797–1861)
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One volume complete Ichiyu gafu, “Drawings by Ichiyu [Kuniyoshi ].” Sumi and light colour. Some fine designs showing heroes and legends. This is the first edition, dated Bunsei 13 ( 1830 ). It was reissued in 1846.
Original covers and title slip. Minor wormage, otherwise fine condition.
Status: Sold
Yamaguchi SOKEN (1759–1834)
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Yamato jimbutsu gafu, “An Album of Japanese Figure Drawings.” Three volumes, first series, bound as one, complete. One of the great Maruyama/Shijo ehon showing 105pp of sumizuri-e scenes from daily life in Kyoto. The compositions owe as much to what is left out as what is present with everyday activities imbued with insight and humour. Without first preface ( as is often the case ); second preface dated Kansei 12 ( 1800 ). Colophon signed Yamaguchi Soken and dated Kansei 11 ( 1799 ). Each section starts with a single page showing plum blossom, pine and bamboo. The book was reissued in 1802 and then reprinted together with the second series in 1804. This is an early edition on thin paper. Opaque paper was used in the reprints and a title was added on each illustration.
Original covers and title slip ( ? ), somewhat worn, giving it as one volume. Some minor marks and soil, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Hosoda EISHI (1756–1829) and Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760–1849)
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One volume complete Nishikizuri onna sanjurokkasen, “The Thirty-Six Women Poets in Brocade Prints” published by Eijudo Nishimuraya Yohachi and dated on last postscript Kansei 9 hinoto mi “Kansei 9 [ 1797 ] mid-Winter” and stating that the calligraphy was written by thirty-six young girls, none over the age of fifteen. Date of publication Spring 1801 ( Kansei 13 kanoto tori haru ). Two prefaces followed by a double-page frontispiece by Hokusai and thirty-six double-page prints with a poetess at left and a poem in shikishi at right decorated with colour patterns. Two postfaces with colophon giving artist as Hosoi Chobunsai, with seals Hosoi and Chobunsai. Rare complete and as Jack Hillier wrote in The Art of the Japanese Book, Sotheby’s, vol. 1, p. 454: “The other book with colour prints by Eishi is one of the major masterpieces of the colour-printer’s art.” Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection ( large and small seals ) and Edmond de Goncourt with an annotation by him at end of second preface where he states that he purchased it from Hayashi in 1888 for 200 francs ( and sold, lot 1499, in Goncourt sale, 10/3/1897, Hotel Drouot, Paris ). There is also a small oval seal with a capital “G” running through the book. This appears to be another collector as it does not tally with Goncourt’s seals.
Old brocade covers and title slip, probably not original. Very fine impressions and colour. Minor backed wormage on preface and colophon, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
