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Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)




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Totomi sanchu, “In the Totomi Mountains” from Hokusai’s most famous set Fugaku sanju-rokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Nishimuraya Yohachi c. 1830-33. Originally planned as a set of 36 prints, ten more designs were added. These are called the Ura-Fuji, “Fuji from the Other Side.” These designs have a black outline, while early impressions of the first 36 are printed with a blue outline changing to black on later editions. Shows lumbermen cutting a huge log while another, lower left, sharpens a saw watched by a woman with a child strapped to her back. This set was a considerable undertaking for the publisher, especially as the relatively new pigment berurin burau, “Berlin blue” was being used which was expensive.

 

 

Very good impression, colour and condition. Very full size. Signed Saki no Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.

 

 

Status: Sold

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    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)


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    A triptych showing Mitsuuji, the romantic hero of the Inaka Genji (“A Rustic Genji”) accompanied by a beauty looking out across a snow-covered garden where a group of girls are building a giant snow rabbit. Hiroshige and Kunisada collaborated on a number of these Genji triptychs in the 1850s and this is one of the most charming. Published by Moriya Jihei of Kinshodo, 12/1854 (and therefore probably in anticipation of the following year, which was a Year of the Rabbit).

     

    Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga and Yuki no kei oju, “Snow landscape by request” Hiroshige hitsu.

     

    Status: Sold

     

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      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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      Tadasugawara no yudachi, “Evening Shower on the bank of the Tadasu River” from the early set Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous Views of Kyoto.” The set of ten masterpieces was published by Eisendo, c 1834. Shows figures running in the rain to get to the tea-houses which lined the banks here where the Kamo River and Takamo River joined.

       

      Very good impression. The extremely rare first state of this print has the publisher’s seal in red in the upper left margin. This early state has the kiwame seal in left margin. This was removed on later editions and the seal after Hiroshige’s signature has the characters reversed white on red. Very good colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

       

      Status: Sold

       

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        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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        Kai Otsuki no hara, “The Otsuki Plain in Kai Province”. A meandering stream with flowers and pampas grass from Fuji sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji” published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. The set was started 5 months before Hiroshige’s death and early impressions were printed very carefully as a tribute to Hiroshige. One of the six best designs from the set.

         

        Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

         

        Status: Sold

         

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          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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          Ishiyama no shugetsu, “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama” from a set of prints Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” Shows Lake Biwa with Seta Bridge and Mount Hira in the distance. To the left is the temple where Murasaki Shikibu wrote her famous Tales of Genji. Published by Takenouchi, c. 1834-5. A guarantee label and seal au verso from the now deceased dealer M. Nakazawa.

           

          Fine impression: There is a curious feature on this print in that the blue sky block is invariably printed short of the mountain, top left, giving a white gap around the mountain. This is one of the few impressions I have seen where it is barely visible. Fine colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

           

          Status: Sold

           

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            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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            The year-end festival, Toshi-no-ichi, at Asakusa, Edo. This Buddhist temple was dedicated to bodhisattva Kannon. From the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853-1856 (this being 1853). Thousands gathered at this time of year to pray one last time and to purchase New Year goods.

             

            Extremely fine, early impression. Probably a variant first edition: without bokashi clouds as on Pulverer’s impression, but with the purple block partly printed over the trees left and right which is lacking on Pulverer’s. This maybe the earliest state. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

             

            Status: Sold

             

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              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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              Wakasa, gyosen karei ami, catching flatfish in Wakasa Province. From the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853-1856 (this being 1853). This province was famous for its flatfish caught in the offshore waters and was considered a winter delicacy.

               

              Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition.Signed Hiroshige ga.

               

              Status: Sold

               

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                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                Bingo Abumon Kannondo. The temple of Kannon at Abumon, Bingo Province. From the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853-1856 (this being 1853).

                 

                Fine, early impression. The earliest states have a cloud printed top left (as here). Very good colour. Slight centre fold and trimmed close, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                 

                Status: Sold

                 

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                  Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                  Tarui from Kisokaido rokujukyu-tsugi no uchi, “Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was first published by Hoeido in 1835 with Eisen, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). The conjecture is that Hiroshige was the better known and more commercial artist, reinforced by the fact that Eisen’s name was removed from the designs already published. Hence, only the first editions have his signature on those prints. Shows a daimyo’s cortege entering the station. On either side the villagers can be seen deferentially kneeling. This print is one of the few designs to show prints for sale. In this case on either side of the road, the shops doubling as teashops. The publisher’s mark Kinjudo can be seen on the left-hand shop.

                   

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

                   

                  Status: Sold

                   

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                    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                    Shiba Akabane no yuki, “Snow falling at Akabane in Shiba.” From a Toto meisho “Famous Sights of the Eastern Capital” set published by Kikakudo (Sanoki), the seal in red in right margin, c. 1832-35. There is confusion over how many prints belong to this series: The original set of twenty-one designs seem to have been extended to fifty-five in c. 1839-42. Shows the Akabane Bridge with the Zojo-ji Temple between trees above. To the right is Chancellor Arima’s mansion and above a tall fire-tower.

                     

                    Fine, early impression. A very difficult design to find in early state. Later editions have the black seal of Sanoki in the right margin. Another first edition is in the Clarence Buckingham collection, The Art Institute of Chicago (1925.3464). A further interesting detail is that a block was specifically chosen with a wavy grain to print the water. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                     

                    Status: Sold

                     

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                      Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)


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                      A poem by Abe no Nakamaro from the unfinished set Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, “Hundred Poems Explained by the Wet Nurse.” Twenty seven prints known with extant drawings for another sixty two. Published in 1835 by Nishimuraya Yohachi (who issued five) who then sold the blocks to Iseya Sanjiro. Shows the poet on a mount with Chinese soldiers waiting to take him away and imprison him. An unconventional interpretation of the poem which has Nakamaro left in a high pagoda to starve to death for attempting to steal the secrets of the Chinese calendar. He gazes at the moon (seen here reflected in the sea) and asks if it’s the same moon as that rising over his homeland – Japan.

                       

                      Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Zen Hokusai with Manji seal. As with others in this set, the signature is near the extreme edge and is often trimmed off.

                       

                      Status: Sold

                       

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                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                        A snow scene showing the dramatic landscape around Mount Haruna: Kozuke, Haruna-san setchu, “Snow on Mount Haruna in Kozuke Province.” Shows the volcanic mount – one of three major mountains in the province – with Haruna Temple in the centre. The building housed a statue of a thousand-armed kannon, bodhisattva of mercy. One of the best designs from the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 8/1856 (this being 1853).

                         

                         

                        Fine, early impression. The most difficult print from the set to identify in the first edition. Most designs in the set have distinctive features in the first state such as variegated cartouches or extra gradation. The only indication here is that the sub-cartouche should have a brown-red colour. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                         

                         

                        Status: Sold

                         

                         

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                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                          Ishiyama shugetsu, “Autumn Moon over Ishiyama Temple” from the vertical Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views of Omi” set published by Takeuchi Magohachi and Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1857.

                           

                           

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

                           

                           

                          Status: Sold

                           

                           

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                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                            Shinshu Suwa-ko yatsume akauo wo to (ru). Shinshu (Shinano) Province from the “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 – 1861 (this being 1860). A winter scene showing figures catching lampreys, eels and red rockfish in Lake Suwa. The lake was unusual in having warm currents beneath the ice, even in mid winter.

                             

                             

                            Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Very slight edge soil, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                             

                             

                            Status: Sold

                             

                             

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                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                              Kashu Kanazawa Daijo-ji. Kashu (Kaga) Province from the “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 – 1861 (this being 1859). Shows the famous Zen temple. The mountains behind shrouded in mist, beautifully conveyed by expert wiping of the blocks in Shijo-style. One of my favourite landscape prints.

                               

                               

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

                               

                               

                              Status: Sold

                               

                               

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                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                Miyanokoshi (no. 37) from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). One of the best designs from the set. Shows a family group crossing a plank bridge against a misty silhouetted backdrop and a full moon.

                                 

                                Very good impression and colour. Various states exist of this design with differences in gradation and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                 

                                Status: Sold

                                 

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                                  Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                  Azumabashi Kinryuzan enbo, “Distant View of Kinryuzan Temple from Azuma Bridge” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1857) by Uoya Eikichi. A spring day with cherry blossom floating down over a boat drifting on the Sumida River. A geisha is partly glimpsed sitting in the boat. In the distance is Mt Fuji, the bridge and temple. See my blog.

                                  Superb impression from the first edition. Fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                  Status: Sold

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                                    Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                    Tsukudajima from the series Toto meisho, “Famous Places in Edo.” Shows two women and a boatman being rowed beneath Eitai bridge. In the distance is Tsukudajima Island. It was here that large vessels would anchor at the mouth of the Sumida river to transfer their cargos to smaller boats. Devotional prayer slips float down during the Bon Odori festival, 13-15 July, commemorating those that have drowned in the river. A set of ten prints with western influences published by Kagaya Kichiemon, c 1832-3. Ex Kessler collection. Rare.

                                     

                                    Very good impression: Early states have a grey tone on the bottom of the bridge supports (as here). A late edition has recut clouds. Slight fading and centre fold, otherwise good condition. The green border intact (so often trimmed off). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyshi ga.

                                     

                                    Status: Sold

                                     

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                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                      A distant view of Mount Daisen [ Oyama ] in Hoki Province. One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 12/1853 ). White rain ( printed with gofun ) falls on groups of peasants planting rice. A lovely design, the edges of the paddy fields zig-zagging into the distance. This is the rare first edition with blue and yellow diagonal bands on the sub-cartouche.

                                       

                                      Fine impression with strong woodgrain showing. The second state of the first edition has the rain printed black (not using gofun as here).Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                       

                                      Status: Sold

                                       

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                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                        An extremely rare uncut fan print: Spring Moon from a set Three Views of the Moon in the Eastern Capital. Shows two beauties on a restaurant veranda admiring a full moon. The other two designs from this set are illustrated in Hiroshige no uchiwae, Hiroshige Fan Prints, Okuda, Atsuko, Unsodo, 2010, nos 29 and 30, p 28 and 29. Published by Tsujiya Yasubei, c 1849-52. If not unique, then certainly one of the few impressions extant.

                                         

                                        Very fine impression and colour. Very slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                         

                                        Status: Sold

                                         

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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: Sold

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                                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                            Autumn from a set of four triptychs, Edo meisho shiki-no nagame, “Famous Places in Edo in the Four Seasons.” An evening scene with beauties on a balcony overlooking the bay at Takanawa. Birds are descending across a full moon. Published by Marujin, 1848-9. All four triptychs from this set are masterpieces.

                                             

                                            Fine impression. Perfect colour. Slight thinning and creasing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                             

                                            Status: Sold

                                             

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                                              Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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                                              A poem by Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (954-974) from Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, the “Hundred Poems Explained by the Wet Nurse.” Published by Eijudo and Iseri, c 1835-6. Although obviously intended to be a set of 100 prints, only 27 are known plus drawings for others. The poet speaks of a trivial life prior to meeting his lover. Two women and their companions relax after a bath admiring the view across water. Steam rises from the bath and two cormorants are seen on the left. A languid scene and one of Hokusai’s most beautiful designs.

                                              Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. Two states are known: the printers quickly discovered that the red seal at left was not easily discernable and cut the green block to correct this. Signed Zen Hokusai.

                                              Status: Sold

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                                                Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                                                Itahana from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). One of the best designs from the set. This design is never signed, even, as here, on the first edition. Rare.

                                                Fine impression and colour. This is the first edition with gradation on the river and the river bank. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Ex Pulverer collection and purchased from me in 1974.

                                                Status: Sold

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                                                  Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)



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                                                  A fisherman with a scoop and net seemingly trying to catch the moon’s reflection. One of an excessively rare chuban series with title Toshi gafu no uchi, “Drawing Album for Chinese Poems” printed in red, and sub-title Toshin denshi. Printed in tones of blue except for a light flush on the horizon. Another impression ( trimmed ) was in the Vever collection ( ex Hayashi ), Sotheby’s, Part III, lot 295. Other impressions ( damaged ) are in the BM, ref: 1937, 0710,0,230 and Honolulu Museum of Art, ref: 14463. Hokkei was one of Hokusai’s best pupils and designed many fine surimono.

                                                  Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hokkei.

                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                    Totoya HOKKEI ( 1780-1850 )



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                                                    A mounted sage followed by his servant crossing a bridge over a lake. One of an excessively rare chuban series with title Toshi gafu no uchi, “Drawing Album for Chinese Poems” printed in red, and sub-title Toshin denshi. Printed in tones of blue except for a light flush on the horizon. Another impression ( trimmed ) was in the Vever collection ( ex Hayashi ), Sotheby’s, Part III, lot 295. Other impressions ( damaged ) are in the BM, ref: 1937, 0710,0,229 and Honolulu Museum of Art, ref: 14466. Hokkei was one of Hokusai’s best pupils and designed many fine surimono. Unidentified publisher’s seal and censor’s seal in right margin ( trimmed off on the other impressions ).

                                                    Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Hokkei.

                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE II ( 1826-1869 )



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                                                      Hiroshige II’s best print. Suo Iwakuni no Kintaibashi, “The Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni in Suo Province.” From Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in Various Provinces.” Published by Uoya Heikichi 11/1859.

                                                      The rare first edition has a variegated sub-cartouche but this is still an extremely early impression with the green on the banks top right ( missing on later editions ); light blue on the water, and gradation and mica on the roofs at bottom. Fine colour. Small repaired binding holes in left margin, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                        Minakuchi, Station 51 from the Tokaido gojusantsugi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c 1833-4. Shows the village women, at left, peeling and drying gourds to make the famous kampyo.

                                                        Exceptionally early printing. Probably first edition. Fine colour. Very slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                        Status: Sold

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                                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                          Toi Tama River in Settsu Province with a poem by Minamoto no Toshiyori from the series of six prints Shokoku Mutamagawa , “Six Jewel Rivers in the Provinces.” Shows women fulling cloth beneath a full moon. The set published by Maruya Kyushiro 11/1857.

                                                          Superb impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                            Noda Tama River in Mutsu Province with a poem by Noin from the series of six prints Shokoku Mutamagawa , “Six Jewel Rivers in the Provinces.” Shows a Heian beaty and attendant admiring the view. The set published by Maruya Kyushiro 11/1857.

                                                            Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                              Fujieda, no. 23, from the so-called Reisho Tokaido because of the formal script used for the title. One of the best designs from the set. Travellers well covered against the rain traversing a path between fields.

                                                              Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE II ( 1829-1869 )



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                                                                The foremost pupil of Hiroshige. Formerly called Shigenobu, he assumed the name Hiroshige II on Hiroshige’s death and married his daughter. Shows Soshu Shichirigahama, the “Seven Ri Beach” near Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. From the set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “The One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” From the beach one gets a clear view of Fuji and Enoshima Island – both framed by a giant wave. The set ( of which only 80 are known ) was published by Uoya Eikichi 1859-61 ( this being 1859 ).

                                                                Very good impression and colour. Margins trimmed close, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                Status: Sold

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                                                                  Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                                  Shionata from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei ( Kinjudo ). Shows the eastern shore of the broad Chikuma River. Three boatmen walk towards porters resting in a hut. Travellers could hire a boat or engage porters to bear them across the river on platforms held above the water. There are numerous triptychs showing this by Hiroshige and other artists.

                                                                  Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.

                                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                                    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                                    Nihonbashi Edobashi “The Nihon and Edo Bridges from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.”  The wooden Nihonbashi ( literally Japan Bridge ) was completed in 1603. The current stone bridge dates to 1911. A classic Hiroshige composition using a large foreground object to give depth to the view, further complicated by the insertion of part of a basket of tuna being carried by a porter. Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856-58 ). This design dated Snake 12 ( 1857 ).

                                                                    Very fine impression of the first edition. ( Apart from the three-colour variegated cartouche, only the first edition has gradation on the lower part of the bridge and gradation above and below the boat passing under the bridge. ) Fine colour. Left margin trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.

                                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                                      Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE ) ( 1777-1835 )



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                                                                      Evening Glow ( Sunset ) at Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture. From a set Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places” ( based on the Eight Views of Omi theme ). Published 1830s by Iseri. The town is famous for the Onsen hot springs and the area is known for its past volcanic activity. Across Sagami Bay can be seen smoke coming from the volcanic island of Oshima ( the epicentre of the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 ).

                                                                      Fine impression and colour.There are two states of this set: one with square and one with cursive script ( as here ) in the oblong cartouche at top. It is unclear which is the earliest. This purple cartouche is often faded out to a puce colour. Slight centre fold otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.

                                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                                        A snowy view: Meguro taikobashi yuhi no oka, “Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, Meguro” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Shows the valley of the Meguro River with Sunset Hill to the left. Stone bridges were uncommon in Edo because of the risk from earthquakes. Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856-58 ). This design dated Snake 4 ( 1857 ).

                                                                        Very good impression and colour. Very slight vertical crease, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                        Status: Sold

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                                                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                          A woman ( Tomoe Gozen ? ) being poled down a river. From an extremely rare and early set of prints published by Marusei, c 1832-34. For three other designs from this set see Tamba, The Art of Hiroshige, nos. 131, 137, 138.

                                                                          Fine impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                                            Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)



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                                                                            Clearing weather over the Enoshima Island from a Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places” ( based on the Eight Views of Omi theme ) set published 1830s by Iseri. A view of the island from Shichiri Beach in Sagami Province. The island was dedicated to Benten ( one of the seven gods of good luck ).

                                                                            Fine impression. There are two states of this set: one with square and one with cursive script ( as here ) in the oblong cartouche at top. It is unclear which is the earliest. Fine impression. Small expert restoration to two upper corners, otherwise fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.

                                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                                              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                              Soto Sakurada Benkeibori sakura no i, “ The Cherry Tree Well in Snow at Benkei Moat, Sakurada” from a Toto meisho set published by Maruya Seijiro c 1843-45. The outer moat of Edo castle is named after Benkei Shozaeman who undertook the construction during the Kan’ei period ( 1624-1643 ).

                                                                              Fine impression of the first edition with the Watari censor seal bottom left overprinted in blue and careful gradation above and below on the moat. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                                A rare complete triptych hanshita-e (original drawing for a print). Presumably never published. A procession at Akasaka (?).

                                                                                Signed Hiroshige ga on first sheet.

                                                                                Status: Sold

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