/category/warriors-and-legends/page/10/
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon.” The set published between 1885 and 1892 (this being 1886) by Akiyama Buemon. Benkei against a full moon. In 1185 Yoshitsune, attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, was forced to flee to northern Japan by ship. Sailing along the Inland Sea off the coast of Harima Province not far from Kyoto, the ship was struck by a storm in Daimotsu Bay caused by the vengeful ghosts of the Taira warriors Yoshitsune and his men had slain. Benkei pacified the spirits in the prow of the boat by holding up his string of prayer beads.
Fine impression. (A good guide to the quality of impression is to look at the outline of Benkei’s face: This fine line started to break down early on. The set was popular and many editions were printed and many late impressions exist. Great care was taken with the cutting of the blocks on this set and only early impressions do them justice. There should be subtle gradation in the sky and the title cartouche has hardly any colour.) Fine colour and condition. An impression that has not been in an album. Full margins. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The Monkey King: One of the best designs from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon.” The set published between 1885 and 1892 (this being 1886) by Akiyama Buemon. Based on the Chinese fable, the Monkey King achieved immortality by stealing peaches from the Garden of Immortal Peaches. He is seen with his fighting stave and the Jade Hare that lived on the moon and was constantly pounding herbs for immortals.
Fine impression from a very early edition. The set was popular and many editions were printed and many late impressions exist. . Great care was taken with the cutting of the blocks on this set and only early impressions do them justice. Fine colour and condition. An impression that has not been in an album. Full margins. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A triptych showing Minamoto no Yorimitsu (aka Raiko, 948-1021) trying to capture the notorious thief Hakamadare Yasusuke. Kijutsu Hakamadare o karamen to su. Yorimitsu is seen with his cohorts Urabe Suetake, Hirai Yasumasa, and Watanabe Tsuna. On the right Hakamadare attempts to evade capture by magically conjuring up a battle between a giant snake and a bear. Published 1858 by Tsutaya Kichizo.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A diptych showing Musashi-bo Benkei, renowned for his herculean strength, battling with the young Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru (Yoshitsune) on Gojo Bridge. The story relates how Benkei (1155-1189) wandered around Kyoto with the intention of relieving 1000 samurai of their swords. One night with one more sword to go he saw Yoshitsune playing a flute and wearing a golden sword at the Gojotenjin Shrine. They agreed to fight on Gojo Bridge in southern Kyoto. However, Yoshitsune was too agile for Benkei and had been educated in the secrets of fighting by the mountain tengu. Following Yoshitsune’s victory Benkei became Yoshitsune’s retainer. Published by Hei, c. early 1830s. (This publisher produced many of Kunisada’s prints in the early 1830s.) Very rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (Active mid 19th century)
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A triptych with title: Ryozoku shinzan yojutsu kurabe no zu, “A Picture of the Two Enemies in a Witchcraft Match in the Deep Mountain.” Shows Hakamadare Yasusuke and Kidomaru fighting with magic. Yoshitoshi designed a vertical diptych of the same subject in 1887. Published 1860 by Tsutaya Kichizo. A wonderful design.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming and minor corner defects, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Shows Musashibo Benkei carrying the stolen giant Mii Temple bell up Mount Hiei to the Enryaku-ji, the Tendai-sect temple of the San-mon, “Mountain Order.” He is usually depicted dragging the half-ton bell, but here he is shown carrying it with the help of his kanabo, iron war club. Published by Daikokuya, c 1830-39. Another impression is in the British Museum, 1906,1220,0,1054. Rare.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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Shows the hirsute samurai Saito Tadanobu about to strike an adversary with a go board. This was a popular story relating to his death: He was attacked while playing go and used the heavy board to fight off his enemies. Published by Wakasaya Yoichi (Jakurindo), c 1810. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Shun’ei ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The best design from Genji kumo Ukiyoe awase, “Ukiyoe Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji.” A set comparing famous warriors to the Chapters of the Genji Monogotari written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu (c 973-1025). This design is for Chapter 22, Tamakatzura. Shows the pearl diver, Tamatori-hime, who has reclaimed the precious pearl stolen by the Dragon King. She is pursued by a host of his aquatic retainers including a giant octopus before finally returning the jewel to her husband Fujiwara no Kamatari, albeit buried in her chest for safety and causing her death. A popular subject with Kuniyoshi who designed a number of other oban prints and triptychs on this subject. The Dragon King’s Palace can be seen beneath the waves in the background. Published by Iseya Ichibei, 1843-5.
Fine impression and colour. Slight crinckling in margins, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Shows the professional swordsman Kaibara Kenkichi travelling in the mountains from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Generally considered the father of kendo. At the age of 13 he came under the tutelage of Seiichiro Odani to learn the art of swordplay and master its secrets. Became assistant instructor at the Kobusho in 1856. Famous for inventing the yamatozue, a wooden sword, and the ganko ogi, a wooden fan substitute for the wakizashi (short sword) when the decrees abolishing the wearing of swords in public was issued in 1876. Here he is surrounded by wild beasts and a skeleton. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Here, the wounded and blood-smeared chief of the Edo otokodate, Banzuin Chobei, is seen drinking water in a bathhouse where he is treacherously murdered by Mizuno Jurozaemon. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Sekiguchi Gyokumeido, 10/1867.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Shows Lady Masao from Osasahara surrounded by curling snakes who force her to reveal her true identity – the Fox Spirit. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Omiya Kyojiro, 11/1867.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Shows Mukokizu Yosa stabbing Komori Yasu (Yasu the Bat); so-called because of the bat-like birthmark on his cheek. A gruesome scene with Yasu covered in blood. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Omiya Kyojiro, 11/1867.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Shows Azekura Jushiro slashing Hinotama no Sangoro who is covered in blood. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Sanoya Tomigoro, 9/1867.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Abe no Hirafu, a governor of Koshi, killing a giant bear in heavy snow. From a set: Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Leaders of Great Japan.” Published by Funazu Chujiro, 1880.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing Kato Kiyomasa (Watoni) and his henchmen watching Korean man-eating tigers carrying off their compatriots across a river. Watoni gunko toshu no zu. Hideyoshi sent Kiyomasa to Korea twice in 1592 and 1597. He is often depicted killing a man-eating tiger. Published by Yamaguchi-ya Tobei in 1855.
Very early fine impression with beautiful colour variation on the rocks at right. Fine colour. Slight edge crease near left edge of first sheet and imperceptible centre folds, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing Ushiwaka Maru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s childhood name), attended by Kisanda, practising fencing with the karasu or “crow” tengu in a forest glade on Mt Kurama, north of Kyoto. His training in martial arts is being supervised by a white-bearded yamabushi tengu, Sojobo, King of the Tengu. (The yamabushi were followers of Shugendo – a shamanistic mountain ascetism.) Yoshitsune (1159-1189) is the best known Japanese warrior and a popular subject for Japanese artists and craftsmen. Famous for exploits such as the battle on Gojo Bridge with Benkei and the battle of Dan-no-ura. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, 1851-2. Robinson T264.
Fine impression. This is the first state with gradation on the rocks top left. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An extremely rare diptych showing Princess Wakana (left) played by Bando Shuka I and the warriors Genkai Nadaemon played by Arashi Rikan III; Washizu Rokuro played by Arashi Rikaku II; Wachizu Shichoro played by Bando Takesaburo I. The play Shiranui monogatari, “The Tale of the White Embroiderer” was performed at the Kawarazaki Theatre, 2/1853. The story (from a late Edo novel) tells of the feud between Wakana and the Kikuchi clan who killed her family. She is rescued by a spider who gives her the power of spider magic which, with the aid of a spider scroll, enables her to conjure up a giant spider to assist her. Published by Kakumoto-ya Kinjiro. This is the only complete impression I have seen and I can only find one other recorded example (listed in the Kuniyoshi Project).
Fine impression and colour. Small edge binding holes, otherwise fine condition Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Nanke yushi Shijo-nawate nite uchijini. The last stand of the Kusunoki clan at Shijo-nawate in 1348. Kusunoki Masatsura, shown on the far left propped against his fallen horse under a rain of arrows, continues his father’s struggle against the Ashikaga forces. Wada Shinbochi (Genshu) leads the way holding enemy heads followed by Masatomo with a battle standard. Their blue complexions anticipate their imminent demise. Published by Fujioka-ya Keijiro, 1851-2. Robinson T271.
Fine impression. One small backed wormhole on title, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A vertical diptych showing Cho Jun, the white stripe in the waves, wrestling in the river with Ri Ki, the black whirlwind. Ronhakucho Chojun kokusempu Riki kochu ni tatakau no zu. The story concerns the river pirate, Ri Ki, who is caught stealing fish by Cho Jun and the ensuing underwater battle. Initially, Ri Ki has the upper hand but Cho Jun challenges him again and they fight until Ri Ki’s compatriots stop the engagement and invite Cho Jun to join their gang. Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1887. This is the extremely rare first state before the publisher and date in left margin. See my blog.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight discolouration to top margins, otherwise fine condition. Full margins all round with ample room for joining. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1886 ) by Akiyama Buemon. Benkei against a full moon. In 1185 Yoshitsune attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, was forced to flee to northern Japan by ship. Sailing along the Inland Sea off the coast of Harima Province not far from Kyoto, the ship was struck by a storm in Daimotsu Bay caused by the vengeful ghosts of the Taira warriors Yoshitsune and his men had slain. Benkei pacified the spirits in the prow of the boat by holding up his string of prayer beads.
Fine impression, colour and condition. (A good guide to the quality of the impression is to look at the outline of Benkei’s face: This fine line started to break down early on.) An impression that has not been in an album: Full margins with very extensive mica. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The stern of a large sailing-junk and a smaller vessel infront. A poem by Sangi Takamura (Ono no Takamura) from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets” published by Ebine c 1838. Depending which story one reads, either Takamura, who was a customs official for ships trading to and from China, went missing on a mission or was reported for being an extortioner and banished to the Oki Islands. Either way, he was subsequently pardoned. One of the best designs from this fine set. Robinson S19.11 and illustrated in Robinson (1961), no. 59.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Remargined top and bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Daimotsu-no-ura o-kassen. A triptych showing the battle of Dan-no-ura. The clash between the Minamoto (Genji) clans and the Heike (Taira) clans happened in 24/3/1185 when the Taira were defeated by Yoshitsune. He is shown here on the left making his leap pursued by Noritsune. The Imperial barge is in the background. Published by Moriya Jihei, 1856. Robinson T337.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the ghosts of the Taira (Heike) warriors attempting to sink Yoshitsune’s ship off the coast of Settsu on his way to Shikoku. This is one of Kuniyoshi’s great designs – amongst the three or four best triptychs and is illustrated in numerous publications. The scene is the outcome of a great battle at Dan-no-ura where the Minamoto (Genji) clans clashed and defeated the Taira clans a few years earlier. The spirits of the drowned warriors rose up to seek revenge only to be pacified by Benkei reciting exorcisms with his rosary. Published 1849-52 by Enshuya Hikobei. Robinson T242. Rare.
Very good impression and colour although slightly mismatched blue on the first and second sheets. Very good condition. Full size. There appear to be three states of this design: The main difference being in the shape of the ghosts and lines in the waves only on the first state. In this (the second state) the ghosts lack some of the features that are on the first and a large spirit appears above the wave over the ship on the centre panel. The third state has further differences in the ghosts and lacks this figure. Also, the colour of the boat gets greyer. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA ( 1822-1866 )
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A triptych with title Taiheiki Yakiyama-Goye no zue, “Picture of the Slope of Burning Mountain in the Taiheiki.” Sato Masakiyo ( = Kato Kiyomasa ), far left, and his men encountering a monstrous serpent surrounded by bats and flying goblins on a haunted mountain . Published by Kagaya Kichibei, 5/1861.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIFUJI ( 1828-1887 )
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The head of the cat-witch of Okabe from the Fifty-three Stations. The head is composed of convoluted cats’ bodies; the eyes being two bells that are usually found round cats’ necks and the mouth a thick ribbon as worn by cats. Any young girl visiting the temple was at risk of being greeted by an old woman who would offer her accommodation for the night, only to transmogrify into a cat-witch and devour them. The print was published c 1847 by ( appropriately ) Kita. Extremely rare and a great 19th century design.
Fine impression and colour. Small corner repair bottom right and slight strengthening au verso of weak lines. But generally good condition. Full size. Signed Ipposai Yoshifuji ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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Kwatsuyemra Genshoshichi hiding under a tiger-skin in a boat under a hail of arrows. From Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1827-30. Robinson S2.40.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition: completely untrimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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Saito Toshimoto and a Chinese general struggling underwater. The second best design from Taiheiki yeiyu den, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” Published by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi, 1848-9. Robinson S62.31.
Extremely fine impression of the earliest printing. ( This is the best example I have seen of this design. ) Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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The last stand of the Kusunoki at Shijonawate, Shijonawate nite Nanke no eiyu taiteki o. Shows the final battle of Shijonawate in 1348 with Kusunoki Masatsura, the son of Kusunoki Masashige, under a deluge of arrows continuing his father’s struggle against the Ashikaga forces. This forms a 6-sheet composition with another triptych and Kuniyoshi also designed another triptych of the same subject. Published 1847. Unidentified publisher.
Very fine impression of the earliest printing. Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892 )
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Taira no Masakado ( 901-940 ) from an extremely rare and early set: Honcho hyaku yuden, “One Hundred Warriors of Japan.” Masakado was an interloper who attempted to set up a rival court at Ishii in Shimosa to that of Regent Tadahira in Kyoto. He was subsequently killed by Hidesato on the orders of the Regent. Masakado was guarded by a number of ghostly doubles who impersonated him making killing him difficult. These ghostly doppelgangers are seen here in the background. Published 1862 by Enshu-ya Hikobei although it is not known how many prints there are in the set and Keys ( Courage and Silence, Yoshitoshi, 1982 ) only knew of the set from the Netto list.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI ( 1839-1892 )
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Arguably Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece in the triptych format. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c.1120-1200 ) subjecting himself to three year’s penance as a Buddhist monk beneath the waterfall of Mount Nachi in Kii Province. Morito inflicted this punishment on himself because he had inadvertently cut off the head of Kesa Gozen, the wife of the palace guard Watanabe Wataru, with whom he was in love. Published 1859 ( centre sheet ) and 1860 ( outside panels ) by Kadokin. Extremely rare: Another impression in the Baur collection, Geneve, Switzerland.
Fine impression, very good colour. Minor soil bottom left corners of last two sheets, otherwise very good condition. Extensive splashed gofun. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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The priest Nichiren standing on the rocky promontory at Reizan in Kamakura and having his prayers for rain answered. The event occurred in 1271. His disciples surround him and protect him from the deluge with a large umbrella. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizan-ga-saki uki. The second best design from Koso [ Nichiren ] goichidai ryakuzu, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren ( 1222 – 1282 ) was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect ( Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a follower ) and indeed the set of ten prints may have been commissioned to mark the 550th anniversary of his death. Published by Iseya Rihei c 1831.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. This design is notorious for having the umbrella trimmed off and/or the title in right margin. The printer has compensated for this by printing close to the left border. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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A triptych showing the old hag of Hitotsuya in the dilapidated house on Adachi Moor. The morbid story tells of a woman who developed cannibalistic habits for the lord of the district who required the blood of babies or young women. The hag menacies a young girl while Kannon ( to the right ), the goddess of compassion, looks on. In fact these are life-like dolls ( iki-ningyo ). There were popular exhibitions of these dolls during the mid 1850s to the late 1860s. Leading exponents being Yasumoto Kamehachi and Matsumoto Kisaburo. The latter had an exhibition in Asakusa Okuyama in 1855 and this might have been one of the exhibits. Kuniyoshi designed a number of diptychs and triptychs showing various exhibits of these dolls including others on this subject. Published 2/1855 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai and Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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Kyusempo Sakucho at the battle of Peking from Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Shows the brigand wielding a huge axe and plunging through deep snow on his horse. Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1827-30. Robinson S2.44.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIHARU ( 1828-1888 )
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A Chinese brigand, Hakujisso Hakusho, fighting a giant rooster from Suikoden gogetsu kagami, “Mirror of Heroes of the Suikoden.” Yoshiharu was a pupil of Kuniyoshi. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression with extensive burnishing on the rooster. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ipposai Yoshiharu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichijusai YOSHIKAZU ( active c 1850-1870 )
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The Earth Spider cornered in its cavernous lair by Raiko’s four retainers ( Shi-tenno ):
Watanabe no Tsuna; Usui no Sadamitsu; Urabe no Suetaka, and Sakata no Kintoki. Published by Maruya Jimpachi in 1858. Yoshikazu was a pupil of Kuniyoshi who also designed a version of this story. A fine design.
Very fine impression. The first and second sheets do not match accurately and the colour changes from black to brown. The cataloguer has noted this on every impression he has seen. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichijusai Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA ( 1822-1866 )
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Amidst lightning bolts a large white dragon emerges from the Koromo River before Yoshitsune and his followers at the battle of Takatachi in Mutsu Province in 1187. Yoshitsune’s loyal retainer, Benkei, is in the centre wearing a white monk’s cowl and holding his personal standard with Buddhist prayer wheel on the top. To the right is Yoshitsune in full armour. Published by Kinshodo in 1857. A fine design.
Very fine impression with mica applied to the dragon. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Ipposai YOSHIFUSA ( 1837-1860 )
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The ghost of Yoshihira striking down Nama Jiro with a thunderbolt. The scene is witnessed by Kiyomori who was sight-seeing at the the Nunobiki Waterfall. Akugenda Yoshihira ( 1141-1160 ), a Minamoto, had made an attempt on Kiyomori’s life, for which Kiyomori had him beheaded by Namba, hence the revenge. Yoshifusa was a pupil of Kuniyoshi who also designed a version of this story. Published 2/1856. A fine design.
Very fine impression with extensive sprayed orange gofun and splashed gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ipposai Yoshifusa ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
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Hidesato ( Fujiwara no ) commonly called Tawara Toda. Having killed the giant centipede for Ryujin, the Dragon King, he is shown accompanied by a host of fishy retainers riding the back of a giant turtle and with the gifts which were his reward: The giant bell ( subsequently given to the monastery of Miidera where it was stolen by Benkei ); a bag of rice which could not be exhausted; a cooking pot which didn’t need fire ( sometimes omitted ), and a roll of silk which could not be shortened by cutting. Above the waves in the distance can be seen the entrance to the Dragon King’s palace. Published 1858 by Maruya Kyoshiro.
Very fine impression showing wood grain. Perfect gradation. Fine colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
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Minamoto Tametomo decapitating Yamaotoko – a creature descended from a devil. From a set of ten prints: Tametomo homare no jikketsu, “Ten Famous Glories of Tametomo.” Published by Aritaya Seiemon 1847-50.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows the crucifiction of Torii Tsuneemon Katsutaka. The finest design from Kaidai hyaku senso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” The set depicts warriors from the sixteenth century although based on Yoshitoshi’s record of the battle of Ueno in 1868. Torii Tsuneemon was a retainer of Okudaira Sadamasa and a member of the Nagashino Castle garrison when it came under siege by Takeda Katsuyori in 1575. He bravely volunteered to sneak through enemy lines to get help. However, he was captured on his return and ordered to shout to his compatriots that no help was coming. Instead he shouted encouragement and was crucified. Published by Ohashi, 1868.
Fine impression with mica and gum applied to spear. Fine colour. Slight soil at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold