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Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Komachizakura no sei from Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set of thirty-six prints published by Sasaki Toyokichi 1889-1892 (this being 1889). The story relates how Lord Kuronushi is on his way to attempt the overthrow of the Emperor. To make his journey auspicious he stops to build a shrine using an ancient cherry tree. The spirit of the cherry tree appears in the form of Kurozume – a courtesan with magical powers. She extracts the details of the plot and punishes him.
Very fine impression of the first edition with burnishing. Fine colour. Very slight crease, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A dramatic triptych: Kyokyaku Suikoden no uchi: Kogakure no Kiritaro yojutsu o motte sugata o kakasu. The Kyokyaku Suikoden: Kogakure no Kiritaro hiding himself by using witchcraft. The snake, with Kiritaro standing on him, has emanated from the kago in the centre sheet to the confusion of the three attackers: Waniguchi Jinsuke (centre) and Masakino Torazo and Kazama Hanjiro. A stream of rats is emitted from the snake’s mouth. I have not been able to source this story. Published by Kameya Iwakuchi, 1861. Rare.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Sumi marks au verso showing through slightly, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Tametomo at the age of thirteen catching the arrows shot at him by two of the Emperor’s guard in a competition with Shonagon Nyudo Shinsei. From a set: Tametomo homare no jikketsu, “Ten Famous Excellencies of Tametomo.” The set published by Aritaya Seiyemon, c 1848-51.
Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Takeda Shingen seated and holding a war-fan and rosary and fully armoured. From a series: Meiko hyaku yu den, “Stories of a Hundred Heroes of High Renown” published by Idzumiya Ichibei, 1843-4.
Very fine impression, fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The devoted wife Sayohime from Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” She is seen on a rocky outcrop watching her husband Otomo Sadehiko sail away to war. Legend has it that she wept for so long that she eventually turned to stone. The figure being referred to as Bofu-seki, “Weeping-wife Stone.” Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1876.
Very fine impression of the first edition . Small backed wormhole top margin and small thinned area, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)
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A vertical diptych of Shoki, the Demon Queller. The character originates from China being a deity from China’s Taoist pantheon. He is always shown with his scholar’s hat, large robe and boots, and usually carrying a sword with which he attacks oni. Images of Shoki were hung outside houses to ward off evil during the Boys’ Day Festival on May 5th. Published by Yamamoto Kyubei, c 1820. Prints by Toyoshige are often misattributed to Toyokuni I and vice versa because late Toyokuni I signatures and those of Toyoshige are similar. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Some edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gosotei Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A vertical diptych: Mongaku shonin aragyo no zu. One of a series of 16 vertical diptychs published in the 1880s. Shows the priest Mongaku atoning for his sins in the icy waters of the Nachi waterfall but being saved just in time by Seitaka doji, one of the two main boy servants of the Buddhist guardian deity Fudo-myoo (shown above). Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1885.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. The first edition with the title printed in red at the bottom. On thick deluxe hosho. Slight bleeding of the red seal, otherwise fine condition with the extra paper at left and top. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Minamoto Tametomo (1139-70) decapitating Yamaotoko from a set of ten prints: Tametomo homare no jikketsu, “Ten Famous Glories of Tametomo.” A great archer (it being said that his left arm was four inches longer than his right), and a wild and colourful character. The story shown here relates how Tametomo, while exiled to the island of Izu Oshima, discovers a nearby island inhabited by creatures with a demon-like countenance, red faces and long red hair hanging over their foreheads. He eventually subjugates the devils and is regarded as a king by the islanders. Published by Aritaya Seiemon, 1847-50.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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Satomi Jibu-no-taifu Yoshizane, a daimyo in control of Takita Castle from Satomi Hakkenden, the eight heroes of Bakin’s novel Hakkenden. Published by Mikawa-ya Tetsugoro, c 1849-51. See the Kunichika triptych of the same subject on this current selection.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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Nitta Tadatsune encountering the goddess of Mount Fuji and her dragon in a cavern with numerous stalactites and a fast flowing river and waterfall. She complimented Tadatsune on his courage while his compatriots were stricken with terror. Statues of the goddess Kwannon ( Chin: Guanyin ) are often found in caves. Published by Tsuji-ya Yasubei, c. 1844. Robinson T143. A fine design.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Araki Matayemon standing, examining his sword from Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The set published by Kadzusaya Iwazo in c 1845-6.
Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Solid yellow ground. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Yoshioka Kanefusa defending himself in an attack by police from Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The set published by Kadzusaya Iwazo in c 1845-6.
Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Solid yellow ground. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A bust portrait of the sumo wrestler Nuregami Chogoro holding a pipe from the series Kuniyoshi moyo shofuda tsuketari genkin otoko, “ Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion.” The title derived from a contemporary kabuki play Shofuda tsuki kongen kusazuri. Poem above by Rosho. Robinson S40.5. Published by Ibaya Kyubei, 1845.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming and retains original album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A bust portrait of Goshaku Somegoro playing a shakuhachi from the series Kuniyoshi moyo shofuda tsuketari genkin otoko, “ Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion.” The title derived from a contemporary kabuki play Shofuda tsuki kongen kusazuri. Poem above by Umeya. Robinson S40.3. Published by Ibaya Kyubei, 1845.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming and retains original album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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Yoshida Sadaemon Kanesada slicing arrows in half with his sword from a set Gishi Meimei jitsu den, “Biographies of Loyal Followers [aka The 47 Ronin].” The series published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke, 1860.
Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Sasaki Ganryu standing, in profile, with clenched fist, from Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The set published by Kadzusaya Iwazo in c 1845-6.
Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Solid yellow ground. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
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Tadatsune killing the monstrous wild boar watched by Yoritomo and his entourage. Published c 1842-3. Robinson T99.
Fine impression and colour. Minor trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Kiyohime assumes a serpent form at Hidaka river as she continues her pursuit of the monk Anchin. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 and 1890.
Extremely fine impression of the first edition with three-colour cartouche. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A design showing Hojo Tokiyori in a snowy landscape from the set Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” He was Regent during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) but withdrew to the temple of Saimyoji and subsequently travelled around the country incognito to familiarize himself with the conditions of the populace. Published by Funazu Chujiro, 1878.
Fine impression with extensive burnishing. Fine colour. Light backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Takeda Katsuchiyo in his boyhood killing an old badger which had transformed itself into a wooden saddle-horse. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 and 1890.
Very fine impression of the first edition with three-colour cartouche. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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India from Sangoku yoko zue, “The Magic Fox of the Three Countries [China, India, Japan].” A set with strong western elements. Here showing Kwayo-fujin (the fox) having shot a St. Sebastian-like figure in the eye watched by King Hansoku. Both attired in exotic and archaic western garments and head pieces. Also western influences in the sky, trees and architecture. The set published by Iseya Chusuke and Echizenya Hachiyemon, c 1849-50. Unidentified collector’s seal bottom left. Rare.
Fine impression with strong woodgrain. Very good colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The warrior Hakumenrokun Teitenju in full armour levering a mass of rock with an iron bar. A design from the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2.20. There is another version of this design with yellow rocks and the sky a solid blue.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size (unusual as these prints are overlarge obans and often trimmed). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The warrior Chusenko Teitokuson driving his sword into a huge snake. A design from the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2.13. One of the best designs from this impressive set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size (unusual as these prints are overlarge obans and often trimmed). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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An apparition of a nine-tailed fox. These foxes could turn themselves into beautiful women when a hundred years old. From a set of 50 prints: Azuma nishiki chuya karabe, “Eastern Brocades, Day and Night, Compared.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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An early design without series title showing Nikki Gennosuke in pouring rain fending off wild wolves while suddenly observing the apparition of a dead man behind him. Published by Tsuta-ya Kichizo, c 1840. Robinson S1e.2. A fine and rare design.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ch-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )
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No. 30, Sakai Kuzo Hisatsune surviving gunshot from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “ Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki.” A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chokaro Yoshiiku ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )
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No. 61, Saito Izu-no-kami Toshimitsu fighting an adversary under water from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki. “ A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )
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No. 32, Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu fighting a large boar from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “ Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki. “ A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chokaro Yoshiiku ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A design from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets.” Shows the poet Yamabe no Akahito (fl. 724-736) with a page walking beside the bay of Tago, with Fuji beyond. He is noted as one of the Thirty-six Poetry Immortals. Published by Yebi-Ne, 1840-2. A set with some fine compositions.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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One of the Eight Dog Heroes, Satomi Yoshizane, seated surrounded by a dragon, thunderbolts and waves. From a set Dai Nippon goketsu Suikoden, “Great Japanese Heroes of the Popular Suikoden.” The set (?) published by Shimizuya Tsuejiro, c. 1843-5.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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Uba Shizu of Nabeshima praying under a waterfall from a set Zen’aku sanuroku bijin, “Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” The set published by Sawamuraya Seikichi, 1876.
Very fine impression and colour with splashed gofun. Very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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An original double-sided wood-block showing on one side the busts of three wrestlers with a title cartouche Ozumo tozai kurabe, “A Sumo Contest Between East and West.” On the other side is a sumi key-block for a set Kurikara kongo den, “Legends of the Dragon Sword and the Thunderbolt of Absolute Truth.” Shows Benkei Taikumon heaving (presumably) the large bell of Mii Temple. The set was published in 1863. Interestingly, the heads on the sumo side have been altered by plugging-in new wrestlers.
Generally in good condition with the usual edge damage. Sold “as is.” Rare.
Status: Sold
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Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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Otoyo no Kata from Zen-aku sanjuroku bijin, “Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” The set published in 1876 by Morimoto Janzaburo.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Azuma no Mori no koji “ The Old Story of Azuma” from a set Toto kyuseki tsukushi, “Old Edo Stories, Illustrated.” Exceptionally rare: Four other designs from the set came up at the Orange and Thornicraft sale, Sothebys, 25/3/1912, lot 440. And another impression of this design is illustrated in Hiroshige, The Albuquerque Museum, 1983, no. 722, pl. 74. Shows the concubine Tachibana Hime about to throw herself from the prow of the boat to appease the sea-gods and protect her lord Yamato Take. This she did despite him vowing to marry Miyazu Hime on his return. Published by Wakasa-ya, c. 1845. A wonderful design.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An extremely rare diptych, Shoki-san jaki ni sokko, “Shoki-San, Quick-Acting Medicine to Remove Evil Spirits.” Images of Shoki were used to ward off evil spirits and illness, especially during the Boys’ Festival. Published 1858 by Enshuya Hikobei.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi fude with Yutaka seal.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Flood from a series Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” Shows the actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Abe Bungo no Kami riding through rough waves. A fine set published by Okura Magobei, 1876.
Very good impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych showing the exorcism of the evil fox of Princess Osakabe by Miyamoto Musashi. The story relates how Musashi is the only warrior brave enough to enter Himeji castle which is haunted by the princess. He pursues her and finally cannot resist touching her which exorcises the evil foxes who can be seen surrounding the princess. In gratitude she presents him with a sword (seen here on middle and left sheet). Published 1863 by Yamazakiya Seishichi.
Very good impression and colour. Slight creasing, otherwise good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
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Nitta Tadatsune encountering the goddess of Mount Fuji and her dragon in a cavern with numerous stalactites and a fast flowing river and waterfall. Published by Tsuji-ya Yasubei c 1844. Robinson T143.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A rare diptych, Kansho Tempaizan mangan. This famous tale (with different versions) is the basis for the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy” which was performed at the Kawarazaki Theatre, Edo, 9/1832. This Mt. Tempai scene shows Kan Shojo (Sugawara no Michizane), a Heian politician and poet, transforming himself into a demon and invoking a storm. Umeomaru , a former retainer of Kan Shojo is seen climbing the mountain on the left sheet. There is also a fine vertical surimono diptych of this subject issued by Kunisada in 1832. Published by Yamaguchi Tobei. A fine design I have not catalogued before.
Fine impression and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Narukami Shonin, a wicked priest, from the play Narukami. One of a set Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” The series published by Hiranoya Shinzo, 1862. The set is known for its deluxe printing.
Superb impression and colour. Fine condition. Signed Kio Toyokuni hitsu (77 year’s old).
Status: Sold