Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Sano Genzaemon cutting his potted trees to warn Hojo Tokiyori. From the fine set Yoshitoshi mushaburui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi, 1883-1886 (this being 1883).
Fine impression and colour. Light toning, otherwise fine condition. This is the first edition. There are a number of later states and the set was republished by Tsunajima in 1886.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Danjo Matsunaga Hisahide preparing to commit suicide. From the fine set Yoshitoshi mushaburui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi, 1883-1886 (this being 1883).
Fine impression and colour. Light toning, otherwise fine condition. This is the first edition. There are a number of later states and the set was republished by Tsunajima in 1886.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Kuro Hangan Yoshitsune and Notonokami Noritsune fighting on a ship’s prow. From the fine set Yoshitoshi mushaburui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi, 1883-1886 (this being 1886).
Fine impression and colour. Light toning, otherwise fine condition. Early edition. There are a number of later states and the set was republished by Tsunajima in 1886.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A chuban print from a set Wakan goki zoroi, “Valour in China and Japan.” Shows Kintaro about to deliver a blow to the Thunder God Raijin (the God of thunder and lightning – a Japanese Thor). Published by Daisada, 1868. A rare set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A complete hexaptych (six-sheet) design comprising two triptychs: Kawanakajima okassen no zu, “The Great Battle of Kawanakajima,” published by Tsujibun, 6/1866 and Takeda yusho kessen no zu, “The Bloody Battle of the Brave Generals of the Takeda Clan,” published by Tsujibun, 6/1867. The great battles of Kawanakajima took place between 1553 and 1564 between the daimyos Takeda Shingen (1521-1573) and Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578). Starting as more skirmishes than all out warfare they ended up with a fourth battle where Kenshin is estimated to have had 72% casualties and Shingen 62%. Rare complete.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A design from a set Azuma nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Rough Tales of the Floating World.” Various publishers between 1867 -1868, here Omi-Kyu in 1868. The prints interpret stories told by various well known storytellers, in this case Momokawa Enkoku. Shows the Monkey King (Son Goku) being catapulted into the air by the force of the large palm fan of Princess Iron Fan. (The fan was capable of creating strong winds and putting out fires.) She was a Rasetsunyo, a female protector of Buddhism. A comparatively rare set.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows the famous Heron Maiden. There are different versions of this story but the most common tells how a young man finds an injured heron. He nurses it back to health and releases it. Some time later a beautiful young woman appears in his village. He falls in love and they marry. She makes fine brocade which they sell, but she does not allow him to see her making it. Tempted he secretly views her only to discover she is the heron. This is the end of their marriage and the heron flies away. From a set Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts,” sub-title: Sagi musume. The set published by Sasaki between 1889- 1892 (this being 1889). This is the first edition.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych Masakiyo sankan taiji no zu, “A Picture of Masakiyo Conquering Korea.” The design purports to show Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) invading Korea, but is probably a reference to the English bombardment of Kagoshima harbour in 1863. There is further confusion by the Koreans being dressed in medieval European costumes. Published by Yamaguchiya in 1864. There is a history in ukiyo-e of commenting on current – but sensitive – events, but setting them in the distant past to avoid censorship.
Fine early impression with burnishing on boat. Fine colour. Slight creases along right edge of sheets, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Roba kiwan o mochisaru from Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set of thirty-six prints published by Sasaki Toyokichi 1889-1892 (this being 1889). Shows the demon Ibaraki escaping with her severed arm. She had haunted the Rashomon Gate near the Toji Temple in Kyoto. Watanabe no Tsuna is commanded to kill her but only succeeds in cutting an arm off. Knowing she will return he locks it in a box. Subsequently his elderly aunt visits him and asks to see it, whereupon she reverts to her demonic self and seizes the limb. In another version she haunts the Modori bridge, Ichijo, in Kyoto.
Very fine impression of the first edition with burnishing. Fine colour. Very slight crease, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
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
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
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
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
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Toki Motosada, the retainer of Gamo Sadahide, throwing a red temple guardian to the ground and vanquishing the ghosts on Mount Inohana. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 – 1892 (this being 1890). This seems to be the same subject Yoshitoshi used for his set Wakan hyaku monogatari but the names are altered.
Very fine first edition, fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The battle of Fujikawa from a set of triptychs Toyotomi Shoshinroku published by Yorozumago, c 1869. The set relates Hideyoshi’s (1537-1598) exploits. From humble origins he became the second unifier of Japan who, after 100 years of war, brought stability and peace.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size with extra paper all around. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shoki appearing in the Chinese emperor Ming Huang’s dream and cleansing him of a fever demon. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 – 1892 (this being 1890).
Very fine first edition, fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The famous daimyo Oda Nobunaga throwing an assailant over a terrace while the Honnoji Temple burns behind him. Nobunaga’s branch of the Oda clan held control of central Japan but he was eventually killed by his treacherous vassal Akechi Mitsuhide at this temple in 1582. From a set Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The series of 51 prints published by Kumagai and Funazu Chujiro, c. 1876 – 82. The design here by the latter in 1878.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Kiyohime changing into a serpent on the edge of the Hidaka River. The monk Anchin fell in love with Kiyohime only to change his mind. He escapes across the river followed by Kiyohime who becomes a serpent and traps him in the bell of the Dojo-ji Temple and kills him. From a set Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts,” sub-title: Kiyohime Hidakagawa ni jatai to naru zu. The set published by Sasaki between 1889 -1892 (this being 1890). This is the first edition.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Abe no Hirafu (c. 575 – 674), a governor of Koshi Province, is famous for quelling the indigenous people of northern Japan – the Ainu. He is shown here killing a giant bear in the snow (of either northern Japan or Korea). From a set Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The series of 51 prints published by Kumagai and Funazu Chujiro, c. 1876 – 82. The design here by the latter in 1880.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The famous wrestler Shirafuji Genta watching kappa (amphibious half humanoid, half turtle creatures). One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi cutting the arm off a tengu. He was taught the short sword technique from his father but then became expert with the long sword, eventually inventing the two-sword style, with the long sword in the right hand, the short in the left. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865.
Fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Lord Mashiba Tairyo Hisayoshi defying the thunderstorm on Mount Kobo conjured up by Kobo Daishi. A retribution for ignoring the vow of silence on the mountain. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865.
Fine impression with burnishing and mica. Fine colour. Trimmed close on the right, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Toki Daishiro, the retainer of Gamo Ujisato, vanquishing the demons in the temple on Mt. Inohana by grappling with the temple guardian. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865. This appears to be the same subject Yoshitoshi used in his set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen but with altered names.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych from a set of three designs: Buyu setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon and Flowers with Valiant Warriors,” this being “Flower”: Ikutamori ume, “Plum at Ikuta Forest.” The battle of Ichi-no-Tan took place in the forest between the Taira and Minamoto clans. Published by Kiya Sojiro, 2/1867.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai 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. Shows Benkei on the prow of the ship in which Yoshitsune was forced to flee to northern Japan after being attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo. 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 by holding up his string of prayer beads.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A unique key-block proof of Happinata Kojo (Chin: Xiang Chong) riding into battle on his horse. This appears to be a proof for an unpublished print for the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. Aratame and date seal for 7/1868 and engraver’s seal Hori Wakasa. No publisher’s seal. The kento marks just visible. Browned and creased but commensurate with having survived. Sold “as is.” Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A key-block proof of Juunryu Kosonsho (Chin: Kun-sun Sheng) praying with lightning flashing around him. From the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. Aratame and date seal for 7/1868 and engraver’s seal Hori Wakasa. Publisher’s seal Ohashi (Daikyodo). One kento mark visible. Browned and creased but commensurate with having survived. Sold “as is.” Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A unique key-block proof of Kyubiki Toso-o (Chin: Tao Tsung-Wang) brandishing a sword. This appears to be a proof for an unpublished print for the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. Aratame and date seal for 7/1868. The outline for the engraver’s seal printed but the name not inserted. No publisher’s seal. The kento marks evident. Browned and creased but commensurate with having survived. Sold “as is.” Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A key-block proof of Botsumenmoku Shotei (Chin: Chiao Ting). From the set Goketsu Suikoden, “Heroes of the Suikoden” published by Ohashi in 1868. Keyes lists just seven designs in this set. Aratame and date seal for 8/1868 and engraver’s seal Hori Wakasa. Publisher’s seal Ohashi (Daikyodo). Kento marks visible. Some creasing but commensurate with having survived. Sold “as is.” Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Nise Murasaki inaka Genji, “An Imposter Murasaki and a Rustic Genji.” A triptych based on an involved story written by Ryutei Tanehiko in 1829 and based on the classic 11th century Tale of Genji. Shows Prince Genji with his lover Tasogare at an old temple. A demon appears pretending to be Genji’s wife Futaba, but in reality is Tasogare’s mother, Shinonome. Genji, discovering her true identity, reveals that his affair with her daughter is only in order to regain the family sword. Tasogare and her mother commit suicide due to the great shame. Published by Akiyama Buemon in 1884.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi sha.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych entitled Autumn Moon. A famous subject showing the aristocrat Fujiwara no Yasumasa playing his flute on a lonely moor and the bandit Hakamadare Yasusuke creeping up on him. So entranced was Hakamadare by the music that all he could do was to follow Yasumasa home. This is a version of a design published in 1868 with partially new blocks and an uncluttered background. It is regarded as a new design. Published by Katada Chojiro, 1884.
Fine impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Yamauba and Kintoki from a set of thirteen prints Ikkai zuihitsu, “A Miscellany by Ikkai,” this being an early name of Yoshitoshi’s. A strange print in more ways than one: Not only is this his most “Westernized” design, but the impression is a puzzle. There is a thought that the design is based on Raphael’s Santa Familia but it could as easily be a Botticelli. Certainly it looks to be after Madonna and child images he has seen. Also, this set has numerous variations in seals. Basically, it seems those with red or black seals in the margin are the earliest. However, this is a fine impression and has no seals. Published by Masadaya Heikichi, 1872.
Fine impression and colour (with Kintoki a deeper red than on other impressions). Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Saimyoji Tokiyori Nyudo in the snow from a set of 51 prints Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “A Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The set was published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (the first 11 prints) and Funazu Chujiro between 1878-1882. Tokiyori became Regent (Shikken) in 1246. In 1256 he took the tonsure and was reputed to travel the country incognito to view and better understand the living conditions of the people. Published by Funazu Chujiro in 1878.
Fine, early impression. This is the first state. The snow block was recut on later editions. Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The serpent Tamichi attacking his enemies from a set of 51 prints Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “A Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The set was published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (the first 11 prints) and Funazu Chujiro between 1878-1882. Like Abe no Hirafu, Tamichi was involved in the subjugation of the Emishi. He was killed by a poisoned arrow but was reincarnated as a giant snake to finally overcome his enemies. Published by Funazu Chujiro in 1880.
Fine, early impression with mica on the snake. Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A vertical diptych showing Taira no Koremochi discovering that a princess is, in reality, a demon. Taira Koremochi Togakushiyama kijo taiji no zu. The story relates how, while maple viewing on Mt. Togakushi in Shinano, Taira no Koremochi comes across a princess and her attendants. He joins them eating and drinking and finally falls into a deep sleep. He dreams that the princess is in fact a kijo (a young woman turned into an oni) and that she is intent on killing him. He awakes to see her true appearance reflected in the water of a nearby stream and kills her. Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1887. It was republished later by Hasegawa.
Very fine impression and colour. Perfect condition with ample room for joining of two sheets and full margin on left and top – which these designs must have. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych from a set of ten: Dai Nippon shiryaku zue, “Short Illustrated History of Great Japan.” Each print is in the form of an unrolled makimono. This design shows the third son of the twelfth century Emperor Keiko, Yamato Takeru no mikoto (Wo-usu). His father was constantly sending him on dangerous missions making him suspect that he wished his death. One such journey was to the Emishi in northeast Japan. On complaining about this to his high-priestess aunt, Yamato-hime, she gave him the famous sword Ame no murakumo no hoken to aid him. On his arrival, the ruler of the Emishi lured him onto open grassland which he set on fire. Wo-usu used his sword to cut the grass, evade death, and start new fires to kill his enemy. Published by Kobayashi 1880. A fine design.
Fine impression of first edition. Fine colour. Slight album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych from a set of ten: Dai Nippon shiryaku zue, “Short Illustrated History of Great Japan.” Each print is in the form of an unrolled makimono. This design shows the twenty-first Emperor Yuryaku-Tenno (457-479) out following his favourite diversion – hunting. The story relates how during 461 on Mount Katsuragi a large boar attacked him. He ordered his aid to shoot it but the man ran away, whereupon the Emperor kicked the boar onto its back and killed it. Published by Tsunashima 1879.
Fine impression of first edition. Fine colour. Slight album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold