Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The best design from Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” Shows the actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Mo’un Kokushi. The story is based on the Takizawa Bakin and Hokusai Chinsetsu yumiharizuki. The magician is seated on a rocky promontory with exploding rocks emanating from behind his head. A stunning design. Published by Hirayano Shinzo, 1863.
Superb impression, colour and condition. The deluxe first edition on thick hosho and every refinement of printing using the finest pigments, burnishing, mica and gofun. Extra paper at left and top. Signed The 79 year old Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Bando Mitsugoro III as Washi no Osaburo disguised as Yamagatsu Kumao in Kawaranu hana Genji no kaomise performed at the Ichikawa Theatre in 11/1827. The left sheet of a surimono triptych probably issued for the new year of 1828. The complete set is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London ( E.3909-1916 ). A variant of the Kabujki play Seki no to in which two actors battle with giant axes.
Fine impression with gold and silver. Slight fading, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original painting on grey silk of an actor in a female role ( Segawa Kikunojo III ? ). Executed in fine detail – almost as a surimono with gold, silver and heightened gofun. Probably one of a set tipped into an album and commissioned by a wealthy patron of his favourite actors. Pin-ups of their day. 8.5 x 7 inches, 22 x 18 cms. Minor damage. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni hitsu, c. 1852.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An aizuri-e ( with red lightning ) fan print showing the actor Bando Mitsugoro IV as Kan Shojo in the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy” performed at the Nakamura Theatre, 5/1832. This is the Mt Tempai scene where Kan Shojo, in a rage, transforms himself into a demon surrounded by a thunderbolt. A famous scene, indeed the play was repeated at another theatre just four months later. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, 1832. Rare: Most probably the only impression extant of this fine design.
Fine impression. Minimal soil and trimmed to fan shape. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Sunrise at Futamigaura, Futamigaura akebono no zu from an untitled set of ten landscapes published by Kinkodo c. 1832. Shows the husband and wife rocks at Futami beach in Ise Province. A Shinto site indicated by the rope and gateways on top of the left rock. Kunisada, like Kuniyoshi, Toyoshige, Gakutei and Hokkei, while not known as a landscapes artist, produced a few fine examples, as here. Rare.
Fine impression, the waves gauffraged. Minor soil and marks, otherwise very good colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The Eitai Bridge ( Eitaibashi ) from a second series of five prints with title: Komo abura-e fu, “Drawings in the Red Hair [ Dutch ] Oil Painting Style.” Shows beauties in a pleasure boat in the foreground with a view along the Sumida of Eitai Bridge and Tsukuda Island. A mass of masts is shown in the harbour. ( At this time – c. 1825 – pure spring water and mountain streams supplied the canals and rivers with drinking water and the mouth of the Sumida was abundant with sea and fresh water fish. A distinct difference from today. ) This extremely rare set mimics Dutch leather with the borders and European writing with horizontal calligraphy. Published c. 1825 by Kinkodo.
Very good impression with extremely well retained colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Konomi ni makase Kunisada egaku, “Drawn by request by Kunisada.”
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Bust portraits of girls from a set of fan prints with title “A Parody of Six Elegant Selections”, comparing these beauties to inset view of blooms.
Fine impression, colour and condition; untrimmed. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Bust portraits of girls from a set of fan prints with title “A Parody of Six Elegant Selections”, comparing these beauties to inset view of blooms.
Fine impression, colour and condition; untrimmed. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Bust portraits of girls from a set of fan prints with title “A Parody of Six Elegant Selections”, comparing these beauties to inset view of blooms.
Fine impression, colour and condition; untrimmed. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Bust portraits of girls from a set of fan prints with title “A Parody of Six Elegant Selections”, comparing these beauties to inset view of blooms.
Fine impression, colour and condition; untrimmed. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A tripyych showing a party of women and a child running in the rain towards the entrance of the Mimeguri Shrine. Mimeguri no yudachi, “An Evening Shower at Mimeguri.” This famous shrine was on the bank of the Sumida at Mukojima and a short ferry ride from Asakusa. The shrine is also associated with prayers for rain. Kunisada was the most prolific 19th century artist, but amongst his vast output are real masterpieces. Published c 1830. A fine design.
Superb impression. Very fine colour. Small edge discolouration and small backed binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A triptych showing two beauties and a maidservant lighting their way with a lantern and carrying a shamisen box. The beam of light from the lantern illuminates the foreground figures and the leaping dog but leaves the background figures in silhouette. A lovely design. Another impression is illustrated in The Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, 1994, volume 1, G266. Published by Mikawaya Seiemon, c. mid 1820s.
Fine impression and colour. Imperceptible fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Natsu, “Summer” from a set f four prints Shii no ch “The Four Seasons.” A beauty holds a large umbrella against a summer storm with lightning flashing around her. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, c 1833-34.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga with double Toshidama seal (which is lacking on some impressions).
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A triptych showing a party of women and a child running in rain towards the entrance of the Mimeguri Shrine. Mimeguri no yudachi, “An Evening Shower at Mimeguri.” This famous shrine was on the bank of the Sumida at Mukojima and a short ferry ride from Asakusa. The shrine is also associated with prayers for rain. Kunisada was the most prolific 19th century artist, but amongst his vast output are real masterpieces. Published c 1830. A fine design.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Shows a trainee courtesan applying rouge to her eyes. Odori shisho, “The Dancing Girl” from a set Tosei bijin awase, “A Collection of Modern Beauties.” The set published by Moritaya Hanzo, c. 1826. Above, in the fan-shaped label are the accoutrements of her trade: a wig stand, a pair of clappers to keep time, and the libretto of a song.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Tumekiri yoshi, “A Good Day to Trim One’s Nails” from Hanagoyami kichijitsu sugata “Beauties on Auspicious Days of the Flower Calendar.” A beauty in a bathrobe with scissors about to trim her toenails. The scissors have a small bell which is usually seen around the necks of cats. Published 1844.
Fine impression and colour. Superb cutting and printing of the aizuri design on the bathrobe. Very slight trimming. Retains original album backing. Signed Kunisada aratame nidaime Toyokuni ga, “Kunisada changing his name to the second of the name Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The colour white from Ukiyo goshoku awase, “Matching with Five Colours of the Floating World.” A beauty before a mirror holding another mirror behind her to enable her to apply white make-up to the nape of her neck. A highly erogenous area to the Japanese. Published by Sanoya Kihei, 1845.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming and retains original album backing. Signed Kunisada aratame nidaime Toyokuni ga, “Kunisada changing his name to the second of the name Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A rare nagaban series of full length bijin published by Kinrindo (Moriya Jihei) c.1835-37.
Very good impression and colour; slight soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A stone lantern strongly illuminating a beauty reading a missive from a set Tsuki no kage shinobiau yoru, “Secret Meetings by Moonlight.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi c. 1836-38 and is based on strong light sources shining on beauties. This chiaroscuro technique was pioneered by Shumman and used by Utamaro and Toyokuni I.
Fine impression and colour. Small wormhole at right edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A woman putting out a floor lamp from a set Tsuki no kage shinobiau yoru, “Secret Meetings by Moonlight.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi c. 1836-38 and is based on strong light sources shining on beauties. This chiaroscuro technique was pioneered by Shumman and used by Utamaro and Toyokuni I.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Fuji kaeri no yudachi, “Sudden Shower on the Way Home.” Shows a beauty hunched under an umbrella against the rain. From a set of ten prints Tosei bijin awase, “Contest of Present-day Beauties.” She is returning from the Fuji festival celebrating the annual opening of Mount Fuji to pilgrims on the first day of the sixth month. (The straw snake in the cartouche, top right, is a souvenir from the festival.) Miniature mounds representing Fuji were made in locations such as Asakusa and Komagome and could reach 39 ft. high. Published by Moritaya Hanzo, 1827. A fine design.
Fine impression. Very slight “turning” of the fujitive blue on the umbrella, otherwise fine colour. A later edition was published replacing the beautiful pigment on the umbrella with a coarse dark blue pigment. Fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Four koban surimono-style prints from a set Hyakunin bijo, “One Hundred Beauties.” No publisher’s seal but published by Mikawaya Seiemon (who specialised in these prints), c late 1820s. Kunisada designed a number of such sets in this format.
Fine impressions, colour and condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A triptych from a series Imayo mitate shi-no-ko-sho, “An Up-to-Date Parody of the Four Classes.” Here: Shokunin, “Artisans.” Shows the whole process of print production, albeit in reality women did not do this work. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 8/1857. A must for any serious collection of Japanese prints. There are only two other designs showing the process of producing prints. Extremely rare.
Very good impression. Some fading and trimming, but generally good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An aizuri-e (blue print) showing the courtesan Hanaogi of the Ogi-ya House parading with her two kamuro. Published c 1840 by Enomotoya Kichibei. See my blog.
Very good impression, colour and condition. (With only the hint of red on the lips.) Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original wood block showing actors as Kuzunoha and Abe no Yasuna. Kuzunoha was the fox wife of Yasuna and is usually depicted nursing her child or appearing as a white fox giving Yasuna the key to her disappearance in a dream. Au verso is an uninteresting design by Yoshifuji entitled Toita zukushi, a “Collection of Sliding Doors.” Rare: Blocks of seasoned wood had become expensive in the 19th century and old blocks were often planed down to be reused by later artists/publishers. Important blocks seldom come onto the market, and the few that do are invariably for later copies. Most were reused and/or burnt and destroyed. Signed Toyokuni ga. Publisher’s seal not read. Censors’ seals for 1849 – 53. Sold as is with some slight edge wormage, but otherwise surprisingly good condition.
Status: Sold
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Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An extremely important original wood block. Shows the onnagata actor Onoe Kikugoro IV as the chinohito, ‘wet-nurse,’ Masaoka, in the play ‘Konoshita Masagono Date-zome,’ performed at the Ichimura Theatre, 9/1855. Designed for the late, fine set of deluxe bust portaits published by Ebisuya Shoshichi ( except two ) between 1860 and 1869. There are also eleven designd by Yoshitora. The culmination of Kunisada’s carrer. On the reverse of the block is a design by Utagawa Kunitoshi ( 1847 – 99 ) with title Tokyo meisho Kaiunbashi dai-ichi kokuritsu ginko, ‘First National Bank at Kaiun Bridge, Famous Views of Tokyo.’ Published Meiji 10 ( 1877 ) by Naraha Shutei. Signed Kunitoshi hitsu. Blocks of seasoned wood had become expensive in the 19th century and old blocks were often planed down to be reused by later artists/publishers. Important blocks seldom come onto the market, and the few that do are invariably for later copies. Most were reused and/or burnt and destroyed. Signature Toyokuni ga with publisher’s seal Kinshodo and Sho; carver’s seal choko Ryuzo and Aratame censor’s seal 3/1860. Sold as is with some slight edge wormage, but otherwise surprisingly good condition.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A fine view of the inside of a theatre with a performance taking place. The faces of the audience in the stalls are carefully drawn and it’s obvious that many were meant to be recognised. Published by Noshuya Yasubei, 1858. Rare.
Fine impression and colour. Offsetting on last sheet and trimmed slightly on left. Other minor marks and rubbing. Signed Ichiyosai Hinajishi Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Shiragikumaru from the play Tsuruya Namboku riding the back of an enormous
prehistoric-looking sea animal. From the set: Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic-scenes by Toyokuni” published by Hiranoya Shinzo 12/1864. One of the best designs from the set.
Superb deluxe impression with burnishing, mica, splashed gofun and best-quality pigments. Perfect colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine. On deluxe hosho. Signed Shichijuku-sai Toyokuni hitsu, “The seventy-nine year old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A lively design showing Ichikawa Danjuro VII in the role of the loyal warrior Arajishi Otokonosuke Terumitsu fighting a giant rat in the cellar beneath the women’s quarters of the Ashikaga Palace. This scene, Yukashita no Ba, is from the play Date kurabe okuni Kabuki performed at the Kawarasaki-za Theatre, 3/1829. Shortly afterwards, the rat escapes down a hole in the hanamichi pathway, only to re-emerge in a cloud of smoke as the arch-villain and master of the black arts, Nikki Danjo. Published by Eikyudo (Yamamoto Kyubei) 1829.
Fine impression, colour and condition on an extra large sheet of hosho. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A fine surimono showing the actor Danjuro VII casting roasted beans from a tray he holds in his left hand. This ritual called setsubun, “end of winter” was performed in the precincts of temples in the Spring (although now takes place in February). He wears the well known Shibaraku costume with the large mimasu crests. Two poems above by Shiseido Sutena and Hoichitei Masunari. The latter being a member of the Taiko-ren, Drum poetry club. Their symbol top right corner. Issued c 1822. Illustrated in colour on the front cover of Art of the Surimono, Theodore Bowie, Indiana University Art Museum, 1979. Rare.
Superb impression with extensive gold and silver. Perfect colour. Light Japanese backing and slightly trimmed at left. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An exceptionally rare original double-sided woodblock. On one side is the key-block showing Ichikawa Danjuro VII as the strongman, “chikaramochi,” Ura no Kingo. On the other is the key-block showing Iwai Kumesaburo II as the female acrobat, “karuwazashi,” Tamamoto Kosan. The play is Fujikawabune noriai banashi performed at the Nakamura-za Theatre, 5/1826. The block measures 8.5 x 10.75 x .75 in; 21.6 x 27.3 x 2 cms. The two images signed Gototei Kunisada ga. In very good condition but with obvious minor damage. Sold “as is.”
Status: Sold
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Kochoro KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
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Shoki, “The Demon Quellor.” The ghostly Chinese protector of the Emperor Ming Hwang. A favourite subject for the Japanese, he is usually shown beating off annoying oni. He is always depicted dressed in Chinese military attire with the characteristic Chinese hat with side streamers and holding a two-edged sword. Published c 1847-1852.
Very good impression and colour. The paper has a semi-chirimen surface. Some creasing and minor marks. Signed Ichiyosai Utagawa Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
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A complete set of five prints of otokodate ( chivalrous men ) showing the champions: Kanoko Kanpei; Kanto Koroku; Hon’machi Amigoro; Shimano Shinpei; and Benkei Tazaemon.
This is a complimentary set to a series “Complimentary Stripes Woven to Order” of bijin busts also showing strong textile backgrounds commissioned to advertise the latest fabrics for the beginning of the New Year. Published by Miyakozawa 1844-6.
Fine impressions and colour. Slight trimming and light album backing. Very good condition. Signed Oju ( by order ) Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
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Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Urashima Taro, seated with his fishing rod and the black box behind him that contains his old age. Urashima Taro saved a giant tortoise and was rewarded by a visit to the Dragon King’s palace beneath the sea by the Dragon’s daughter Otohime. Published for the Taiko-gawa poetry group ( red drum seal top right ) in 1820.
Very fine impression and colour with gold and silver. Fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
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Ichikawa Danjuro VII ( crouching below ) as Konoshita Tokichi and Segawa Kikunojo V as Princess Otohime. This does not illustrate a particular play, but was obviously intended for the year 1820 as Otohime was the daughter of the Dragon King ( 1820 being a dragon year ).
Fine impression. Very good colour. Extensive gold and silver. Fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
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Two sheets ( of three ) showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII ( left ) in the role of Minamoto Yorimasa holding a firebrand to better see the giant Nue and Bando Mitsugoro III as Tametomo with his giant bow. The complete set is in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. It appears to be a mitate as these three actors did not act together. The dragon-patterned border indicates the dragon year 1820. The bright blue grounds make for striking compositions.
Very fine impressions. Some slight loss of metallic powders, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunisada ga on each.
Status: Sold
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Kochoro KUNISADA (1786 – 1865)
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A surimono double actor portrait probably showing Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Sukeroku and Matsumoto Koshiro ( V ? ) as Ikyu from the play Sukeroku, c 1859. This could be a commemorative surimono from the actors’ fan clubs. The inset busts are shown against a backdrop of beautifully printed foliage.
Superb impression. Fine colour. Very small edge wormage repaired, otherwise fine condition. Signed “Seventy three year old Toyokuni hitsu “.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786 – 1864)
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An extremely rare surimono showing a seated beauty.
Fine impression and colour. The background blind-printed with a textured pattern. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A print with title: Kaso-zaiku, “Bamboo Basket Work”. Shows a peacock, an oni, cat, and shishi lions built of bamboo by the craftsman Naniwa ( Osaka ) Kazuda Shohichiro. An early and possibly unrecorded Kunisada print. Published by Kawaguchiya Heikichi c 1820’s.
Good impression. Slightly trimmed, backed and some fading. Signed Oju ( “ by special request” ) Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA ( 1786-1864 )
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An uncut fan print showing a bust portrait of the actor Nakamura Shikan II as Matsuomaru in the scene Kuruma-biki from the play Sugawara denju tenari kagami, “Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy” performed at the Nakamura-za theatre, 5/1832. This episode gives rise to one of Kabuki’s most celebrated scenes involving Matsuomaru’s two brothers and the carriage of Shihei. Extremely rare. Published 1832. Publisher not identified.
Very good impression and colour. Slight vertical crease and small edge wormage at top, otherwise good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold