Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Looking Tiresome: The Appearance of a Virgin of the Kansei Era ( 1789 – 1802 ). From the set: Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The young girl strokes a pet cat.
Very fine impression of the first edition with the cat’s fur strongly blind-printed. Fine colour. Miniscule trimming on left, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An important two-fold screen, Yamatotakeruno mikoto at Mount Azuma. Yamatotakeru was the beautiful but fiery tempered third son of the Emperor Keikou (71B.C.-130 A.D.) He also had magical powers given to him by his aunt. His father decided to send him to the Eastern Provinces to subdue the barbarians. On the way aboard a boat, they encountered a violent storm. His wife, Ota-tachibana, threw herself in the sea to appease the Gods and drowned. Yamatotakeru continues his journey and reaches a rocky landscape. He gazes south east and in memory of his wife repeats three times “Azuma haya” (My wife, alas). Thus the mountain and area became known as Azuma. This is the scene Yoshitoshi depicts with Yamatotakeru surrounded by his entourage, gazing ahead, his long hair flowing. (He was able to pass as a woman in disguise, evidently.) Yoshitoshi had a jagged style of drawing and painting and the multitude of craggy outcrops allow him to fully indulge himself.
Full colour on silk, each panel 39.75 x 25 in; 101 x 63.5 cms. Extremely good condition. Signed Kinzaburo Yoshitoshi ga with blurred seal but reading Go Kaisai. Extremely rare.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original painting, Hokosorori zu, showing Sorori Shinzaemon (at bottom) and Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598). Sororai was a sword sheath maker and otogishu to Hideyoshi (storyteller to attending provincial lords). “Sorori” means smooth and quiet, the name given to him because any sword fit his sheaths so perfectly. The episode depicted concerns Hideyoshi lamenting the fact that his face looked like a monkey. Sorori cleverly tells him that he is lucky that monkeys respect him to such a degree that they try to look like him. Hideyoshi enjoys the reply and inquires what he would like as a reward. Sorori asks him for a grain of rice to be doubled-up every day for one hundred days. After this period Hideyoshi realises his mistake and demands that Sorori change the reward.
Full colour on silk, image size 34.75 x 11.5 in; 88.2 x 29.2 cms. In very good condition. Beautiful mount. Signed Yoshitoshi with Taiso seal.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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“Looking Weighed-down: The Appearance of a Waitress at Fukagawa in the Tempo Era” ( 1830 – 1844 ). From the set: Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The waitress is shown carrying a tray of rice, sashimi and beans.
Very fine impression and colour of the first edition. A mulberry fibre towards top edge, otherwise very fine condition with margins intact. ( These thread-like filaments of the tree sometimes survived the pulping process – either minute pieces of the outer or inner bark and are often seen. ) Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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“Looking Suitable: The Appearance of a Brothel Geisha of the Koka Era” ( 1844-1848 ). From the set: Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888.
Very fine impression, colour and condition of the first edition. This design is difficult to find in good condition as the [ oxidised ] silver of the first edition on the peacock feathers invariably migrates to other parts of the design, especially if it comes from an album. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Looking chilly: The appearance of a concubine of the Bunka Era ( 1804 – 1818 ). From the set: Thirty – two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888.
Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Preparing to take a stroll: A married woman in the Meiji Period from the set: Thirty –two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. This popular print shows a lady dressed in the latest western attire.
Fine impression. First edition, second state. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Onoe Kikugoro V as the Hag of Adachi Moor from the Kabuki play Adachigahara (aka Hitotsuya, “The Lonely House”) performed at the Ichimuraza Theatre 4/5/1890. One of a series of three triptychs showing half-length portraits of actors based on the Snow, Moon, Flowers theme. This being Flowers represented by the yugao,”gourds” – moon-flowers. Considered to be amongst Yoshitoshi’s best designs. The Hag was a cannibalistic old woman who preyed on travellers – especially pregnant women. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890.
Very fine impression. Mint condition. The best example I have seen. Signed Okokkeidoju Yoshitoshi ga
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A spirited original drawing showing a warrior brandishing a sword and holding a club. Sumi over the typical red underdrawing Yoshitoshi often employed. On thin paper laid onto Japanese paper. Image size 8 x 6 in; 20 x 15 cms.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An extremely fine original drawing for the set Kaidai hyakusenso, “One Hundred Aspects of Battle Chosen by Yoshitoshi.” ( Although – for whatever reason – this design was not published [ only sixty-five prints being known ]. ) A set of half-length portraits, mostly of modern soldiers and leaders drawn as historical figures of the medieval period in a semi-western style. The set published by Ohashi 7/1863-3/1869. The drawing in sumi and light colour has been restored and is in good condition and been re-laid onto Seichosen Koso Japanese paper, 14.75 in; 37.5 cms x 10.75 in; 27.25 cms. Sold “as is.”
Status: Sold