Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki. “A Celebration of Gallantry”. Firemen often had elaborate tattoos to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865. Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Extensive burnishing. Gofun oxidised (as usual). Slight offsetting of blue pigment, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki. “A Celebration of Gallantry”. Firemen often had elaborate tattoos to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865. Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Gofun oxidised (as usual). otherwise fine condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows the young warrior said to be as strong as an ox Sen-Kanja Usjiwaka Saburo Yoshitora. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Ake Tamanosuke, a famous rider and archer with a wooden statue of his mentor Kansho behind him. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour with mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows the boisterous Koo-maru, also known as “Hyonosuke” the Leopard Kid. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Rokugi Suginosuke Norifusa, a robber-chief and magician, also known as Tengu-jiro as he could fly like the tengus. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour with mica. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Akashi Shiganosuke, the notoriously strong Yokozuma sumo-fighter, holding an opponent at bay with one hand. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Oshima Tanzo, a member of the robber-chief Shindo Kajiro Nobuyuki’s tribe. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows the robber-chief Shindo Kojiro Nobuyuki being asked by the monkey spirit of Shinohaza to avenge his murder by Inaba Taro. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ).
Fine impression and colour with strong burnishing. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Kinezumi Konoshi Kaiden, the muscular monk, killing a monstrous wild cat that had tormented a village. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Sangoku Taro who travelled through India and China learning conjuring tricks. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ).
Fine impression and colour with mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Shows Satami Jirotaro Yoshishige collecting the head of his adversary Awa Katsegura that his faithful dog has retrieved. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7.
Fine impression and colour with gauffrage on the dog and mica ground. Very good 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, at the prow of the ship holding Yoshitsune, attempting to pacify the ghosts of the Taira warriors and hence calm the storm in Daimotsu Bay.
Very good impression and colour. Full margins with extensive mica. Offsetting visible au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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The monkey battles Kinkaku Daio on a sea cliff from the rare set of eight prints: Tsuzoku Saiyuki, “A Modern Journey to the West.” Based on Wu Cheng’en’s ( 1500-1582 ) most famous novel, Journey to the West, which was translated and condensed by Arthur Waley and entitled Monkey. This is probably the finest design from this high quality set. Published by Fukuta, 10/1864 ( this design 2/1865 ).
Superb impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Lu Ta ( Lu Chi Shen ) demolishing the gate of the temple of the Five-Crested Mountain. A Chinese captain, he accidentally killed a man and to escape death he became a priest at the temple. The abbot cut his hair and renamed him Lu Chi Shen, “Lu of Deep Wisdom.” However, quickly disregarding priestly vows, he became violent again and drank heavily. Staggering back one night he shattered the temple gate fighting the huge wooden guardian figures. The abbot dimissed him and he reappears as one of the 108 heroes of the Suikoden. Published by Matsui 1887.
Very fine impression of the earliest state of the first edition with blind printing and burnishing. This design was reprinted by Hasegawa with seal in upper left margin “Reproduction not permitted” and lacking date. Also, the lovely pigment used to colour the torso of the guardian figure ( which oxidizes ) is replaced with an inferior colour . There are also intermediate printings between first and Hasegawa version. Fine colour. Fine condition with left margin intact: These vertical designs must have the left border uncut as it often contains publication information. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Sakata Kintoki asleep in Raiko’s chamber preparing to rid him of the monstrous spider. From Yoshitoshi manga, “Sketches by Yoshitoshi.” A fine set of seven diptychs published by Kobayashi 1885-86 ( this being 1886 ).
Very fine impression of the first edition; the spider’s web printed in silver and with burnishing. Fine colour and as originally published with no backing paper, with the margins completely untrimmed ( often cut in this set ), and plenty of space for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Murai Choan murders his brother at the crossroads of Fudanotsuji from Shinsen azuma nishiki-e, “New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures.” Published 1885-9 by Tsunashima. Choan is a character in a Kabuki drama but there is no mention of him killing his brother – artistic license.
Very fine impression of the first edition ( with three-colour cartouche and yellow borders ). Fine colour and as originally published with no backing paper, with the margins completely untrimmed, and plenty of space for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Wakashima Gonemon diving into a whirlpool to retrieve the ancient dragon-headed bell; it’s position indicated by two beams of light. The water god was unwilling to part with the bell. The finest design from Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, published by Masudaya 1867/11. Second edition without kiri seal.
Very good impression and colour. Trimmed slightly at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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The old hag of Adachi Moor. A gruesome tale of a high-ranking woman who kills young children to supply their blood to the local lord who suffers from an unknown disease. She is usually shown in a gourd vine-clad hut wielding a large knife. This design shows the actor Onoe Kikugoro V as the old crone in a revival of the Mokuami play in 1890. Published 1890 by Akiyama Buemon.
Fine impression and colour. Minor edge creases, otherwise very good condition. Large margins for joining. Signed Okokkeidoju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Snow from the set Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon and Flowers” published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890. Shows half-length portraits of famous actors, in this case Onoe Baiko V ( Onoe Kikugoro V, 1844-1903 ) as the priest Iwakura Sogen. Various versions of the story and play exist concerning Sogen’s infatuation with Irokotohime. First edition ( the second state titled “Iwakura Sogen in the Hermitage Scene from Hanafubuki” ).
Superb impression, colour and condition. Totally untrimmed with extra paper all round. Signed Yoshitoshi.
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, at the prow of the ship holding Yoshitsune, attempting to pacify the ghosts of the Taira warriors and hence calm the storm. The finest impression of this design I have catalogued.
Superb impression, fine colour and condition with large margins. Strong wood grain evident and scattered mica. This impression, never having been in an album, avoids the offsetting which often spoils this design because of its position in album form. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Gikeiki gojobashi no zu. Shows Ushiwaka and Benkei duelling on Gojo Bridge. An episode from the Chronicles of Yoshitsune, 1881. This impression is unlike any other illustrated example: The moon does not have a printed outline and there are delicately wiped clouds across it.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming and retains original album backing. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Nippon ryakushi, “A Brief History of Japan”. Shows Susanoo no Mikoto killing the 8 – headed serpent at Hirokawa in Izumo Province. Published by Izawa Genjiro, 1887. Designed in the same format as the set Dai Nippon shiyaku zue, 1879. An extremely rare triptych.
Very fine impression and colour. Retains original album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito c 1120-1200 ) subjecting himself to three years 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 ( trimmed ) impression in the Baur collection, Geneve, Switzerland.
Fine impression, very good colour. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Extensive splashed gofun. Full size with extra paper around. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1890)
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Botaro’s nurse Otsuji praying beneath the waterfall for his release: She offers her life for his. The set of thirty-six prints with title: “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts” was published by Sasaki 1889-92 ( this design being 1892 ).
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Slightly trimmed left margin and light album backing. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1890)
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The ghost of Okiku at Sarayashiki. Accused of stealing a dish, she was killed and thrown into a well by her master. The set of thirty-six prints with title: “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts” was published by Sasaki 1889-92 ( this design being 1890 ).
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Slightly trimmed left margin and light album backing. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1890)
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Yugao, the mysterious girl who appears to Prince Genji as told by Murasaki Shikibu in Genji Monogatari ( written c 1000 A.D. ). The set entitled “One Hundred Aspects of the Moon” published by Akiyama Buemon between 1885-92 ( this design being 1886 ).
Very good early impression. Very good colour. Slightly trimmed left margin and light album backing. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Vertical diptych showing Watanabe no Ttsuna cutting off the arm of the demon Ibaraki at the Rashomon Gate, Kyoto. Published by Matsui 1888 ( Meiji 21 ).
Superb impression, colour and condition of the first edition. All the vertical designs were published by Matsui and many were republished by Hasegawa except Adachi Moor and Inaka Genji. The earliest Matsui impressions are beautifully printed and he insisted his printers use hosho paper ( as on surimono ) for these prints. The Hasegawa edition of this design has a seal “Reproduction not allowed” in upper left margin. It is incorrectly catalogued, no 64, p 87, Beauty and Violence, 1992, which shows a later edition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Vertical diptych showing Taira no Atsumori and Kumagai Naozane at the Battle of Ichinotani ( 1184 ). Published by Matsui 1885 ( Meiji 18 ).
Superb impression and colour and, apart from slight offsetting, fine condition. The first edition ( indeed this may be the earliest state of the first edition ). Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Vertical diptych showing Taira no Koremochi about to kill the female demon on Mt. Togakushi in Shinano. The episode follows maple viewing when Koremochi fell asleep. The No play Momijigari “Maple Picnic” is based on this story. Published by Matsui Meiji 20 ( 1887 ).
Superb impression and colour. Slight offsetting, otherwise fine condition. The first edition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Vertical diptych showing Hakamadare Yasuke and Kidomaru fighting with magic. Kidomaru ( below, cross-legged ) holds two wrapped pine branches in his mouth as a spell. Yasuke and Kidomaru are generally considered to be the same person, so why they are depicted here as two individuals is not known. Published 1887 by Matsui.
Very fine impression and colour. Left margin trimmed slightly, otherwise fine condition. The first edition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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The Monkey battles Kinkaku Daio on a sea cliff from Tsuzoku saiyuki. Published by Fukura 2/1865. A rare set.
Very good impression and colour. Untrimmed with green border intact. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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A fireman from the set: Ohoono daiku matoi, A Mirror of Fireman’s Standards in Each of the Precincts of Tokyo. Probably a set of 10 prints published by Okura Magobei, 10/1876. It is not known why this set is so rare, given that firemen were widely admired and on a par with sumo wrestlers and actors. Each fireman holds his standard; his padded clothes were soaked before a fire.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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A diptych showing Urashima Taro returning home from the palace of the Dragon King from the set Yoshitoshi manga, “Sketches by Yoshitoshi”. Published by Kobayashi, Meiji 19 ( 1/1886 ). First edition. ( It was republished by Hasegawa 1887.)
Very good impression and colour with margin for joining. Minor backed wormhole otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Wakashima Gonemon swimming underwater. The finest design from Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, published by Masudaya 1867/11.
Very fine impression with perfect gradation. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Choun riding a horse through smoke. One of the finest designs from Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan. Published by Yamajin, 1867/9.
Fine impression and colour. Light crease otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839 – 1892)
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Mashiba Dairyo Hisayoshi Ko in lightning. The finest design (together with Kon Sosho and the storm dragon) from Yoshitoshi’s first set of ghost prints: Wakan hyaku monogatari. Published by Daikin, 1865/2.
Fine impression, colour and, apart from minor crinkling, condition. Extensive burnishing and other special effects. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An actor as a tattooed fireman from a set of seven prints Isami no Kotobuki. “A Celebration of Gallantry”. Firemen often had elaborate tattoos to show their indifference to pain. The set published by Daikin 8/1865. Rare.
Very fine impression and colour. On thick deluxe hosho. Gofun oxidised (as usual). otherwise fine condtion. Signed Gyokuo Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An uncut sheet of two chuban prints showing Kobayakaw Saemon Koretaka and Saito Musashibo Benkei from the set: Wakan kidan kagami, “A Comparison of Strange Stories from China and Japan.”” The set published 1880 by Kodama Mathichi.
Very good to fine impression, colour and condition. Variegated cartouche. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An uncut sheet of two chuban prints showing Toki Daishoro and Chinsei Hachiro Minamoto Tameasa from the set: Wakan kidan kagami, “A Comparison of Strange Stories from China and Japan.” The set published 1880 by Kodama Mathichi.
Very good to fine impression, colour and condition. Variegated cartouche. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold