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Tarui from Kisokaido rokujukyu-tsugi no uchi, “Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was first published by Hoeido in 1835 with Eisen, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). The conjecture is that Hiroshige was the better known and more commercial artist, reinforced by the fact that Eisen’s name was removed from the designs already published. Hence, only the first editions have his signature on those prints. Shows a daimyo’s cortege entering the station. On either side the villagers can be seen deferentially kneeling. This print is one of the few designs to show prints for sale. In this case on either side of the road, the shops doubling as teashops. The publisher’s mark Kinjudo can be seen on the left-hand shop.

Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

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Shiba Akabane no yuki, “Snow falling at Akabane in Shiba.” From a Toto meisho “Famous Sights of the Eastern Capital” set published by Kikakudo (Sanoki), the seal in red in right margin, c. 1832-35. There is confusion over how many prints belong to this series: The original set of twenty-one designs seem to have been extended to fifty-five in c. 1839-42. Shows the Akabane Bridge with the Zojo-ji Temple between trees above. To the right is Chancellor Arima’s mansion and above a tall fire-tower.

Fine, early impression. A very difficult design to find in early state. Later editions have the black seal of Sanoki in the right margin. Another first edition is in the Clarence Buckingham collection, The Art Institute of Chicago (1925.3464). A further interesting detail is that a block was specifically chosen with a wavy grain to print the water. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

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A snow scene showing the dramatic landscape around Mount Haruna: Kozuke, Haruna-san setchu, “Snow on Mount Haruna in Kozuke Province.” Shows the volcanic mount – one of three major mountains in the province – with Haruna Temple in the centre. The building housed a statue of a thousand-armed kannon, bodhisattva of mercy. One of the best designs from the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 8/1856 (this being 1853).

Fine, early impression. The most difficult print from the set to identify in the first edition. Most designs in the set have distinctive features in the first state such as variegated cartouches or extra gradation. The only indication here is that the sub-cartouche should have a brown-red colour. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

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Ishiyama shugetsu, “Autumn Moon over Ishiyama Temple” from the vertical Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views of Omi” set published by Takeuchi Magohachi and Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1857.

Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

Miyanokoshi (no. 37) from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). One of the best designs from the set. Shows a family group crossing a plank bridge against a misty silhouetted backdrop and a full moon.

Very good impression and colour. Various states exist of this design with differences in gradation and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

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Azumabashi Kinryuzan enbo, “Distant View of Kinryuzan Temple from Azuma Bridge” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1857) by Uoya Eikichi. A spring day with cherry blossom floating down over a boat drifting on the Sumida River. A geisha is partly glimpsed sitting in the boat. In the distance is Mt Fuji, the bridge and temple. See my blog.

Superb impression from the first edition. Fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

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A distant view of Mount Daisen [ Oyama ] in Hoki Province. One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 12/1853 ). White rain ( printed with gofun ) falls on groups of peasants planting rice. A lovely design, the edges of the paddy fields zig-zagging into the distance. This is the rare first edition with blue and yellow diagonal bands on the sub-cartouche.

Fine impression with strong woodgrain showing. The second state of the first edition has the rain printed black (not using gofun as here).Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold

Autumn from a set of four triptychs, Edo meisho shiki-no nagame, “Famous Places in Edo in the Four Seasons.” An evening scene with beauties on a balcony overlooking the bay at Takanawa. Birds are descending across a full moon. Published by Marujin, 1848-9. All four triptychs from this set are masterpieces.

Fine impression. Perfect colour. Slight thinning and creasing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

Status: Sold