Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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A surimono showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro II as Soga no Goro Tokimune holding the giant arrow prior to sharpening it on the large wetstone from the play Yanone Goro. From a series of surimono that paid tribute to the various generations of the Danjuro family. There are two versions of this set of surimono and some ambiguity as to which is the earlier. They are known with blank borders, lacking metallic pigments and signed Ko Toyokuni hitsu (except one design signed Toyokuni II and probably issued in 1833). The other, as here, is signed Toyokuni hitsu, has metallic pigments and the emblem of the Gogawa Poetry Club around the border. The poets were also changed for this issue. It seems that the first version was issued by the Danjuro Fan Club in 1825 and that the reissue, c 1830s, was by the Gogawa. One poem by Ryueishi. The finest design from the set.
Very fine impression with metallic pigments. Fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Kubo SHUNMAN (1757-1820)
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One of a series of surimono with title: Guncho gafu, “ Pictorial Record of a Swarm of Butterflies.” (In fact butterflies and moths.) Shunman is recognised as possibly the greatest designer of surimono and the prints from this set are amongst the most beautifully printed in this field. His family were printers and this would explain their particular excellence. In fact it is possible that Shunman engraved and printed himself which would account for his seal on other artists’ surimono. Issued c 1810s by the Kasumi-ren poetry club. (Their seal above the signature, top right, Kasumi-ren guncho gafu.) There are copies of the prints from this set which can be very misleading. Two other genuine impressions are in Harvard, 1933.4.1375 and the Met, JP2356.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight discolouration and crinkling at the corners, otherwise good condition. Signed Sho Shunman sei.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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Cao Cao (Jap. Shuso) and Pang De (Jap. Hotoku) in the Han river during the battle with Guan Yu. From a set of Chinese warrior prints: Tsuzoku sangokushi eiyu no ichinin, “Heroes of the Popular History of the Three Kingdoms.” Published by Joshuya Kinzo, c. 1836. Robinson S10.8 (although only known as a key-block proof). Rare.
Superb impression. Very fine colour and condition. As the day it was printed. Signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A fine chuban design showing Keyamura Rokusuke (aka Kida Magobee Muneharu), a famous farmer turned samurai and sumo wrestler of incredible strength, doing penance for seven days under the waterfall at Hikosan Gongen praying for his mother. Two Tengu watch from above. Waterfalls were one of the go-to-places to perform filial piety as they were considered to purify the soul in Shinto/Buddhist culture. From a set Honcho nijushiko, “Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety of our Country.” Published by Murataya Tetsu, 1843-6.
Fine impression and colour. Small nick out of top, otherwise very good condition. The signature Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga is on the extreme left edge and is often trimmed.
Status: Available
Mori SOSEN (1747-1821)
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An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 42.5 x 16 in; 108 x 40.5 cms. His life is not well documented but he is known to have studied under the Kano artist Yamamoto Joshunsai (?-1781) before being drawn into Maruyama Okyo’s (1735-1795) artistic circle and his style is more Shijo than anything else. His animal paintings were evidently highly valued by Okyo. He was an immediate favourite with eastern collectors because of his monkey paintings at which he excelled, although he was more versatile than literature implies and highly accomplished at painting other animals. But his images of monkeys take precedence and he is considered the pre-eminent painter, east or west, on this subject. It is alleged that he lived in the woods for three years eating fruit and nuts to study the monkeys and other animals, and is also supposed to have had a cage of monkeys at the back of his house to better observe them. This high quality painting shows two monkeys sitting on the branch of a cherry tree. Signed Sosen with two Sosen seals. In good condition.
Status: Available
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Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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An amorous couple from an unsigned abuna-e (from abunai, risqué) set of twelve prints Keisai higo, “Secret Words of a Courtesan” published c. 1822-25. Although coming under the heading of shunga, each print is without any graphic details. She adjusts his hair with her hairpin while he smokes a pipe.
Fine impression, colour and condition. (Without centre fold, which is often encountered on this set.
Status: Available
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
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The geisha Hinaogi of the Daikokuya preparing to play the koto. She is adjusting the tsume (plectra) on her fingers that were used to pluck the strings. The title is enigmatic: It reads Ka getsu kai, “Harbinger of Moon and Flower” and if the character for “moon” is omitted it reads “oiran” (the highest ranking courtesan). Published by Enomotoya Kichibei, c. early 1830s. There is in fact a later copy of this print by Kunisada.
Fine impression. Excellent colour. Very good condition. Signed Eizan hitsu.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Sumidagawa hazakura no kei, “Cherry Trees along the Sumida River” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first landscape set. The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the design. These were removed on later editions. There are also variant states with different shading. Rare.
Fine impression and colour. Backed, otherwise very good condition. Prints from this set are often missing or have the publisher’s name and address on the right border trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. (The last set to be signed like this.)
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shimotsuke Nikkosan urami no taki, “Back-viewed Waterfall on Mt. Nikko in Shimotsuke [Province].” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. Figures gaze up at the back of the waterfall which thunders over the path. It is also known with variant colour schemes. Fine design.
Very fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1754-1806)
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A double-bust portrait of the famous courtesans Ariwara (bottom) and Usumizu of the Tsuruya House in the Yoshiwara, Edo. From a set Seiro yukun awase kagami, “Mirror of Courtesans of the Green Houses.” Published by Yamada, c 1797.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1754-1806)
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A design from a set of six prints Furyu ko-dakara awase, “Elegant Comparisons of Little Treasures.” About to breastfeed (chichi). Published by Izumiya Ichibei, c 1802.
Fine impression. Extremely well preserved colour. Very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Ikeda EISEN (1790-1848)
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A beauty, Ureshi so, “The Contented Type” from a set Imayo bijin junikei, “Twelve Views of Modern Beauties.” Above on a handscroll is a view of Fuji from Takanawa. She bites onto a tissue which has erotic connotations. Published c 1822-25 by Izumiya Ichibei.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Nichiren standing on the rocky promontory at Reizan in Kamakura and having his prayers for rain answered. The event occurred in 1271. His disciples surround him and protect him from the deluge with a large umbrella. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizan-ga-saki uki. The second best design from Koso [Nichiren] goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren (1222-1282) was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect (Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a follower) and indeed the set of ten prints may have been commissioned to mark the 550th anniversary of his death. Published by Iseya Rihei, c 1831.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Ample room on top border for the umbrella which protrudes beyond the border and is often trimmed off, as is the information on right border. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa YOSHITORA (1836-1887)
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A triptych showing the warrior Inukai Genpachi (the famous character from the Hakkenden) confronting a cat monster which has emanated from a horse on Mount Koshin. Other cat monsters stare in amazement. Published by Kojimaya Jubei, 1850.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Imperceptible small binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichimosai Yoshitora ga.
Status: Available
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Sagami Jiro Taira no Masakado on horseback attacking an opponent and having cut his sword in two. From a set Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883.
Very fine impression: This is the first edition with three-colour cartouche and small red seals in left margin. There are late editions of this set. It was republished by Tsunajima Kamekichi in 1886. Fine colour. Slight soil bottom edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)
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An original painting, sumi and full colour on silk, 38 x 12.5 in; 96 x 32 cms. Settei produced many illustrated books but after around 1765 turned towards painting beauties, courtesans and geishas. They are of the utmost refinement – the faces and limbs often delineated in red and their costumes embellished with gold. Settei is also known for his elegant shunga. A beauty looks towards a weeping willow. Painted c 1770. In good condition with an elaborately stencilled and embroidered mount. Details picked out in gold.
Signed Hokkyo Tsukioka Settei dzu and sealed o’Shinten.
Status: Available
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Matsumura KEIBUN (1779-1843)
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An original painting, sumi and very light colour on paper, 52.5 x 20 in; 133.5 x 51 cms. Keibun studied with his older half-brother Matsumura Goshun as well as Maruyama Okyo. At his best, the equal of Goshun. Noted for his kachoga, as here, showing a bird on a flowering branch and a gourd vine.
In good condition. Signed and sealed Keibun.
Status: Available
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Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto beside an engawa with a bird cage. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.
Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.
Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.
Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.
Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)
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A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.
Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.
Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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Mino Ochiai-bashi. Mino (Noshu) Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). An evening rain scene with figures making their way across the torrential Chitose River, famous for its fishing.
Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A beauty washing in a large tub of water. Kiku,”Chrysanthemum” from a set Tosei hana kurabe, “Contest of Modern Flowers.”Beauties compared to flowers. Published by Omiya Heihachi, c 1820. This appears to be the earliest state with the beauty’s undergarment printed red which is lacking in other impressions.
Very good impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A vertical double oban showing a woman holding a ruler and offering a small bolt of cloth with the other hand. From a set Atsurae ori jisei konomi, “Fabrics to Order in Current Taste.” Published by Yamashiroya Jinbei, c 1843-7. A rare design from a rare set, and even rarer to find in this condition as most examples have been mounted and consequently damaged from being hung.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Kunisada aratame Nidai Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Sano Genzaemon Tsuneyo in his snowy garden about to cut his precious bonsai to provide kindling to cook a meal for an unexpected visitor. The guest, disguised as a monk, was in fact the retired regent Hojo Tokiyori (1226-1263) on an intelligence mission. He is shown peering through the shoji. From a set Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors” published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883. This is the first edition with the heavily variegated cartouche. Some first editions from the set also have red seals in the left margin and some also have the panels below coloured.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa YOSHIIKU (1833-1904)
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A fascinating triptych showing the backstage activities on the second floor of a kabuki theatre, Gakuya ni-kai no zu. Twenty-one actors are shown, mostly in their street clothes, together with assistants. However, on the right sheet can be seen an actor in full Shibaraku costume while the centre sheet has Ichikawa Ichizo III descending the stairs. Below is the actor Bando Mitsugoro VI in an onnagata role. On the left sheet can be seen another actor in an onnagata role applying his makeup. This is the bottom half of a hexaptych. Published by Izutsuya Shokichi, c 1861. This design is loosely based on the bottom half of a hexaptych designed by Kunisada in 1856. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Minor defects, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshiiku ga.
Status: Available
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A triptych with the title Mitate haruzumo futatsu chocho, “An Imaginary Spring Sumo Match with two Butterflies.” A parody of the famous Sumoba, “Sumo Scene” in the pay Futatsu chocho kuruwa nikki, “A Diary of two Butterflies in the Pleasure Quarters.” Shows the actors Ichimura Kakitsu IV (left) as the wrestler Chokichi and Bando Hikosaburo V (right) as his rival Chogoro. The names of both wrestlers begin with “Cho” and two of them together makes “Chocho” which also means “butterfly.” Published by Otaya Takichi, 1866.
Very good impression and colour. Backed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunichika ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
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Shows Ichikawa Danzo IV as Shundo Jiroemon disguised as a beggar and Morita Kan’ya VIII as Takaichi Buemon in the Daianji Zutsumi scene from the play Katakiuchi tsuzure no nishiki, “The Vendetta in Patched-Brocade.” A fine grey-ground print published by Eijudo, 1798. Ichikawa Danzo IV had one of the great Kabuki faces. See the 1799 Toyokuni bust of Danzo as Keyamura Rokusuke in the drama Hikosan Gongen Chikai no Sukedachi.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold