Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




Click here to view image full size.

A large original painting, full colour on silk, image size 48 x 21.75 in; 122 x 55.25 cms. A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizzare , imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finshed paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings. Shows a standing courtesan with her kamuro. An homage to Hokusai whom he obviously admired.

Highly finished in places but also incorporating quirky elements of Hokusai’s style. Signed Hokusai hitsu-i (“Imitating Hokusai’s brush”) Shojo Kyosai. In very good condition with old double box with an untranslatable annotation on inside of lid comparing him to Hokusai. An important new discovery.

Status: Available




Click here to view image full size.




Click here to view image full size.

    Tags: , ,

     

    Kawanabe KYOSAI (GYOSAI) (1831-1889)




    Click here to view image full size.

    A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early age studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Tohaku Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Was famous for his crow paintings but also loved skeletons. This newly discovered painting shows a full-length skeleton humorously hiding its genital area – not with a fig-leaf – but a large lotus leaf. Sumi and light green on silk, 38.75 x 13 in; 98.5 x 33 cms. Interestingly, a very faint under-drawing can be seen where he first thought of placing the figure.

     

     

    Many copies of his work. In very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai with bell seal.

     

     

    Status: Available

     




    Click here to view image full size.




    Click here to view image full size.

      Tags: , , ,

       

      Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




      Click here to view image full size.

      An important collection of original drawings by Kyosai laid into two accordion albums, opening horizontally, 13.5 x 10 inches. Approx 157 drawings ( one signed and sealed; one signed and dated [ 6th October Meiji 3,1870 ]; and one signed ). After the date is the place: Shinobazu keidai Mikawatei, the garden of a temple ( Bentendo Hall ( ?) at Shinobazu pond, Ueno Park; Mikawatei being a restaurant. And the signature: Seisei Kyosai sui butsu rei hitsu, the drawing of Amida painted when drunk. Some drawings are from life, others seem to be memory drawings of his work, but most are preliminary ideas for books, prints or paintings. Many of Kyosai’s favourite subjects are represented including: skeletons, onis and cats. Drawings on this scale, spontaneous and with no need to impress, give a better insight into the mind of an artist, and on almost every page Kyosai’s humour shines through. Of particular delight are a group of drawings showing men on horseback playing some Japanese variation of polo, and a sheet recording new-born, still blind rats.

      Status: Available




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.




      Click here to view image full size.

        Tags: , ,

         

        Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



         Click here to view image full size.

        A fine painting, sumi on paper, showing three crows on the boughs of a willow tree. Crows were one of Kyosai’s favourite subjects and, apart from paintings, he used them in various formats: fan prints, oban and dai-oban prints. There are also numerous copies of his crow paintings. Signed Kyosai ga. 51 x 18.5 inches, 129.5 x 47 cms. Very good condition with original mount and rollers.

        Status: Sold




         Click here to view image full size.




         Click here to view image full size.

          Tags: , , ,

           

          Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)


          Click here to view image full size.

          An original painting, full colour on silk, image size 41.25 x 16.2 in; 114.8 x 41 cms. A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finished paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings. This is one of Kyosai’s favourite themes: to juxtapose a beauty with an unlovely character; in this case a seated skeleton smoking.

          Signed Seisai Kyosai ga with seal Kyosai in. In very good condition apart from some minor creases.

          Status: Sold


          Click here to view image full size.

            Tags: , ,

             

            Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




            Click here to view image full size.

            An original painting, sumi on paper, image size 36.75 x 12 in; 93.3 x 31.7 cms. A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizzare, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kao Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finished paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings. Shows a crow perched on a branch with a singing sparrow below. This was the subject he was most famous for and there were many copies.

             

            In very good condition, remounted and with futomaki. Signed Joku Kyosai zu with seal Bankoku tobu, “Flying in, or to, many lands.”

             

            Status: Sold

             




            Click here to view image full size.




            Click here to view image full size.

              Tags: , ,

               

              Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



               Click here to view image full size.

              A fine painting showing Oishi Yoshio (Kuranosuke) with his fellow servants cavorting in a Bon-Odori dance behind him. The famous Chushingura story relates how Yoshio, the principle retainer and counsellor of Asano Takumi no Kami (Yenya), and his colleagues became ronin to avenge the death of their insulted master by eventually decapitating Kotsuke no Suke (Moronao). Kyosai shows Yoshio trying to mislead anyone who thinks they are planning such a revenge by holding a party. Full colour on silk. Image size 46 x 16 in; 116.8 x 40.7 cms. Exceptional condition. Signed Seisei Kyosai ga with seals Joku Kyosai and Kyosai. The former seal is on the fine painting showing Ushiwaka-maru playing the flute for Princess Joruri which is in the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art and dated to c 1888.

               

              Status: Sold

               




               Click here to view image full size.




               Click here to view image full size.




               Click here to view image full size.




              here to view image full size.

                Tags: , ,

                 

                Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




                Click here to view image full size.

                A triptych, Nanba senki no uchi, “The Battle of Nanba,” showing the Buddhist monk Tenkai (1536-1643) chanting a spell, and Okubo Hikozaemon (1560-1639), both retainers of Tokugawa Ieyasu, at the great battle of Domyoji, Osaka, in 1615. Tokugawa Ieyasu’s army clashed with the Osaka army of Toyotomi Hideyori. This led to the fall of Osaka and the death of Hideyori. On the right is a huge exploding land-mine disintegrating a Buddhist stone statue. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, 4/1874. Extremely rare: I have only seen one other impression of this design.

                Fine impression and colour. Trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai and Oju Seisai Kyosai.

                Status: Sold

                  Tags: , ,

                   

                  Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                  Click here to view image full size.

                  Shows the professional swordsman Kaibara Kenkichi travelling in the mountains from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Generally considered the father of kendo. At the age of 13 he came under the tutelage of Seiichiro Odani to learn the art of swordplay and master its secrets. Became assistant instructor at the Kobusho in 1856. Famous for inventing the yamatozue, a wooden sword, and the ganko ogi, a wooden fan substitute for the wakizashi (short sword) when the decrees abolishing the wearing of swords in public was issued in 1876. Here he is surrounded by wild beasts and a skeleton. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.

                  Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Kyosai.

                  Status: Sold

                    Tags: , ,

                     

                    Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                    Click here to view image full size.

                    Attempts by various means at making ghouls and demons fit into modern society from Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. This design is particularly rare.

                    Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.

                    Status: Sold

                      Tags: , ,

                       

                      Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                      Click here to view image full size.

                      A school for spooks from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. In 1874 a new system of education was introduced in Japan – even for the world of ghouls. Shoki is seen teaching the demons basic hellish terms, and the chief of the kappa instructs the ghouls on the Roman alphabet.

                      Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
                      s

                      Status: Sold

                        Tags: , ,

                         

                        Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                        Click here to view image full size.

                        The enlightenment of Paradise or liberation of the dead from Hell from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. The demons from Hell get new jobs as postmen, rikisha men etc.

                        Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.

                        Status: Sold

                          Tags: , ,

                           

                          Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                          Click here to view image full size.

                          The enlightenment of Fudo Myoo – a Buddhist deity who is always depicted seated on a rock engulfed by flames. From a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. This satirical image shows him reading a modern newspaper, his attendant Seitaka prepares meat and Kongara hangs a pot of stew in his flames. (Meat eating was being introduced.)

                          Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.

                          Status: Sold

                            Tags: , ,

                             

                            Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




                            Click here to view image full size.

                            The lion falling in love from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.”A satirical take on current events and mores. A design based on Aesop’s Fables which tells of a lion falling in love with a beautiful girl and asking her to marry him. Her bemused parents set a challenge for him: to have his claws removed and teeth filed. He duly submits only to have the parents then laugh and ask him to do his worst. Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.

                             

                             

                            Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.

                             

                             

                            Status: Sold

                              Tags: , ,

                               

                              Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




                              Click here to view image full size.

                              The enlightenment of Fudo Myoo – a Buddhist deity who is always depicted seated on a rock engulfed by flames. From a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. This satirical image shows him reading a modern newspaper, his attendant Seitaka prepares meat and Kongara hangs a pot of stew in his flames. (Meat eating was being introduced.) Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.

                               

                               

                              Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.

                               

                               

                              Status: Sold

                                Tags: , ,

                                 

                                Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




                                Click here to view image full size.

                                The enlightenment of Paradise or liberation of the dead from Hell from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. The demons from Hell get new jobs as postmen, rikisha men etc. Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.

                                 

                                 

                                Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.

                                 

                                 

                                Status: Sold

                                  Tags: , ,

                                   

                                  Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)




                                  Click here to view image full size.

                                  A school for spooks from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. In 1874 a new system of education was introduced in Japan – even for the world of ghouls. Shoki is seen teaching the demons basic hellish terms, and the chief of the kappa instructs the ghosts on the Roman alphabet. Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.

                                   

                                   

                                  Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.

                                   

                                   

                                  Status: Sold

                                    Tags: , ,

                                     

                                    Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                     Click here to view image full size.

                                    Two fishermen in a punt. Sumi and light colour on paper. 19 x 30 cms; 7.5 x 11.9 inches.

                                    Good condition. Unsigned but from a fully signed album.

                                    Status: Sold

                                      Tags: , ,

                                       

                                      Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                       Click here to view image full size.

                                      MAY in romaji from a set of the twelve months, Junikagetsu no uchi, although this is the only known design for the set. One of Kyosai’s best designs. Shows Shoki, the “Demon Queller” riding a tiger and brandishing his two-edged sword at a group of terrified oni. Shoki ( Chinese: Chung K’wei ) was lauded for having relieved the Emperor Ming Hwang of the fever demon during his sleep. A favourite subject for Japanese artists, although mostly ignored by the Chinese. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Paintings of Shoki were hung on Boy’s Day ( 5th day of the 5th month ). Hence Kyosai choosing this subject for May.

                                      Fine impression and colour. Very slight edge foxing, otherwise fine condition. This design is notorious for often being heavily trimmed and consequently for the three sheets not aligning properly. This example completely untrimmed with extra paper all round. Rare. Signed Kyosai ga.

                                      Status: Sold

                                        Tags: , ,

                                         

                                        Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                         Click here to view image full size.

                                        Kyosai designed two sets of these extremely rare prints showing shadow lanterns. These popular toys threw moving images, the rotating fans activated by candles which also gave the illumination. Shows figures and demons cavorting. The series title variously translated as Silhouettes of Pandemonium and Silhouettes: A Hundred Night Demons. Puiblished by Yamamura Kinzo 5/1867. I can find no other illustration of this design.

                                        Very good impression. Two repaired tears, otherwise good condition and colour. Kyosai seal.

                                        Status: Sold

                                          Tags: , ,

                                           

                                          Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                           Click here to view image full size.

                                          Two original sumi drawings mounted onto board. One shows a seated beauty, 3.25 x 2.5 in, 8 x 6.5 cms; the other shows musicians with long noses, 5.75 x 3.75 in, 14.5 x 9.5 cms.

                                          Status: Sold

                                            Tags: , ,

                                             

                                            Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                             Click here to view image full size.

                                            An original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 7.25 x 5 in, 18 x 12.5 cms. The original design for the Master of Papier Mache from a Hundred Pictures by Kyosai published 1863-6. Shows Dharma dolls coming to life and terrifying their makers. The print illustrated in Kawanabe Kyosai, The Tokyo Shimbun, 1996, no. 122-5, p. 213. Good condition.

                                            Status: Sold

                                              Tags: , ,

                                               

                                              Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                               Click here to view image full size.

                                              An original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 10.5 x 24.25 in, 26.5 x 61.5 cms showing Emma the King of Hell being held back by three girls while another pulls his tongue with iron tongs. A fine large drawing. Kyosai seal at right. Good condition.

                                              Status: Sold

                                                Tags: , ,

                                                 

                                                Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                                 Click here to view image full size.

                                                MAY in romaji from a set of the twelve months, Junikagetsu no uchi, although this is the only known design for the set. One of Kyosai’s best designs. Shows Shoki, the “Demon Queller” riding a tiger and brandishing his two-edged sword at a group of terrified oni. Shoki ( Chinese: Chung K’wei ) was lauded for having relieved the Emperor Ming Hwang of the fever demon during his sleep. A favourite subject for Japanese artists, although mostly ignored by the Chinese. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Paintings of Shoki were hung on Boy’s Day ( 5th day of the 5th month ). Hence Kyosai choosing this subject for MAY.

                                                Fine impression and colour. Trimmed at bottom, otherwise very good condition: This design is notorious for often being heavily trimmed and consequently for the three sheets not aligning properly. And also for being trimmed into the title at right. Signed Kyosai ga.

                                                Status: Sold

                                                  Tags: , ,

                                                   

                                                  Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                                   Click here to view image full size.

                                                  A large painting on silk, 54 x 34.5 inches ( 137 x 87.5 cms ) showing a side view of a huge Okame mask. Okame ( or Ofuku ) was the Goddess of Mirth, Ama no Uzume no Mikoto. She is known for helping Amaterasu out of the cave, into which she had retired, by performing a dance. At the bottom of the painting are the jingling bells used in her dance.

                                                  Minor wormage, otherwise good condition. Mounted with rollers and box. Signed oju Seisei Kyosai, “ By request, Seisei Kyosai “ with red kakihan of tengu mask

                                                  Status: Sold




                                                   Click here to view image full size.




                                                   Click here to view image full size.

                                                    Tags: , ,

                                                     

                                                    Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



                                                     Click here to view image full size.

                                                    A humorous print showing a cat holding aloft a rat by it’s tail, a sliver of moon above. Printed only in sumi and light brown. Rare: Illustrated in Kawanabe Kyosai, Shigeru Oikawa, The Tokyo Shimbun 1996, no.43, p.128 which gives publication as 1870s/1880s by Sawamuraya Seikichi.

                                                    Very good impression and colour. Slight soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Kyosai ga

                                                    Status: Sold

                                                      Tags: , ,

                                                       

                                                      Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831 – 1889)



                                                       Click here to view image full size.

                                                      Shoki the demon quellor. A wonderful image of this famous subject printed almost entirely in red, Extremely rare.

                                                      Fine impression: the surface of the paper lightly blind-printed. Fine colour. The bottom edge with light soil and slightly deckled, otherwise fine. Full size. Signed Shoshuosai Toilku ga with seal.

                                                      Status: Sold

                                                        Tags: , ,

                                                         

                                                        Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831 – 1889)



                                                         Click here to view image full size.

                                                        Shoki riding a tiger and attacking a group of demons. “May” from a series of Twelve Months. Published by Fukuda Kumajuro Meiji 20 (1887).

                                                        Fine impression and colour. Minor sumi spots, otherwise very good condition. (This design is often trimmed for albums and does not match.) Signed Shojo Kyosai ga.

                                                        Status: Sold

                                                          Tags: , ,

                                                           

                                                          Nagasawa ROSETSU ( 1754-1799 )




                                                          Click here to view image full size.

                                                          An original painting showing a white mouse and a spiny lobster on a tray. Rosetsu is considered one of the most important artists of the late Edo period but little is known of his short life ( he died at forty-five ) apart from the fact that he studied, and was one of the top disciples, of Maruyama Okyo. He is labelled an “eccentric” painter as he defies easy classification. His brushwork is a tour de force and he is known for his expressive depictions of animals. The Chinese-style inscription above is by Rosetsu’s friend Minagawa Kien who was a painter and scholar of Confucianism. It implies that the lobster and mouse are both signs of good fortune. Ink and light colour on paper. Image size 44.75 x 11.25 in; 113.75 x 28.5 cms.

                                                           

                                                          Signed Rosetsu with seal Gyo. Painted 1790s. Inscription signed and sealed Kyosai. Slight foxing, otherwise in very good condition. One of the most copied painters. See Kono, Exhibition of Nagasawa Rosetsu, Chiba City Art Museum, 2000, pl. 42 for identical seals. Tsuji Nobu, Nagasawa Rosetsu: the Fanciful Painter, Miho Museum, 2011, pls. 19, 58-60, 67,87, 90, 91, 93 and 94.

                                                           

                                                          Status: Available




                                                          Click here to view image full size.




                                                          Click here to view image full size.




                                                          Click here to view image full size.

                                                            Tags: , ,

                                                             

                                                            Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



                                                            Click here to view image full size.

                                                            Four cats, the first sheet of a triptych Tatoe zukushi no uchi, “Proverbs Illustrated by Cats.” Examples being: “Bonito to a cat,” “Coin to a cat,” “Not even a cat would eat it.” Published 1852 by Kagaya Yasubei. Bob-tailed and calico cats were common in the Edo period. It is well known that Kuniyoshi was a cat-lover and Yoshimune, one of his pupils, relates how they were allowed to run around his studio and when a cat died he would have it sent to a nearby temple. He also had a Buddhist altar erected in his home for his deceased cats. Another pupil of Kuniyoshi’s was Kyosai and he depicts the chaotic studio with cats and other artists milling around in his illustrated book Kyosai kadan, part II, vol. 3, of 1887. Of the utmost rarity: I have not catalogued another sheet from this triptych in 50 years.

                                                             

                                                            Very fine impression and colour. One minor blemish, otherwise very fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. (All the cats have blind-printing on their coats which is not apparent on the illustrated examples of this print. Possibly due to the reproductive process.)

                                                             

                                                            Status: Sold

                                                             

                                                             

                                                              Tags: , ,

                                                               

                                                              Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



                                                              Click here to view image full size.

                                                              Six cats, the last sheet of a triptych Tatoe zukushi no uchi, “Proverbs Illustrated by Cats.” Examples being: “Bonito to a cat,” “Coin to a cat,” “Not even a cat would eat it.” Published 1852 by Kagaya Yasubei. Bob-tailed and calico cats were common in the Edo period. It is well known that Kuniyoshi was a cat lover and Yoshimune, one of his pupils, relates how they were allowed to run around his studio and when a cat died he would have it sent to a nearby temple. He also had a Buddhist altar erected in his home for his deceased cats. Another pupil of Kuniyoshi’s was Kyosai and he depicts the chaotic studio with cats and other artists milling around in his illustrated book Kyosai kadan, part II, vol. 3, of 1887. Of the utmost rarity: I had not catalogued another sheet from the triptych until the last year.

                                                               

                                                              Superb impression with extensive blind-printing on the cat’s coats. Fine colour. Slight centre fold and light backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                                               

                                                              Status: Sold

                                                               

                                                                Tags: , ,

                                                                 

                                                                Toyokuni – painted while drunk

                                                                In the current update is a painting signed “Toyokuni painted while being drunk.” This is not an isolated example: Certain artists – such as Kyosai – often signed works in this way and indeed may have benefited from a degree of inebriation to prompt inspiration. Artists often collaborated on works, especially of the Shijo school, and one can imagine the conviviality of such a cohors amicorum with food and wine being passed around. It’s difficult to think of a western comparison to this. Hand scrolls, because of their horizontal length and short height, were very suitable for joint efforts of like-minded artists or literati.

                                                                 

                                                                utagawa-toyokuni-ii-1777-1835-paintings-99

                                                                 

                                                                The example in this update is spontaneous – even slapdash – due to the artist’s intoxication, but this adds a charm and veracity to the subject. It also makes authentication easier, certainly of Ukiyoe subjects, as forgers tended to concentrate on copying the detailed, more sober and meticulous subjects, as these were the most highly valued.

                                                                 

                                                                Japanese paintings are an undervalued area of collecting. It’s possible, as here, to buy an important Hiroshige painting for the price many of his prints fetch. And one is purchasing an unique item.

                                                                   

                                                                  Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)



                                                                   Click here to view image full size.

                                                                  An original giga hand-scroll by Kiyochika, sumi and colour on paper, 504 inches x 10.5 inches. Shows the progress of a horseman on observing a beauty and attendant. Kiyochika, one of the last great ukiyoe artists, studied oil painting under Charles Wirgman, and ukiyoe painting with Kyosai and Zeshin. This was probably an orihon ( folding album ) which has been remounted as a hand- scroll. Dated at end: Meiji tsuchino-e inu, March 1898 and sealed Kiyochika no in.

                                                                  Status: Sold




                                                                   Click here to view image full size.




                                                                   Click here to view image full size.




                                                                   Click here to view image full size.




                                                                   Click here to view image full size.




                                                                   Click here to view image full size.




                                                                   Click here to view image full size.

                                                                    Tags: , ,

                                                                     

                                                                    Ichiyosai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



                                                                     Click here to view image full size.

                                                                    An extremely interesting and amusing preparatory drawing for an unpublished triptych showing cats queueing at a fish shop, probably for the first bonito of the year. Cats are shown serving the customers while other cats can be seen in the back of the shop. A young female cat is buying a fish, while beside her a young mother cat is standing carrying a baby cat on her back. It’s well known that Kuniyoshi loved cats and there is an illustration in Kyosai gwadan ( 1887 ) showing his studio with Kuniyoshi surrounded by cats.

                                                                    Unsigned and sold “as is” with creases and stains.

                                                                    Status: Sold




                                                                     Click here to view image full size.

                                                                      Tags: , ,

                                                                       

                                                                      Artists

                                                                      ( A to Z )

                                                                      Kyogado ASHIKUNI ( Fl. c. 1807 – 1818 )
                                                                      Gigado ASHIYUKI ( Fl. c. 1814 – 1833 )

                                                                      Ki BAITEI ( 1734 – 1810 )
                                                                      Takizawa BAKIN ( 1767 – 1848 )
                                                                      Ono BAKUFU ( 1888 – 1976 )
                                                                      Georges BIGOT ( 1860 – 1927 )
                                                                      Kawamura BUMPO ( 1779 – 1821 )
                                                                      Ippitsusai BUNCHO ( Fl. c. 1765 – 1792 )

                                                                      Toyohara CHIKANOBU ( 1838 – 1912 )
                                                                      Kishi CHIKUDO ( 1826 – 1897 )
                                                                      Tsubaki CHINZAN ( 1801 – 1854 )
                                                                      Eishosai CHOKI ( Fl. c. 1756 – 1808 ). See also SHIKO

                                                                      Rekisentei EIRI ( Fl. c. 1790 – 1800 )
                                                                      Keisai EISEN ( 1790 – 1848 )
                                                                      Hosoda EISHI ( 1756 – 1829 )
                                                                      Hosoda EISHO ( Fl. c. 1780 – 1800 )
                                                                      Ichirakutei EISUI ( Fl. c. 1790 – 1823 )
                                                                      Kikugawa EIZAN ( 1787 – 1867 )

                                                                      Hirano HAKUHO ( 1879 – 1957 )

                                                                      Elizabeth KEITH ( 1887 – 1956 )
                                                                      Imao KEINEN ( 1845 – 1924 )

                                                                      Yashima GAKUTEI ( 1786 – 1868 )
                                                                      Ogata GEKKO ( 1859 – 1920 )
                                                                      Adachi GINKO ( Fl. c. 1847 – 1897 )
                                                                      Matsumura GOSHUN ( 1752 – 1811 )
                                                                      GYOSAI. See Kawanabe KYOSAI

                                                                      Hirano HAKUHO ( 1879 – 1957 )
                                                                      Suzuki HARUNOBU ( 1724 – 1770 )
                                                                      Kawase HASUI ( 1883 – 1957 )
                                                                      Kitagawa HIDEMARO ( Fl. c. early 19th century )
                                                                      Kinoshita HIRONOBU ( Fl. c. 1851 – 1870 )
                                                                      Gosotei HIROSADA ( Fl. c. 1847 – 1863 )
                                                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797 – 1858 )
                                                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE II ( 1826 – 1869 )
                                                                      Ando HIROSHIGE III ( 1843 – 1894 )
                                                                      Nakamura HOCHU ( Fl. c. late 18th to early 19th century )
                                                                      Sakai HOITSU ( 1761 – 1828 )
                                                                      Totoya HOKKEI ( 1780 – 1850 )
                                                                      Teisai HOKUBA ( 1771 – 1844 )
                                                                      Shunkosai HOKUEI (Active 1824-1837)
                                                                      Katsushika HOKUGA ( Fl. c. 1830 )
                                                                      Shotei HOKUJU ( Fl. c. 1789 – 1818 )
                                                                      Katsushika HOKUSAI ( 1760 – 1849 ). Also used numerous other names such as: SORI, SHUNRO, SHINSAI
                                                                      Shokosai HOKUSHU ( Fl. c. 1808 – 1832 )

                                                                      KEISAI. See Kitao MASAYOSHI
                                                                      Suzuki KIITSU ( 1796 – 1858 )
                                                                      Kitagawa KIKUMARO ( Fl. c. ? – 1830 ). See TSUKIMARO
                                                                      Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA ( 1847 – 1915 )
                                                                      Torii KIYOHIRO ( Fl. c. 1737 – 1771 )
                                                                      Torii KIYOMASA ( Fl. c. 1700 – 1722 )
                                                                      KIYOMINE. See Torii KIYOMITSU II
                                                                      Torii KIYOMITSU ( 1735 – 1785 )
                                                                      Torii KIYOMITSU II ( 1787 – 1868 ). See KIYOMINE
                                                                      Torii KIYONAGA ( 1752 – 1815 )
                                                                      Torii KIYONOBU ( 1664 – 1729 )
                                                                      Torii KIYONOBU II ( 1706 – 1763 )
                                                                      Torii KIYOTSUNE ( Fl. c. 1757 – 1779 )
                                                                      Isoda KORYUSAI ( Fl. c. 1767 – 1788 )
                                                                      Ohara KOSON ( 1877 – 1945 ). See SHOSON
                                                                      Torii KOTONDO ( 1900 – 1976 )
                                                                      Toyohara KUNICHIKA ( 1835 – 1900 )
                                                                      Utagawa KUNIHIRO ( Fl. c. 1815 – 1843 )
                                                                      Ichiunsai KUNIHISA ( 1832 – 1891 )
                                                                      Utagawa KUNINAO ( 1793 – 1854 )
                                                                      Utagawa KUNISADA ( 1786 – 1865 )
                                                                      Utagawa KUNISADA II ( 1823 – 1880 )
                                                                      Utagawa KUNISATO ( ? – 1858 )
                                                                      Utagawa KUNITERU ( 1808 – 1876 )
                                                                      KUNITERU. See Utagawa SADASHIGE
                                                                      Utagawa KUNITERU II ( 1829 – 1874 )
                                                                      Utagawa KUNIYASU ( 1794 – 1832 )
                                                                      Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI ( 1797 – 1861 )
                                                                      Santo KYODEN. See Kitao MASANOBU
                                                                      Kawanabe KYOSAI ( 1831 – 1889 ). See GYOSAI

                                                                      Okumura MASANOBU ( 1686 – 1764 )
                                                                      KitaoMASANOBU ( 1761 – 1816 ). See Santo KYODEN
                                                                      Kitao MASAYOSHI ( 1764 – 1824 ). See KEISAI
                                                                      Oishi MATORA ( 1794 – 1833 )
                                                                      Hishikawa MORONOBU ( Fl. c. 1618 – 1694 )

                                                                      Nishimura NANTEI ( 1775 – 1834 )
                                                                      Utagawa NOBUKATSU ( Fl. c. 1830 – 1844 )
                                                                      Watanabe NOBUKAZU ( Fl. c. late 19th century )

                                                                      Hishikawa RYUKOKU ( Fl. c. 1808 – 1816 )
                                                                      Jokei RYUKOSAI ( Fl. 1772 – 1816 )

                                                                      Gokitei SADAFUSA ( Fl. c. 1825 – 1850 )
                                                                      Hasegawa SADAHARU ( Fl. c. 1830 – 1844 )
                                                                      Gokotei SADAKAGE ( Fl. c. 1818 – 1844 )
                                                                      Utagawa SADAHIDE ( 1807 – 1873 )
                                                                      Hasegawa SADANOBU ( 1809 – 1879 )
                                                                      Utagawa SADASHIGE ( Fl. c. mid 19th century ). See KUNITERU
                                                                      Gofutei SADATORA ( Fl. c. 1825 )
                                                                      Yamaguchi SHIGEHARU ( 1803 – 1853 )
                                                                      Kitao SHIGEMASA ( 1739 – 1820 )
                                                                      Nishimura SHIGENAGA ( 1697 ? – 1756 )
                                                                      Nishimura SHIGENOBU ( Fl. c. 1724 – 1735 )
                                                                      SHIKO. See Eishosai CHOKI
                                                                      Ryuryukyo SHINSAI ( 1764 – 1820 )
                                                                      Ito SHINSUI ( 1898 – 1972 )
                                                                      Kojima SHOGETSU ( Fl. c. 1880 – 1890 )
                                                                      SHOSON. See Ohara KOSON
                                                                      Takahashi SHOTEI ( 1871 – 1945 )
                                                                      Yamamoto SHOUN ( 1870 – 1965 )
                                                                      Yamakawa SHUHO ( 1898 – 1944 )
                                                                      Katsukawa SHUNCHO ( Fl. c. 1780 – 1795 )
                                                                      Takehara SHUNCHOSAI ( Fl. c. 1772 – 1801 )
                                                                      Katsukawa SHUN’EI ( 1762 – 1819 )
                                                                      Katsukawa SHUNKO ( 1743 – 1812 )
                                                                      Hishikawa SHUNKYO ( Fl. c. early 19th century )
                                                                      Kubo SHUNMAN ( 1757 – 1820 )
                                                                      Katsukawa SHUNSEN ( Fl. c. 1762 – 1830 )
                                                                      Natori SHUNSEN ( 1886 – 1960 )
                                                                      Gatoken SHUNSHI ( Fl. c. 1820 – 1828 )
                                                                      Katsukawa SHUNSHO ( 1726 – 1792 )
                                                                      Katsukawa SHUNTEI ( 1770 – 1820 )
                                                                      Katsukawa SHUNZAN ( Fl. c. 1782 – 1798 )
                                                                      Yamaguchi SOKEN ( 1759 – 1834 )

                                                                      Ikeno TAIGA ( 1723 – 1776 )
                                                                      Katsukawa TERUSHIGE ( Fl. c. 1715 – 1725 )
                                                                      Mori TETSUZAN (1775-1841)
                                                                      Migita TOSHIHIDE ( 1863 – 1925 )
                                                                      Mizuno TOSHIKATA ( 1866 – 1908 )
                                                                      Okumura TOSHINOBU ( Fl. c. 1717 – 1750 )
                                                                      Utagawa TOYOHARU ( 1735 – 1814 )
                                                                      Utagawa TOYOHIRO ( 1773 – 1828 )
                                                                      Utagawa TOYOKUNI ( 1769 – 1825 )
                                                                      Utagawa TOYOKUNI II ( 1777 – 1835 ). See TOYOSHIGE
                                                                      Yamamura TOYONARI ( 1885 – 1942 )
                                                                      Ishikawa TOYONOBU ( 1711 – 1785 )
                                                                      TOYOSHIGE. See Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
                                                                      TSUKIMARO. See Kitagawa KIKUMARO
                                                                      Kitano TSUNETOMI ( 1880 – 1947 )

                                                                      Toyokawa UMEKUNI ( Fl. c. 1816 – 1826 )
                                                                      Kitagawa UTAMARO ( 1753 – 1806 )
                                                                      Kitagawa UTAMARO II ( ? – 1831 )

                                                                      Inoue YASUJI ( 1864 – 1889 )
                                                                      Hiroshi YOSHIDA ( 1876 – 1950 )
                                                                      Ipposai YOSHIFUJI ( 1828 – 1887 )
                                                                      Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833 – 1904 )
                                                                      Utagawa YOSHIKATA ( Fl. c. 1841 – 1864 )
                                                                      Utagawa YOSHIKAZU ( Fl. c. 1850 – 1870 )
                                                                      Toyokawa YOSHIKUNI ( Fl. c. 1803 – 1840 )
                                                                      Utagawa YOSHIMUNE ( 1817 – 1880 )
                                                                      Ichiyosai YOSHITAKI ( 1841 – 1899 )
                                                                      Utagawa YOSHITORA ( Fl. c. 1850 – 1880 )
                                                                      Taiso YOSHITOSHI ( 1839 – 1892 )
                                                                      Utagawa YOSHITSURU ( Fl. c. 1840 – 1850 )
                                                                      Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA ( 1822 – 1866 )
                                                                      Mori YOSHIYUKI ( 1835 – 1879 )

                                                                      Shibata ZESHIN ( 1807 – 1891 )