Katsukawa SHUNSHO II (Active 1818-1830)
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Minamoto no Yoshinaka Shitenno to tomoni Kiso no okuyama ni Tengu o taiji su, “Minamoto Yoshinaka and His Four Retainers Defeat the Tengu in the Deep Mountains of Kiso.” Minamoto no Yoshinaka is seen in the centre panel, Higuchi Kanemitsu on the right holding a sword and Imai Kanehiro on the left panel. Tengu are winged demons or spirits known for their fencing abilities, have long noses or bird-like beaks, and are associated with the ascetic practise of Shugendo and wear the garb of its followers, the Yamabushi. Published by Fujiokaya Hikotaro. Rare: Another impression is in MFA, Boston, accession number 11.21594-6.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Saito Toshimoto nyudo Ryuhon in armour struggling with a Chinese brigand underwater. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the 14th century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.31. One of the best designs in the set.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Mori SOSEN (1747-1821)
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A fine surimono-sized painting, light colour on silk, 7.75 x 7 in; 19.5 x 17.8 cms. Shows a female sika deer. 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.
Very good condition, unmounted. Signed Sosen hitsu with seals So, Sen.
Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original painting showing the old lighthouse at Tempozan, Osaka. To the left is the mount which was formed by earth dredged from the Ajigawa in 1831 to allow easier access for ships. In the foreground masts of moored vessels. There appear to be few images of this lighthouse. It was replaced by a lighthouse designed by the British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses” in 1872. Sumi and light colour on paper, 12.75 x 20.25 in ; 32.4 x 51.4 cms.
Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. Very good condition.
Status: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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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
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (1764-1820)
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An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 32 x 11 in; 81.3 x 28 csms. Shows three classes in Japanese society: Farmer’s wife, Priest and a Samurai, forced to shelter together at the entrance to a Shinto shrine from a sudden downpour of rain. Above, a rooster and hen also shelter. These birds were allowed to roam freely around Shinto Temples. Shinsai was one of Hokusai’s best pupils. Known for his fine surimono and paintings. Signed Ryuryukyo Shinsai with Ryuryukyo seal. In good condition.
Status: Available
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Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Hoki, ono Daisen enbo, “Hoki [Province], Distant View of Mount Daisen.” Shows rice-planting in the rain, with the volcanic mountain in the background. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.
Very fine impression: This is the true first edition: Impressions with the bands of blue and yellow in the sub-cartouche are often catalogued as first editions but the impression must also have gradation on the top of the embankment at the bottom. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Uragami GYOKUDO (1745-1820)
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An original painting, sumi with light touches of pink on paper. Image size 10.4 x 14.2 in; 26 x 36 cms. Shows a hilly landscape with a small figure crossing a bridge bottom left. Gyokudo is now considered the leading exponent of Nanga painting. An artist whose spontaneous paintings often appear as though executed under deep emotion or when partially intoxicated. Now greatly admired in Japan and the West with many fakes. His father was of samurai rank and Gyokudo initially served a nobleman, Ikeda Masake, in Bizen. However, his passion for music, painting and verse composition caused him to become a wanderer in 1794. His bohemian life eventually leading him to Kyoto where he joined the literati circles of Mokubei and Chikuden. Most paintings done after 1794 and this example probably dates to around 1800-1810.
Signed Gyokudo with two indistinct seals. Good condition.
Status: Available
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Watanabe SEITEI (SHOTEI) (1851-1918)
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A large original painting, full colour on silk. Image size 47.25 x 20 in; 120 x 51 cms. Shows Japanese water iris with water striders. Seitei is best known as a kachoga (“bird and flower”) artist. He was technically brilliant showing realistic detail in a Japanese style but with Western sensibilities absorbed while living in Paris and he was, in fact, the first Nihonga artist to reside in Europe. A winner of many prizes during his life. Also published Seitei kacho gafu, 1890-91; Kacho gafu, 1903; Seitei kacho, 1916.
Signed and sealed Shotei. Very good condition. (This painting makes an excellent pair with the following offering although the mount sizes are slightly different.)
Status: Available
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Watanabe SEITEI (SHOTEI) (1851-1918)
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A large original painting, full colour on silk. Image size 47.25 x 20 in; 120 x 51 cms. Shows Japanese water iris with a snail. Seitei is best known as a kachoga (“bird and flower”) artist. He was technically brilliant showing realistic detail in a Japanese style but with Western sensibilities absorbed while living in Paris and he was, in fact, the first Nihonga artist to reside in Europe. A winner of many prizes during his life. Also published Seitei kacho gafu, 1890-91; Kacho gafu, 1903; Seitei kacho, 1916.
Signed and sealed Shotei. Very good condition. (This painting makes an excellent pair with the above offering although the mount sizes are slightly different.)
Status: Available
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Oda KAISEN (1785-1862)
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A concertina painting album, full colour on paper, 11 x 6.5 in; 28 x 16.5 cms folding out to 11 x 13 in; 28 x 33 cms. Twenty six paintings in the Shijo manner. Kaisen moved to Kyoto when he was 22 years old and studied under Matsumura Goshun but later switched from the Maruyama Shijo school to study Nanga painting with Rai San’yo.
Minor wormage, otherwise good condition. Complete with original covers and wooden box. seal.
Status: Available
Maruyama OKYO (1733-1795)
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One volume complete Okyo gafu, “Book of Paintings by Okyo.” Original covers and title slip. A large book, 11.5 x 7.5 in; 28.4 x 19.2 cms folding out to 11.5 x 15 in; 28.4 x 38 cms. Published by Hishiya Magobe. Dated 1833 but first published 1850 (dated Kaei 3 [1850] at end). Twenty-four pages of sumi illustrations based on Okyo’s paintings. Arguably the most important Maruyama-Shijo painter. A tour de force of the block-cutters’ art replicating Okyo’s brush strokes. Minor imperfections but otherwise a very nice example of this work. Mitchell, p.441, example “A.”
Status: Available
Katsukawa SHUNJO (?-1787)
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An hosoban showing the actor Onoe Matsusuke I in a Shibaraku role holding a lantern. (Possibly as Sakata no Kintoki). Shunjo was a pupil of Katsukawa Shunsho. Published c 1780.
Fine impression. Very fine colour and condition. Signed Shunjo ga.
Status: Available
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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An hosoban showing the actor Nakamura Utaemon I as a samurai in nagabakama and kamishimo ceremonial dress as worn during the Muromachi period (1336-1392). He holds a fan and a globe. Shunsho was the pre-eminent exponent of the hosoban format. Published c 1770.
Fine impression. Unusual blue ground found on a few Shunsho designs. Slight discolouration on verso showing through, otherwise good condition. Signed Shunsho ga with the jar-shaped (tsubo) seal.
Status: Available
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
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An aiban print showing the courtesan Segawa of the Matsubaya drinking ayamezake (a sake soaked with iris root) from a set Seiro gosekku, “Beauties of the Yoshiwara Compared to the Five Festivals.” In this case the Boys’ Festival held on the 5th May. Published by Iseya Soemon, c 1810.
Fine impression, very good colour and condition. Signed Kikugawa Eizan fude.
Status: Available
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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A scene taken from the Chinese 14th century heroic novel San guo zhi yanyi, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” attributed to Luo Guanzhong. Shows in the centre Liu Bei (Jap. Ryubei), the founder of the Kingdom of Shu, and the two warriors, Guan Yu (Kan U) on the right and Zhang Fei (Cho Hi) on the left. The three swore pledges of brotherhood in a peach orchard. Toen gikei no zu, “Picture of the Oath in the Peach Orchard. “ Published by Tsutaya Juzaburo with early signature c 1782-3. Rare.
Fine impression. Very good colour: yellow ground. Slight crease down right edge and very small wormage near top right, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro ga.
Status: Reserve
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kozuke, Harunasan setchu, “Kozuke [Province], Mount Haruna Under Snow.” 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. A red bridge spans a gorge leading to the Buddhist Haruna shrine. Below is a fast flowing river with precipitous cliffs. Fantastic crags point upwards into the sky and in the distance is the dormant volcano Mount Haruna.
Good impression and colour. Slight soil on bottom left margin, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Mimasaka, Yamabushidani, “Mimasaka [Province], Yamabushi Valley.”A high wind and rain in the valley with a man on a raft on the Yoshi River. Other figures in the foreground, one having lost his hat. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shinano, Sarashina tagoto no tsuki, Kyodaisan, “Shinano [Province], the Moon Reflected in the Sarashina Paddy-fields, Mount Kyodai.” This was a popular destination for outings to view the multiple reflections. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
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 YOSHITORA (Fl. c 1850-1880)
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An okubi-e of the onnagata actor Bando Mitsugoro V in the role of Shindo Saemon’s daughter Yushide. From a set of large heads of actors past and present which were to be the pinnacle of Kunisada’s career. The set was intended to have one hundred and fifty prints but only seventy-two were completed (with Yoshitora designing twelve). Only the most expensive materials and the finest printers and engravers were employed. Shows Yushide in the play Karukaya doshin tsukushi no iezuto who, in a fit of remorse, stabs herself in the throat with an arrow (seen here used as a hair pin). Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, 1862.
Very fine impression and colour. Fine condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Shibuya Konnomaru Masatoshi from a set Edo meisho zue, “Famous Places of Edo.” This being Shibuya. Published by Iseya Chusuke 1852.
Very good impression. Good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the ghost of Kasane from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Fujiwara no Toshiyuki Ason. Shows Kasane’s vengeful ghost appearing to her husband who had murdered her. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.
Very fine early impression showing overall strong woodgrain and glue applied to the ghost’s right eye. Fine colour. Very small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Arajishi Otokonosuke from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Mibu no Tadamine. Otokonosuke is usually depicted about to strike his adversary Nikki Danjo -who has turned into a rat – with an iron fan (leaving a red mark on the rat’s/Danjo’s head). Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.
Very fine early impression. Fine colour. Very small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Onoe Kikugoro III as the ghost of Yasukata from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Nakatsukasa.The ghost haunted the ruined palace of Soma at Sashima. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.
Fine early impression. Fine colour. Very small binding holes and slight discolouration at left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Fujiwara no Motozane. The spirit is the courtesan Kurozome who appears to combat the evil plans of Sekibei (actually Otomo no Kuronushi) to cut the tree down. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.
Fine impression. Fine colour. Very small binding holes otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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The actor Nakamura Tsuruzo I as Awayuki Nashito, a vassal of the daimyo Takeda Nobumasa, from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into a very successful play which was premiered at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 1/1852. The convoluted story tells of the supernatural offspring from the coupling of Princess Fuse and her father’s dog Yatsufusa. They are later reborn to normal mothers and the plot revolves around their gradual discovery of each other. A fine set.
Very fine impression with burnishing and extensive splashed gofun simulating snow. Later printings omit the gofun and have flakes cut into the block. Fine colour. Small binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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The Actor Bando Mitsuemon I as Akaiwa Gajiro from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into a very successful play which was premiered at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 1/1852. The convoluted story tells of the supernatural offspring from the coupling of Princess Fuse and her father’s dog Yatsufusa. They are later reborn to normal mothers and the plot revolves around their gradual discovery of each other. A fine set.
Very fine impression with extensive burnishing. Later printings omit the burnishing on the costume and replace it with bokashi. Fine colour. Small binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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The actor Kataoka Ichizo I as the boatman Kajikuro from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into a very successful play which was premiered at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 1/1852. The convoluted story tells of the supernatural offspring from the coupling of Princess Fuse and her father’s dog Yatsufusa. They are later reborn to normal mothers and the plot revolves around their gradual discovery of each other. A fine set.
Extremely fine impression. Fine colour. Small binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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The complete diptych showing on the right the actor Arashi Otohachi III as the evil priest Bungyu attacking Asuka played by Fujikawa Kayu III from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi , “Stories of the Eight Dog Heroes.” Published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1852. The extremely lengthy novel by Kyokutei Bakin took 30 years to complete and was turned into a very successful play which was premiered at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 1/1852. The convoluted story tells of the supernatural offspring from the coupling of Princess Fuse and her father’s dog Yatsufusa. They are later reborn to normal mothers and the plot revolves around their gradual discovery of each other. A fine set.
Extremely fine impressions. Fine colour. Small binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Kunisada ga and Ichiyosai Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A triptych of a probably imaginary performance showing the actor Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Hachiman Taro Yoshiie (far left) with an actor dressed as a lion who shines a strong beam from a lantern across the other two sheets; the centre one showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro III as Abe Sadato with an actor dressed as a lion, and the right sheet showing the actor Bando Shuka I as Sadato’s wife Sodehagi with an actor dressed as an elephant. Published by Miyakozawa 1847-52.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hanmoto no oujyu Toyokuni ga, “By the request of the publisher, painted by Toyokuni.”
Status: Available
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (centre) battling Shirakura Dengoemon (left) and his henchmen. The story usually relates how a jealous Dengoemon plots to kill Musashi by inebriating him and locking him in a bath house without his sword. However, Musashi, wielding a huge broken beam, slays Dengoemon and his followers aided by Dengoemon’s daughter Itohagi (right) who has fallen in love with Musashi. Kuniyoshi, however, depicts the event beside a mill-stream and a large waterwheel. Seiran, “Clearing Weather” from a set Mitate hakkei, “Selection for the Eight Views.” Published by Joshuya Juzo, 1846.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A vertical diptych showing Rochishin demolishing the temple gate on Mount Godai. There are conflicting versions of this event: Some suggest he gained entry to kill a gang of thieves. However, it seems that he was drunkenly staggering back to the temple after consuming a large quantity of wine and is barred entry by the monks. In a temper he demolishes the entrance and the large Buddhist guardian figure (Kongojin). The abbot dismisses him and sends him to a lesser temple. Rochishin ransui Godaisan Kongojin o uchikowasu no zu, “Picture of Rochishin in a Drunken Rage Demolishing a Guardian Statue (Kongojin) on Mount Godai.” Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1887. He figures in the Chinese classic Tales of the Water Margin, the Suikoden (jp. Suikoden) and is often referred to as the “Flower priest” because of his floral tattoos.
Very fine impression: This is the earliest state with a pigment used on the guardian’s torso that does not oxidise. (Exactly the same can be seen on the first editions of the Kinryusan Temple at Asakusa from Hiroshige’s 100 Views of Edo. Later printings use a different pigment on the huge lantern that oxidises badly.) It was also republished by Shimizuya Tsunejiro. Extensive burnishing. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Available
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A vertical diptych showing the actor Onoe Kikugoro V as the archvillain and sorcerer Nikki Danjo emanating in a cloud of smoke from his alter ego – the giant rat. He holds in his mouth the scroll containing the names of the conspirators given to Masaoka which he has purloined. This is one of the great scenes in Kabuki from the play Meibuku Sendai hagi, “Precious Incense and the Bush Clover of Sendai.” Kikugoro rises through a trapdoor (suppon) which is on the hanamachi leading out from the Kabuki stage. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Heavy oxidation, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Sakai HOITSU (1761-1828)
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One volume complete Oson gafu, “Drawing Book of Oson.” (This being one of the artist’s names taken from the village Uguisu-mura where he lived in retirement.) The Rimpa artist Hoitsu revived the work of Ogata Korin (1658-1716). Dated on the first preface Bunka 13 (1816) and was originally published by Izumiya Shojiro, but this is an early reissue published by Tohekido (Eirakuya Toshiro in Nagoya). Another impression is in the BM, 1942,0918,0.2. Twenty-five double-page illustrations in muted tones of birds, flowers, figures, etc. Original yellow covers with title slip. Bound in Japanese brocade boards. This was a method used by the leading French collectors of Japanese books such as Javal, Duret, Haviland, Gonse, etc, hence, this will have come from one of those collectors. A very nice copy with only minimal marks.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A poem by the celebrated poet Bunya no Yasuhide from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). The poet in the background watches as a fierce wind blows away some of the umbrellas that are being made. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:
The mountain wind in autumn time
Is well called “hurricane”;
It hurries canes and twigs along,
And whirls them o’er the plain
To scatter them again
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling of border but otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A poem by the celebrated poet Sutoku-in from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teiki (1162-1241). Shows the exiled Emperor Sutoku (1119-64) standing on a rocky outcrop above turbulent rapids. His wrath causes a thunderstorm with lightening. One of the very best designs from the set. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 prints are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:
Because the current is swift
Even though the rapids
Blocked by a boulder
Are divided, like them, in the end
We will surely meet, I know
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Kintaro rigyo o toru, “Kintaro Captures the Carp.” The “golden boy” of superhuman strength, a.k.a. Sakata no Kintoki and Kaidomaru, grapples with a giant carp which had been terrorizing the neighbourhood. There are conflicting stories about Kintaro’s origins but he is normally shown with his mother, Yama-uba, on Mount Ashigara where he developed a friendship with the mountain animals. The carp is associated with enormous strength and consequently needed great power to overcome it. From a set of fine vertical diptychs published by Matsui Eikichi, this design in 1885. It was republished by Hasegawa Tsunejiro in 1897. Arguably the best print from the set and one of Yoshitoshi’s finest designs.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. With full margins: This set often comes with the left margin, with the publication date, trimmed off. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga..
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A sheet of original drawings being hanshita-e for an ehon. Shows, above, a seated samurai and a female figure to the right holding a mirror. Below, actors in a garden setting. Sumi with touches of red on thin paper laid onto thicker Japanese paper, 14 x 10 in; 36 x 25 cms. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
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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