Utagawa SADAKAGE (Fl. c. 1818-1844)
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An aizuri-e (blue print) showing a beauty bowing obsequiously with a cup of tea. Shi, “Samurai” from a set of the Four Estates: Shi, Samurai; No, Peasant; Ko, Artisan; Sho, Merchant. Published by Kawaguchiya Chozo, c. 1830s. These blue prints using the imported bero, Berlin blue (what we called Prussian blue), became popular during the 1820s to 1840s as the cost came down.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Gokotei Sadakage ga.
Status: Available
Price:£2,200
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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A triptych Ujigawa Kajiwara Kagesue, Sasaki Takatsuna, miju uma. Yoshitsune is informed that Kiso no Yoshinaka is entrenched behind the natural defence of the Uji river, then in full flood. Yoshitsune calls on Kajiwara Kagesue and Sayemon-no-jo Sasaki Shiro Takatsuna to make an attempt at fording the river. He gives them his best horses: Surusumi to Kagesue and Iketsuki to Takatsuna. They plunge into the river beside their horses with Takatsuna, dodging the hail of arrows, arriving first. One of Kiyochika’s best designs. Published 1899.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Untrimmed with margins intact. Signed Kiyochika.
Status: Available
Price: £2,500
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Jiki-tsuki-so: Kaei nenkan anego no fuzoku, “Looking as if Somebody is About to Arrive: The Appearance of a Fireman’s Wife in the Kaei Era [1848-1854].” A fireman’s wife waits for the return of the head of the household. From a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set depicts women of different backgrounds and occupations from the Kansei era through to the Meiji era with punning allusions to their situation or mood.
Very fine impression of the true first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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Shows the half-Chinese, half-Japanese hero Watonai overcomes a man-eating tiger in China by using a charm from the Ise Shrine. He holds a post with the characters reading Daijinga, “Grand Shrine” used in the inner and outer shrines at Ise. Published by Wakasaya Yoichi (Jakurindo), c 1810. Rare.
Fine impression and colour. One small backed edge wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shun’ei ga
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1793)
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The actor Otani Hiroji III as a samurai, one sword drawn and facing an adversary. Shunsho was the founder of the Katsukawa school and had many pupils (including Hokusai [Shunro]). He was a prolific designer of hosoban actor prints and produced some of the finest designs in this format. Published c 1775.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
Attributed to Suzuki HARUSHIGE (Shiba KOKAN 1747-1818)
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A winter scene with a young courtesan on an engawa gazing at an upturned ladle resting in a water basin formed from a hollow tree trunk. Behind her a young beauty peers out through the shoji. The scene calls to mind the Bell of Damnation (Muken no kane) act in the play Hiragana Seisuiki where Umegae strikes the water basin with a ladle to produce gold coins. Harushige was the ukiyo-e go of Shiba Kokan, the first artist to try copper plate engraving and who studied oil painting and etching from books he saw in Nagasaki. For a time a pupil of Harunobu whose style his prints resemble. Extremely rare: I cannot, at the moment, locate another impression. Published c early 1770s.
Fine impression. Extremely good colour, the orange pigment partly oxidised. Possibly slightly trimmed left and bottom, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £12,000
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
Price: £4,200
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
Price: £4,800
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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A vertical double oban showing a falcon on a pine branch with a large red sun above. This was a very popular subject and many artists produced versions in different formats. However, I cannot, at the moment, locate another impression of this design. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, c 1830s. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour. Slight soil and several expertly repaired wormholes, but otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Available
Price: £8,500
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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Enshu Akiba enkei Fukuroi tako. Fukuroi, Enshu (Totomi) Province from the “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 – 1861 (this being 1859). Shows kite flying with a distant view of Mount Akiba. It has been suggested that the release of confetti was to bring good luck for the forthcoming harvest.
Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Very slight soil, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tango, Ama no hashidate, “Tango [Province], Ama no hashidata” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zu, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke in 1853-56 (this being 1853). Shows the “Heaven’s Bridge” peninsula of pine trees extending into Miyazu Bay. One of the Nihon sankei, “Three Famous Views of Japan.”
ga.
Very good impression and colour. (The success of this print depends entirely on the bokashi clouds wiped across the design: Impressions vary depending on the dexterity of the printer.) Margins trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Kinuta (or Toi) river in Settsu Province from Shokoku Mu Tamagawa, “Six Crystal Rivers in Various Provinces.” Published by Maruya Kyushiro, 1857. Shows two women fulling cloth beneath a full moon. An autumnal night activity. Kinuta is the name given to the mallet used to beat the cloth.
Fine impression and colour. Small repair top left corner and slight edge soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,500
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A dramatic shini-e (“memorial picture”) of the kabuki actor Nakamura Utaemon IV. Unsigned, as is usual with this sort of print, but the attribution to Kuniyoshi is certain: An original Kuniyoshi preparatory drawing for this print exists in the Rijksmuseum, Leiden (3513-663). Utaemon is shown in the role of Taira Kiyomori, the leader of the Taira Clan, seen here dressed as a monk. The print gives the date of his death as 17/2/1852. The tanka poem, above, is by Kuniyoshi’s friend the poet Umeya Kakuju (Murota Matabei).
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming and centre fold, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Endo Morito about to murder Kesa Gozen’s husband in his bedroom. Morito became enamoured of Kesa Gozen although she was married to a palace guard. She eventually succumbs to his advances on the condition that he kills her husband. However, she takes the place of her husband in bed and is subsequently killed by him. Full of remorse Morito changes his name to Mongaku and does penance under the Nachi Falls. A famous scene much depicted in Japanese art. From a set Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883.
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 and condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £680
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Momotaro, “Peach Boy” with two of his companions: the talking dog and monkey battling an oni on Onigashima. Momotaro invokes a storm with thunder and lightning using Raijin’s drums. The story relates how an old childless couple discovered the child in a peach floating down a river. They adopted him and he evolved into a child of enormous strength. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, 1818-20. Very Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Backed, centre fold and slight trimming. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,500
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych Goketsu kijutsu kurabe, “A competition Among Powerful Magicians.” Published by Masadaya, 1869. A compilation of well known sorcerers, wizards and magicians. From right to left: Iwafuji Tsubone, Senkanja Yoshitora, Orochimaru, Otomo Wakanahime, Madamaru, Sumizu Kanja Yoshitaka, Mori Soiken, Kusunoki Goma-hime.
Good impression, colour. Slight toning, otherwise good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu, Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga, Oju Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4,700
Utagawa KUNIMASA II (KUNIMUNE II) (1792-1857)
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An original painting, full colour on silk, 38.75 x 14 in; 98.5 x 35.6 cms. Shows a beauty at a Satori no Mado (round window of enlightenment) unrolling a handscroll, a willow tree above. Kunimasa II was a pupil of Toyokuni and, apart from paintings, also designed surimono. Another example is in the Art Gallery of NSW, acc. no 108.2019. In good condition. Signed Utagawa Kunimasa ga. Seal unread.
Status: Available
Price: £1,900
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Santo KYODEN (Kitao MASANOBU) (1761-1816)
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A pair of original paintings, full colour on silk, image size 38.5 x 15.5 in; 97.75 x 39.5 cms. Shows a courtesan on the left with a portrait of a novelist on the right. The paintings are signed “By special request” and were presumably commissioned by the novelist showing his paramour. I have not identified the novelist. Masanobu was a pupil of Shigemasa and was one of the leading authors and illustrators of kibyoshi, ehon and kyoka anthologies as well as being a painter and print artist. He illustrated the fine set of double-oban prints of courtesans in 1783-4: Yoshiwara keisai shin bijin awase jihitsu kagami. These painting must come from around this date as the pose of the courtesan is very similar to some of the figures in the above album. A controversial figure who ran foul of the authorities in 1789, subsequently ceasing to use the name Kitao Masanobu and thereafter his paintings are always spontaneous in an abbreviated style, often quite slight and signed Kyoden. Paintings fully finished like this are rare. In generally very good condition, although some loss of gofun. Signed Oju Kyoden Masanobu ga on each painting.
Status: Available
Price: £4,200
Cho GESSHO (1772-1832)
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A large original painting of moored junks caught in a violent squall. A fine painter who studied under Tanke Gessen and Matsumura Goshun in Kyoto before moving to Nagoya in 1798 and becoming Nagasawa Rosetsu’s assistant for a short time. Also illustrated some fine ehon. Sumi and colour on silk with the currents of air painted in gold; 55.25 x 26 in; 140.25 x 66 cms. Painted c. 1810s. Provenance: Two previous owners’ seals on the exterior of mount: The Honda family library and the Ueno family. Old box with inscription which states that Gessho wanted to acquire a painting from the Owari district. Although not intrinsically valuable it was esteemed by the local people. He offered to exchange the painting offered here for their painting. There is a dig here in that the inhabitants of Owari were known to be avaricious. Written by Mizutani Okurei (1848-1926). Presumably based on the accounts of the two previous family owners.
Signed Gessho with seal: Yukisada, Genkei, Gessho. Obviously an important painting by Gessho and in very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £2,300
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The poet Dainagon Tsunenobu (1016-97), seated at the window of his study having recited his most famous poem which speaks of the evening breeze in Autumn, is visited by an enormous ghost who screams a poem by the Chinese poet Bai Juyi (Jap: Hakuraten). From a set Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets.” A compilation by the celebrated poet Fujiwara Teika in 1235. Only 58 of the set are known published by Ebine c 1840-42. A number of variant impressions exist of this design with the apparition printed either much darker or lighter, or the background darker and other minor differences. These all appear to be contemporaneous as the printers experimented. This impression appears to be the most successful. A fine design from an underrated set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A poem by the celebrated poet Oe no Chisato 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 two porters with an empty palanquin beneath a haloed moon. One of the 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:
Looking at the moon
Thoughts of a thousand things
Fill me with sadness –
But autumn’s dejection
Does not come to me alone
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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A snow scene showing Sakura Sogoro, the leader of a peasant rebellion, kneeling to thank the ferryman Jinbei for the selfless deed of taking him across Lake Inba. Soga watashiba no zu from Choga kyoshin kai. Published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1884.
Fine impression, colour and condition with extensive splashed gofun. Signed Kiyochika ga
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki, “The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in Snow.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. One of the most famous places in Edo. Known for its pergola, two drum bridges, koi ponds and the wisteria which flowered in the fifth month. The main shrine is dedicated to the memory of Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin), the father of Japanese learning and built in 1662. The design comes in various states: Late editions have a black sky and the red publisher’s seal on right margin is replaced with an abbreviated Sanoki seal in black. Even later editions show a slipping plug becoming evident on the edge of the water, centre left.
Fine impression and colour. Probably the earliest printing. Slight trimming on right margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £6,800
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Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A woman peering through a gap in a shoji from a set Arigataki miyo no kage e “Shadow Pictures for Our Blessed Times.” Published by Maruya Seijiro c. 1845-6 and is based on strong light sources shining on beauties. This chiaroscuro technique was pioneered by Shumman and used by Utamaro and Toyokuni I.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
Utagawa TOYOMARU (SHUNRO II) (Act. 1785-1797)
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The actor Onoe Matsusuke, probably in the role of Matsuo-maru in the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami. Published c 1780s by Igaya Kan’emon (Bunkido).
Fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Toyomaru ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
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
Price: £1,500
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Seki and Kameyama from the chuban Muraichi Tokaido. The set of 56 prints published by Muraichi, 1852. Printed two-to-a-sheet uncut and probably from a complete proof set. Double censor’s seals Murata and Kinugasa and date seal 2ic/1852 top right.
Fine impressions with strong woodgrain showing. Fine colour. Very small binding holes in right border, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga on each print.
Status: Available
Price: £800
Utagawa KUNIYASU (1794-1832)
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A triptych Soshu Enoshima Benzaiten Iwaya narabi sairei no zu, “Picture of Iwaya, the Main Shrine, Pilgrims to the Display of Benzaiten at Enoshima.” Enoshima island was a popular place to visit with the Iwaya caves and the shrine of the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten (Benten), goddess of the arts, entertainment and wealth, and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. A fascinating print showing a multitude of various visitors. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, late 1820s. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kuniyasu ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5,500
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 11 x 18 in; 28 x 45.75 cms. Shows the sea off the Miura Peninsula in Sagami Province with Mount Fuji rising above mist in the distance. Hiroshige used the same view for one of his designs for the Thirty-six Views of Fuji set published in 1858. A beautiful painting with a signature dating it to the mid to late 1830s.
Minor creasing and old mount, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige with Hiro seal.
Status: Available
Price: £4,800
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Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A geisha partly illuminated by a lantern on a boat from a set Tsuki no kage shinobiau yo, “Secret Meetings by Moonlight.” Published jointly by Izumiya ichibei (as here) and Yamamoto Kyubei, c. 1836-38.
Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,600
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Looking Itchy: the appearance of a kept woman of the Kaei era [1848-1854]. Shows a beauty emerging from a mosquito net that has apparently not been entirely successful. From a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set depicts women of different backgrounds and occupations from the Kansei era through to the Meiji era with punning allusions to their situation or mood.
Very fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Utagawa KUNIYASU (1794-1832)
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Shows a beauty after a bath. The poem above compares her to the young green shoots of the willow tree in spring. Published by Omiya Heihachi, c. 1820.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kuniyasu ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A triptych with title Taiheike Yakiyama-Goye no zue, “Picture of the Slope of Burning Mountain in the Taiheiki.” Shows the Japanese Daimyo Sato Masakiyo (Kato Kiyomasa), who was a leading general in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea, far left, and his men encountering a monstrous serpent surrounded by bats, tengu and flying goblins on a haunted mountain. Published by Kagaya Kichibei, 1861.
Fine impression, colour and condition. A lovely copy of this triptych. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4,200
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An original hanshita-e (preparatory drawing) for a triptych showing, from the left, the actor Bando Takesaburo I as Nagoya Sanza, Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as the Shinzo (“courtesan’s apprentice”), and Nakamura Fukusuke I as Fuwa Banzaemon. This is actually from the dance Sanpukutsui Kabuki no irodori performed at the Ichimura-za theatre, 5/1855. The publisher was Sanoki. These first drafts by the artist themselves survive because a more detailed drawing was needed by the blockcutter, and this was normally given to an assistant to execute. Or the drawing was never taken up by the publisher, for whatever reason. Sumi and touches of red with some pentimenti. Signed Toyokuni ga on the three sheets. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Price: £1,580
ANONYMOUS (Mid to late 19th century)
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A fine original painting in muted tones on silk, 43.75 x 16.5 in; 111.2 x 41.9 cms. Shows a vengeful female ghost (yurei) emanating from a ball of fire. She wears a plain white kyokatabira (funeral robe), has long unkept hair and her claw-like hand clutches her skeletal chest. Yurei-zu reached a peak of popularity in the 19th century, there being a seemingly insatiable demand from the public for stories of ghosts, demons and the supernatural reflected in popular fiction, Kabuki drama and art in general. These ghost paintings were often not signed: This one bears two seals reading “surpassing lotus” and “happy and heaven.” In very good condition with the surrounding mount: hashira and ichimonji areas painted in imitation of silk (kaki byoso) and the image overlapping these areas.
Status: Available
Price: £5,800
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Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (FL. 1684-1704)
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An original painting showing a high-ranking samurai household at leisure. Moroshige was the senior pupil of Hishikawa Moronobu, and, it is said, was the father of Furuyama Moromasa. Sumi and full colour with gold additions on paper. 11.5 x 19 in; 29 x 48.25 cms. This is most likely from a handscroll as the height is correct, and the slight vertical striations indicate it has been rolled at some time. Painted c. 1700. Some slight loss of pigments, especially the verdigris and minor marks, but all commensurate with the age of the painting. The details on the costumes of the two main figures are exquisite.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
KYOJINSAI (Fl. c 1789-1801)
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A large and fine original painting by an artist whom I am unable to find in the literature; possibly a pseudonym. Shows a high-ranking courtesan wearing a sumptuous kimono under cherry blossom. Full colour on paper, 49.25 x 20 in; 125 x 51 cms. The calligraphy above is by Kan’watei Onitake, best known as the author of a series of yomihon entitled Katakiuchi kidan Jiraiya setsuwa , “The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya,” also known as the Jiraiya monogatari published in 11 volumes from 1806-7. The protagonist was a thief-come-wizard who is usually depicted astride a giant toad. Onitake was a pupil of Tani Buncho, Kyokutei Bakin and Santo Kyoden. It translates as a courtesan musing on the fact that customers’ attention in the spring turns to buying many things and, as the sun sets, will there be many clients in the Yoshiwara gathering as thickly as the cherry blossom. Signed Kan’watei Onitake san with a kakihan of an octopus. On the right the signature and seal of Kyojinsai. On the lid of the box is an inscription reading Kansei-ki Kyojinsai-hitsu oka no tayu sugata gasan, “A Kansai period inscribed painting of a high-class courtesan under cherry blossoms brushed by Kyojinsai.” And a repeat of the Onitake inscription. On the inside of lid: Showa shinyu Yayoi chukan, “Mid-March of the metal rooster [Showa 56/1981].” Appraised by Kimura Suetsuke ((a dealer and Ukiyo-e expert). Very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet. A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.
Status: Available
Price: £380
Ikeda EISEN (1790-1848)
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Two beauties in front of a mirror, Ada ni torikumite, “Grudge Match” from a set Ukiyo shiju hatte, “Forty-eight Habits of the Floating World.” This was a popular title for sets of prints – especially during the next thirty years. The sub-titles are quite obtuse, whereas in later series – for example Kuniyoshi’s set of c 1846 – the meanings are self-evident. A fine double okubi-e set published by Matsumura Tatsuemon, c 1821-22. Eisen was a prolific and repetitive artist but produced some fine landscapes and okubi-e sets. Rare.
Fine impression. Slight fading and minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4,800
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
Price: £12,000
