Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The devoted wife Sayohime from Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” She is seen on a rocky outcrop watching her husband Otomo Sadehiko sail away to war. Legend has it that she wept for so long that she eventually turned to stone. The figure being referred to as Bofu-seki, “Weeping-wife Stone.” Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1876.
Very fine impression of the first edition . Small backed wormhole top margin and small thinned area, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Oho ( Wang P’ou ) visiting his mother’s tomb to comfort her during a thunderstorm. Shows peasants fleeing the zigzag lightning bolts. From a set of fourteen prints: Nijushi-ko doji kagami, “Mirror of the Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety.” Published by Wakasa-ya Yoichi, c 1840. Each print shows an example of a child’s exemplary behaviour in looking after their aged parents There is a strong western influence in this set. Robinson S13.14.
Very good impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Teisai HOKUBA (1771-1844)
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Three courtesans watching clients leaving in light rain. One of Hokusai’s best pupils; a fine painter and illustrator of kyoka books.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hokuba ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Bando Mitsugoro III as Washi no Osaburo disguised as Yamagatsu Kumao in Kawaranu hana Genji no kaomise performed at the Ichikawa Theatre in 11/1827. The left sheet of a surimono triptych probably issued for the new year of 1828. The complete set is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London ( E.3909-1916 ). A variant of the Kabujki play Seki no to in which two actors battle with giant axes.
Fine impression with gold and silver. Slight fading, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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A beauty holding a fan. Dated and signed top right: Taisho jusannen shichigatsu Shinsui saku, “Taisho 13 [ 1924 ], July, work of Shinsui.” Published by Watanabe Shozaburo. Mica ground.
Fine impression and colour. Minor soil extreme left bottom corner, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Available
Imao KEINEN (1845-1924)
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Probably the best known artist of his time and famous for his realistic depictions of birds and flowers. Two koi or carp swim beneath a rock with an overhanging white mountain rose. Ink, colour, gofun and gold on silk. Original mount with ivory rollers. A double kiri-wood box inscribed by Keinen’s son Keisho with date Showa 13, 1938 and a guarantee of authenticity. He entitles the painting Nobara yuri, “Koi playing under a wild rose.” Image size: 44.5 x 14.5 in; 113 x 36.5 cms. Slight crease, otherwise good condition. Signed Keinen.
Status: Available
Kishi CHIKUDO (1826-1897)
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A large painting, 57 x 28 in; 144 x 71 cms ( image size ) showing a peregrine falcon dislodging snow from a heavily snow-laden pine tree. The bird was closely associated with the New Year. Chikudo was the fourth generation head of the Kishi school which was founded by Ganku. An artist with great talent, he participated in the decoration of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1854. Signed Kishi Chikudo. Very good condition. Original mount and wooden rollers. Ink, colour and gofun on silk. With box.
Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An important original Hiroshige painting. Sumi and colour on grey silk, 22.5 x 13.75 inches, 57 x 35 cms. An atmospheric scene showing an evening view at Tamegawa. Villagers hurrying home across a bridge to avoid an approaching thunderstorm. Lightning flashing above. This is a well known painting and has been illustrated in a number of books, including Ukiyo-e Art, Number 18, Memorial Exhibition of Hiroshige, The Japan Ukiyo-e Society, 1968, pl.20. Very good condition; fully mounted with double box and ivory ends. Signed Hiroshige fude with Ichiryusai seal. Hiroshige signature c. 1848- 52.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original painting on grey silk of an actor in a female role ( Segawa Kikunojo III ? ). Executed in fine detail – almost as a surimono with gold, silver and heightened gofun. Probably one of a set tipped into an album and commissioned by a wealthy patron of his favourite actors. Pin-ups of their day. 8.5 x 7 inches, 22 x 18 cms. Minor damage. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni hitsu, c. 1852.
Status: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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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: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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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: Available
Mori TETSUZAN (1775-1841)
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A seated cat with butterflies above. Tetsuzan, the adopted son of Mori Sosen, was known for his animal paintings and was one of the ten best pupils of Okyo. Good condition.
Sumi and colour on beige silk. Image size 38.25 x 14.5 inches. Mounted on brown damask with ivory rollers. Signed Tetsuzan with seal Shushin.
Status: Available
Utagawa TOYOHIRO (1773-1828)
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A girl offering a fruit (?) to a pet monkey. Hanging scroll. Sumi and colour on silk; 52 x 38 cms. Signed Toyohiro ga, seal Ichiryusai.
Status: Available
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Shunkosai HOKUSHU (Active 1809-1832)
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Bando Mitsugoro III as Daihanji Kiyozumi and Arashi Koroku IV as the son Koganosuke in the play Imoseyama Onna Teikin. In fact a diptych ( see Keyes, The Theatrical World of Osaka Prints, no. 16, p. 72-73 ). The child Koganosoke resolves on a suicide pact with Hinadori ( shown on the other sheet ) after Soga no Iruka orders the children to be sent to his court to insure the family’s loyalty. Published 1821 by Wataki. ( There are two states known: With and without publisher’s seal. Some embellishments are added and some removed on the two states. )
Fine impression. Particularly well preserved colour. De-luxe impression. Gum and polishing on Koganosuke’s hair; blind printing on the blossom above. Some loss of brass. Signed Shunkosai Hokushu ga.
Status: Available
Shunkosai HOKUEI (Active 1824-1837)
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Iwai Shijaku I as Kowagi Atsumori and Nakamura Utaemon III as Kumagai Jiro Naozane in Gempei Tsutsuji, performed 2/1832 at the Kado Theatre. Published by Honya Seishichi. This is the second state of three: The first edition also has carver’s seal and various de-luxe embellishments. The third state lacks seals and has the actors’ names in blue top left ( one changed ) for a performance the following year 3/1833.
Fine impression and colour. One flattened crease, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shunkosai Hokuei ga.
Status: Available
Ryusai SHEGEHARU (1803-1853)
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A surimono diptych of actors. Shigeharu, according to contemporary accounts, was the only professional full-time actor/print designer. True shikishi-ban Osaka surimono are extremely rare: Anecdotally there are supposed to be some others in the vaults of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Fine impression with burnishing, silver and gold. Fine colour. Light backing with slight offsetting au verso, otherwise good condition. Signed Ryusai Shigeharu.
Status: Available
Shunkosai HOKUSHU (active 1810-1832)
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Yellow-ground bust portrait of Nakamura Utaemon III ( Inanoya Hanbei ). Published 3/1820. Rare: Another chirimen ( creped ) version is illustrated in Kamigata Prints in the former period: part 1, Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum of Waseda University, no. 129, p. 33
Very good impression and colour. Slight creases and soil. Signed Shunkosai Hokushu ga.
Status: Available
Yamaguchi SHIGEHARU (1803-1853)
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The complete oban diptych showing ( right ) a bust portrait of Onoe Kikugoro III as Shizuka no Mae and ( left ) a bust portrait of Nakamura Utaemon III as Kitsune Tadanobu in the play Yoshitsune senbon zakura, “The Thousand Cherries of Yoshitsune” performed 10/1830. Illustrated complete in colour in Dean Schwaab, Osaka Prints, 1989, no.141, p.150 and also on back jacket.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Gyokuryutei Shigeharu ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The village of Yase, Yase no sato from Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous views of Kyoto.” Shows Oharame from the village of Ohara travelling to Kyoto to sell their wares. A set of ten prints published by Kawaguchiya Shojo, c 1834.
Very good impression and colour. Several expertly repaired wormholes, otherwise very good condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shinyoshiwara asazakura no zue, “Morning Cherries at Yoshiwara” from Toto Meisho, “Famous Views of the Eastern Capital.” Hiroshige’s first landscape set of ten prints published c 1831 by Kawaguchiya Shojo. An early morning scene with low lying mist. A client takes leave of his companion.
Fine impression. The first edition with ochre patterned border. Missing on later editions. Fine colour. Thinned area top right border and minimal soil in right border. Large margins. ( The publisher’s name and address in right border is often trimmed off. ) Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa YOSHIIKU (1833-1904)
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A rare print with title in a fishing net: Mitate nitaka kingyo, “A Parody of Goldfish with Actor’s Expressions.” The public would, of course, have recognised these actors, and Kuniyoshi and several pupils had a penchant for them. Indeed, Yoshiiku went on to be a cartoonist for the Tokyo Eiri Shimbun [ newspaper ]. Published 1863.
Very good impression and colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku giga.
Status: Available
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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The actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV. One of a rare series of bust portraits, each with the haigo ( poetic ) name and a fanciful title. Here: Kinko and Koraiya. Koshiro was well known as a haiku poet. Published by Iseya Jisuke, c early 1790s. Originally purchased by me at Sothebys, 13/12/1993, lot 12.
Very good impression. Slight fading, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Shunei ga.
Status: Available
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Snow from the set Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon and Flowers” published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890. Shows half-length portraits of famous actors, in this case Onoe Baiko V ( Onoe Kikugoro V, 1844-1903 ) as the priest Iwakura Sogen. Various versions of the story and play exist concerning Sogen’s infatuation with Irokotohime. First edition ( the second state titled “Iwakura Sogen in the Hermitage Scene from Hanafubuki” ). And with variegated cartouche.
Fine impression and colour. Very small corner repair, otherwise very good condition. Ample room for joining of sheets. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Available
Utagawa YOSHIIKU (1833-1904)
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A rare print with title in a fishing net: Mitate nitaka kingyo, “A Parody of Goldfish with Actor’s Expressions.” The public would, of course, have recognised these actors, and Kuniyoshi and several pupils had a penchant for them. Indeed, Yoshiiku went on to be a cartoonist for the Tokyo Eiri Shimbun [ newspaper ]. Published 1863.
Very good impression and colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku giga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Fujikawa from the so-called “Upright Tokaido.” One of the two snow scenes from the set. Published by Tsutaya, Hare 7, 1855. Ex collection Paul-Louis de la Noe, 1879-1919, ( an acquaintance of the Goncourt brothers, Bing and Hayashi ).
Fine, very early impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNITERU ( F. mid Meiji period )
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A pupil of Kunisada who called himself Sadashige during his master’s use of the go Kunisada. A charming print I have not seen before showing numerous children playing in the snow. Building a snow rabbit, a large snowball, throwing snowballs and carrying ice. A mother carrying a child looks on. An aiban print published by Fujiokaya Hikotaro (?).
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Sadashige ga.
Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Evening Rain at Karasaki, Karasaki no yau, the finest design from the set: Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” The series of eight prints was published by Hoeido and Eikyudo, c. 1834-5. When first published it was advertised as a “work in black and white, lightly coloured, “ and Hiroshige was never to surpass the ethereal quality that these figureless landscapes possess. The theme “Eight Views” was borrowed from Chinese poetry and each print conveys pictorially the poem written in the square label at the top right. Beside it, in a red label, is the series title. The designs for the set are known in various states and there are variations in colouring and gradation. This is particularly relevant to this design and there is dispute as to which is the earliest state. In fact the first printing appears to be the Yan Buhl impression illustrated in Hiroshige, Hotei publishing, 2008, no. 48, p. 54: the kiwame seal on this example is higher than on all other printings ( presuming no remargining, which does not appear to be the case ); the break on the top of the right rigging of the tallest boat, far right, is not evident, and the gradation on the pine is across the top and down towards the bottom right. Many of these great designs seemed to inspire the publishers and/or printers to experiment with different colour schemes and gradation. ( As with the Kuniyoshi Nichiren in snow on this website. ) Later states had gradation completely across top of pine; down left side only; or with gradation from the bottom up, and a green version is also known. The later editions also had the area around the Hoeido seal cleared so that the rain did not intrude. The old pine no longer exists and was replaced with another. One of the finest 19th century landscapes. An almost abstract composition which transcends the usual views of the countryside that the curious Edo public bought and the views of the capital purchased as souvenirs, to reach a completely different aesthetic.
Fine, early impression with the gradation at top of pine and down towards right. Very good colour. Minor restoration, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Yodo-gawa from Setsugekka, Snow, Moon and Flowers. A traditional concept that provided the subject for sets of paintings and prints by Ukiyo-e artists. Shows boats being hauled up the river, which flowed passed Osaka, under a full moon. Under the Tokugawa boats were allowed to sail the river with mail, a tax being levied on every vessel. Published by Yohachi, c. 1833.
Fine early impression of the first edition with the moon overprinted. Very fine colour. Trimmed left ( where the title is near border ), otherwise fine condition. Signed Zen Hokusai I-itsu hitsu.
Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Sanza Theatre, Saruwaka-cho showing women on the balcony of a tea-house overlooking the street from an oban set Edo Meisho of approx. 45 prints published by Yamada-ya, 1853 – 1858, half being published in 1853. This design published 1858.
Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A rare triptych showing fireworks over Ryogoku bridge with numerous pleasure boats negotiating the huge trestles of the bridge. A fine design published 1847 – 50 by Sanoki.
Very fine impression. Pristine colour and condition. Totally untrimmed and with deluxe double-printed red. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available