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
Price: £3,800
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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
Price: £680
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
Price: £1,800
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
Price: £5,800
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
Price: £2,000
Kawamata TSUNEYUKI (1677-c 1744)
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An original painting, full colour on paper, 13 x 19 in; 33 x 48.3 cms. Shows a reclining beauty playing a shamisen. The subtle outline of her body can be seen through her yukata. A tasseled pillow behind her and a fan lying on the floor. Tsuneyuki was the founder of the Kawamata School. (A pupil was Kawamata Tsunemasa.) Little is known of his life and there are few paintings: A group were in Christies NY, 27/10/1998, lots 40, 42, 44, 45; and there are examples in the BM, reg. no 1931,1116,0.2, the Met, acc. no 36.100.90, and the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, acc. no. F1898.118. Two small areas of restoration only visible obliquely, otherwise good condition for its period. Presented in double box. Signed Tsuneyuki hitsu with one seal Tsuneyuki, the other unread.
Status: Available
Price: £2,500
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Shotei HOKUJU (Active 1787-1818)
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Kai no kuni Saruhashi no shinsha no zu, “A True View of the Monkey Bridge in the Province of Kai.” An impressive wooden bridge spans a deep chasm. It was called the “Monkey Bridge” because the original rickety plank structure was so precarious that only an agile monkey could cross it. Hokuju produced a number of these westernised landscapes and this is one of the best designs. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1815. It is also known with variant colour schemes.
Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed around and imperceptible centre fold. Signed Shotei Hokuju ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5,800
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Otani Tomoemon V as Danshichi Kurobei, a fishmonger and an Osaka otokodate, in the drama Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami, “Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka.” From an untitled set of large-head actor portraits published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Based on actual events, the scene depicted here is from Act VII of the play where the heavily tattooed Danshichi has murdered his wife’s father, the untrustworthy Mikawaya Giheiji, and is pouring water from a bucket over himself to wash off the mud from the murder scene. Probably the best design from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A large original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 12 x 20.5 in; 30.5 x 52 cms. Shows a battle between two armies. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Julius Kurth (1870-1949), an eminent scholar who wrote extensively on Japanese and Chinese art. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Price: £1,400
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A large original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 15 x 20 in; 38 x 51 cms. Shows a large group of actors in front of a theatre. Most likely two sheets for an intended triptych. There appears to be the publisher’s seal Kiya Sojuro brushed-in at the bottom who was active c 1851-1904. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Julius Kurth (1870-1949), an eminent scholar who wrote extensively on Japanese and Chinese art. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Price: £1,400
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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Presumably the last sheet of a triptych (I cannot locate the complete design at the moment). Shows three geisha representing three of the Seven Lucky Gods: Benzaiten, Fukurokuji, Ebisu. The other sheets would show the other four. They are depicted on the Takarabune, ” Treasure Ship” which has been constructed on a stage with artificial water. Probably an event that occurred during the first three days of the New Year.. Published by Tsuruya Kinsuke, c 1802.
Fine impression. Extremely good colour. Fine condition. Signed Utamaro ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Kitagawa TSUKIMARO (Active c 1804-1836)
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An original painting, full colour on dark silk, 33.5 x 11.5 in; 85 x 29 cms. Shows a Chinese beauty – possibly Yang Guikei – collecting medicinal leaves from a Japanese spice bush. An intriguing painting with Ukiyo-e elements fused with both Chinese and Western styles. Tsukimaro was Utamaro’s best pupil and his paintings are rare. Painted c 1818.
Some loss of gofun but generally good condition. Newly mounted with new box. Signed Bokutei Tsukimaro hitsu with two unidentified seals.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Yamamoto SHOUN (1870-1965)
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A large original painting , full colour with gold on silk, image size 50.5 x 19.75 in; 128.25 x 50 cms. Shows Shoki, the Demon Quellor, with sword drawn watching an oni escaping on a cloud, upper left. Various Chinese legends exist regarding the origins of Shoki but the gist of them all is that Emperor Xuanzong canonized Shoki, a physician, and in gratitude Shoki vowed to protect the ruler and his heirs from demons and illness. Shoun is best known for his series of woodblocks of beautiful women, Ima Sugata, published 1906-9.
In fine condition. Signed Shoun hitsu with two seals, one reading Shoun.
Status: Available
Price: £1,850
Suzuki HARUTSUGI (HARUJI) (Active 1760-1770)
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A large koban print, 8.75 x 6 in; 22.25 x 15.25 cms, showing a samurai with two attendants. Aki, “Autumn” from a set of the four seasons, Shiki. A rare artist and most likely a follower of Harunobu. Produced a number of pillar prints. Provenance: Ex Javal, sold 3/3/1926, lot 50.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Harutsugi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from an unfinished set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces” published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1860). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A rare early Kuniyoshi triptych, Minamoto no Yorimitsu no Shitenno tsuchigumo taiji no dzu, showing Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raiko) and his loyal retainers: Watanabe no Tsuna, Usui no Sadamitsu, Sakata no Kintoki and Urabe no Suetake killing the giant “Earth Spider.” Numerous versions exist of this story but basically Raiko and his followers have to tackle various horrendous apparitions in a cave within the hill Kagura ga oka near Kyoto, eventually to be faced by a beautiful woman who envelops Raiko in cobwebs. He slays her and her body turns into a spider, the head being twenty-five feet long and eyes shining like the sun and moon. He cuts off the beast’s head and the carcase reveals the many bodies devoured by it. Published by Maru-ya Seijiro, c 1838. Robinson T46 and illustrated in colour, Kuniyoshi, B.W.Robinson, Phaidon 1982, plate 37.
Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.Very good impression. Slight fading, otherwise good colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5,800
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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An original painting, sumi and colour on silk, 10.5 x 8.75 in; 26.7 x 22.2 cms. A beauty after a bath. Signed Toyokuni ga with his kakihan. In very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
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Tsubaki CHINZAN (1801-1854)
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An original painting album, 11 x 13 in; 28 x 33 cms (folded out). Chinzan, a Nanga painter, was Watanabe Kazan’s best pupil. The sketchbook has 25 extremely abbreviated sketches using minimal brushstrokes.
Status: Available
Price: £800
Katsukawa SHUNKO (1743-1812)
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The actor Matsumoto Koshiro II, arms crossed, in a defiant stance. Shunko had a minor stroke at the age of 45 and subsequently had to work with his left hand using the go of Sahitsusai, “Studio of the Left-handed Brush.” Published c 1771-1772.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Shunko ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Seki Sanjuro III as Saruta Hiko in the play Yoinakatomi Kiyome no mikagura staged at the Ichimura-za Theatre 8/1869. From a set of at least 22 prints published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Kunichika was a hack artist who nevertheless produced some fine triptychs (horizontal and vertical) and this fine set of actor bust portaits.
Fine impression with extensive blind-printing on the beard and hair. Fine colour. Slight foxing and crease in left margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,300
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An original fan painting, 6.5 x 17.5 in; 16.5 x 44.5 cms. Sumi and colour on treated paper. Shows a kappa appearing from the Sumidagawa and terrifying a man who runs for his life. Kappa were amphibious creatures found in rivers and ponds. Their bodies were covered with a horny carapace like a tortoise, with scaly legs and four frog-like webbed feet. They loved to wrestle and were known to attack humans – especially children, and horses. However, they could be tricked as they were very polite. If you bowed to a kappa he invariably bowed back, and as their source of power lay in a pool of water contained in a depression in the head, this would be spilt and they became immobilized. Laid around the edge onto Japanese board with the ribmarks evident as it has been dismounted from an ogi or folding fan. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga with hand-painted toshidama seal. Good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £1.800
Kawamata TSUNEYUKI (1677-c1744)
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An original painting, full colour on paper, 14.5 x 21 in; 35.5 x 53.5 cms. The founder of the Kawamata School. (A pupil was Kawamata Tsunemasa.) Little is known of his life and there are few paintings: A group were in Christies NY, 27/10/1998, lots 40, 42, 44, 45; and there are examples in the BM, reg. no 1931,1116,0.2, the MET, acc. no 36.100.90, and the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, acc. no. F1898.118. Shows a courtesan with her attendants outside a teahouse being admired by a passing samurai. Areas of careful restoration, but in generally good condition. Sealed Tsuneyuki.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
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Nagasawa ROSETSU (1754-1799)
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An original fan painting, sumi on treated paper, 17 x 6.25 in; 43 x 16 cms. Shows two needlefish (family Belonidae).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. Signed Rosetsu with his Gyo (fish) seal. Framed and glazed with the fan mounted onto Japanese paper. Good condition, apart from the obvious fan folds.
Status: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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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
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Imao KEINEN (1845-1924)
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An original painting, sumi on paper, image size 54 x 19.5 in; 137 x 49.5 cms. A pupil of Umegawa Tokyo and Suzuki Hyakunen. Keinen was an important figure in Kyoto art circles and considered the pre-eminent kachoga (bird and flower) artist at the end of the 19th century winning many prizes at home and abroad. Best known for his 4 volume Keinen kacho gafu, “Album of Bird and Flower Pictures by Keinen” published 1891-2. Shows two peacocks standing on a rocky outcrop. Peacocks were a popular subject for artists who could display their prowess at painting, the results often being sumptuously rendered. However, Keinen opts for a freer style in sumi only. Keinen was also known as a keen horticulturist and a bonsai expert. Original kiri wood box inscribed by him on the inside of the lid and guaranteeing the painting as being genuine. Outer lacquer box. In very good condition. Signed Keinen with seal.
Status: Available
Price: £1,900
Ichiunsai KUNIHISA (1832-1891)
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An original painting, full colour on paper with the black waistband heavily lacquered, image size 48 x 11 in; 122 x 28 cms. Shows a young beauty carrying a box. She wears an apron and has a towel slung over her shoulder, so is presumably an assistant in a kitchen or bathhouse or similar establishment. The narrow format enhances her natural elegance. Kunihisa was the pupil and son-in-law of Kunisada. Some repaired wormage, otherwise good condition. Signed Kunihisa ga with two indistinct seals.
Status: Available
Price: £1,500
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Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
An original drawing by the first Toyokuni. An hanshita-e diptych for a published set of triptychs with title: Yakusha juni tsuki, “Actors in the Twelve Months.” Shows the actors (from the left) Bando Mitsugoro III holding a pipe; Iwai Hanshiro V with an open book; Nakamura Utaemon III about to write a poem; and Segawa Roko IV with another pipe. They are compared to the months of the year, in this case July, the month of the Bon Odori festival and are also a parody of the Six Immortal Poets. The print published by Yamashiroya Toemon (active c. 1801-1817). In fact this set was published Spring, Bunka 6 (1809). Sumi on thin paper laid around edges onto another sheet. Some pentimenti and also shows the initial hurried under-drawing and with annotations for the finished print. Sold together with the two published sheets which shows the lanterns removed at top, the brazier bottom centre and other minor changes. In indifferent condition. An illustrated example of this complete triptych is in the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts.
The print signed Toyokuni ga. Original hanshita-e by Toyokuni I are extremely rare. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Price: £2,500
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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A triptych showing Prince Genji in a boat with attendant page and a lady watching female awabi (abalone) divers called ama. These women were a great curiosity for the public and seen as rather risqué characters. Prince Genji was the protagonist of Murasaki Shikibu’s Heian-era novel The Tale of Genji. He was the second son of the emperor, and relegated to civilian life. Published 1865 by Maruya Kyushiro.
Very good impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunisada hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,280
Kawamura BUMPO (1779-1821)
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I volume complete Bumpo gafu (Sampen), “Album of Drawings by Bumpo” (3rd Series”). Original light grey covers with burnished pattern. Original title slip. Preface 3 pp., with 18 double-page and 32 single-page illustrations in sumi and light colour numbered 1 – 35. Colophon dated Bunka 10 (1813).(First edition.) Signed Bumpo with publishers Kawachiya Kihei and Yoshidaya Shimbei. Fine impressions. Very good condition with no thumbing to corners.
Status: Available
Price: £600
Hosoda EISHI (1736-1829)
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An original painting, sumi and colour on silk, 33.25 x 12 in; 84.5 x 30.5 cms. Shows a parading oiran, a high class courtesan, beneath falling cherry blossom. A parade was held every April in the Yoshiwara under the spring cherry blossom. Her costume is decorated with a large golden koi swimming amongst water weeds. An elegant and refined painting of great delicacy typical of this painter who was of unusually high rank for an Ukiyo-e artist. His prints – usually of beauties – are equally elegant. He also had a considerable number of pupils, including Eisho, Eiri and Eisui who produced some exceptional compositions. Probably painted around 1795-1804.
Mount with some minor damage; painted area in very good condition. Signed Chobunsai Eishi hitsu with Eishi seal.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
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Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An original hanshita-e (preparatory drawing) for a published diptych showing, on the left, the actor Onoe Kikujiro II as Tatsuhime – in reality Yawata, the younger sister of Kotoda. On the right is Iwai Kumesaburo III as Kudo Kanaishimaru. The play is Matsu icho Tsurukame Soga performed at the Nakamura-ya theatre, 1/1854. The publisher of the print 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. Signed Toyokuni ga on both sheets. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Price: £1,200
Kawabata GYOKUSHO (1842-1913)
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An original painted fan. On one side a bird amongst flowers and the reverse also with flowers. A leading figure in Tokyo art circles and the last great representative of the Shijo school. In exceptional condition with extensive gold leaf. Signed Gyokusho with seals Shibun on both sides.
Full colour on silk, each panel 39.75 x 25 in; 101 x 63.5 cms. Extremely good condition. Signed Kinzaburo Yoshitoshi ga with blurred seal but reading Go Kaisai. Extremely rare.
Status: Available
Price: £1,400
Matsumura KEIBUN (1779-1843)
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A shijo brush drawing of a seabream and a lumpfish (?). One of Kyoto’s leading artists. Noted for his painting from nature. He studied with his older brother Matsumura Goshun as well as Maruyama Okyo. Sumi and light colour on paper, 10 x 14.75 in; 25.4 x 37.4 cms.
In good condition. Signed and sealed Keibun.
Status: Available
Price: £390
Matsumura KEIBUN (1779-1843)
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A shijo brush drawing of a white horsehead and an acropomatidae (?). One of Kyoto’s leading artists. Noted for his painting from nature. He studied with his older brother Matsumura Goshun as well as Maruyama Okyo. Sumi and light colour on paper, 10.5 x 15 in; 26.7 x 38.1 cms.
In good condition. Signed and sealed Keibun.
Status: Available
Price: £390
Matsumura KEIBUN (1779-1843)
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A shijo brush drawing of a red seabream. One of Kyoto’s leading artists. Noted for his paintings from nature. He studied with his older brother Matsumura Goshun as well as Maruyama Okyo. Sumi and light colour on paper, 10.5 x 17 in; 26.7 x 43.2 cms.
In good condition. Signed and sealed Keibun.
Status: Available
Price: £390
Matsumura KEIBUN (1779-1843)
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A shijo brush drawing of a gurnard and a snapper (?). One of Kyoto’s leading artists. Noted for his painting from nature. He studied with his older brother Matsumura Goshun as well as Maruyama Okyo. Sumi and light colour on paper, 10.5 x 17.75 in; 26.7 x 45.1 cms.
In good condition. Signed and sealed Keibun.
Status: Available
Price: £390
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU (1787-1833)
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An original painting by this artist who was the pupil and then son-in-law of Hokusai. He was given the name Yanagawa (from his residence in the Honjo district of Edo) to distinguish him from other Shigenobu artists. A good book illustrator and surimono designer. He designed the first square surimono in Osaka in 1822, inspiring others to follow. His paintings are rare. Shows a portrait of the Japanese scholar and writer Ishikawa Masamochi (1754-1830). The fifth son of Ishikawa Toyonobu, he was a renowned kyoka poet and Gesaku writer (playful, mocking works), including The Magical Carpenter of Japan. An important figure in kyoka/surimono circles. Known as Rokujuen (Yadao no Meshimori). His family crest is seen on his kimono and he sits before a low desk ready to write. A high quality painting, sumi and colour on silk, 29 x 12.5 in.; 73.6 x 31.8 cms. Several small backed wormholes at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Would benefit from being remounted.
Signed Shigenobu with seal Yanagawa.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
ANONYMOUS (Late 18th century)
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An Uki-e, “floating picture” painting showing an interior with a puppet performance taking place. A puppeteer manipulates a female puppet in the centre, behind him two gidayu narrators and a shamisen player. A male puppet is being held behind a screen. Ladies behind a screen at right enjoy the drama. In fact, a male individual at the back seems overcome by emotion with a hanky to his face. The architecture is represented using one-point perspective, a style which made its way to Japan in the 1740’s from the West via China. (Interestingly the artist has got the perspective wrong on the screen at right.) This genre of painting – invariably unsigned – always shows interior or semi-interior views with banquets or, as here, puppet performances. Full colour on paper, 17 x 23 in; 43.2 x 58.5 cms. Minor marks, although good condition for this kind of painting.
Status: Available
Price: £1,900
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Ohara HOSON (Aka SHOSON, KOSON) (1877-1945)
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A rooster and weasel. Published by Kawaguchi, c. 1930. The first and only edition. Ex Robert O. Muller collection. Rare.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hoson. Copyright seal in lower right margin; seal of printer, Komatsu, and carver, Maeda, in lower left margin.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The extremely rare first, private printing of Bora, the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) with camellia and Japanese asparagusado. From a set of 10 prints in folding album form, privately commissioned for a poetry club, c 1832-34. Poems by Higaki Kunifune and Toshinoto Haruki. The judges’ names next to the poems. These were removed on the commercial editions. Rare because of the obvious reason that the numbers printed were directly related to the relatively small memberships of poetry groups.
Fine impression and colour of the earliest printing without kiwame seal and publisher’s seal. With judges’ names and without gradation at top. Centre fold (as always), otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. Unknown collector’s seal au verso.
Status: Sold