Utagawa KUNITSUNA (1805-1868)
Click here to view image full size.
A preliminary brush drawing for a print laid onto Japanese paper showing a full length portrait of the sumo wrestler Fujibi Mitsuemon. Originally a drawing of another wrestler was made and altered with pentimenti to show Mitsuemon. 13.25 x 9.5 in; 33.6 x 24.2 cms.
Signed Kunitsuna ga. He was a pupil of Toyokuni. Purchased from me in 1975. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size.
A small original drawing, 3.25 x 4.25 in; 0.825 x 1.05 cms. Sumi on paper laid onto card showing a vendor or waiter offering food. Very much in the style of the “Day” and “Night” series of drawings in the MFA, Boston, c 1815. Provenance: Ex collection Catherine Gide, the daughter of Andre Gide and Elizabeth van Rysselberghe who was the daughter of Theo van Rysselberghe, the Belgian painter and friend of the French Impressionists. Sold “as is.”
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
An original oban (14 x 9.5 in; 35.5 x 24 cms) hanshita-e drawing, sumi on thin paper, for an unpublished set Rokkasen kiri etoki, “Picture Storytelling of Climatic Scenes of the Six Immortal Poets.” In this case the poet Fun’ya no Yasuhide and depicts his most famous poem, no. 22 in the Hyakunin Isshu, which describes the autumn gales bending the trees and grasses. Shows the poet caught in a gale. In fact this is the same subject as a published design in a chu-tanzaku set by Hiroshige published by Shogendo in c 1835-39 (see MFA, Boston, acc. no. 21.7035): Possibly the publisher changed his mind about the format to use. Signed Hiroshige ga. Sold “as is” but in good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
An original oban (10.5 x 15 in; 26.75 x 38 cms) preparatory drawing, sumi on thin paper, for an unpublished set. Shows a warrior and attendants, one of whom is being handed a parcel of scrolls (Gohonzon ?) by a priest in a nearby hut. Possibly intended for a set based on incidents in the life of Nichiren. Ex Julius Kurth collection (1870-1949. A German priest and scholar who published many books and papers on Japanese prints and Egyptian and Near Eastern art.) Sold “as is” but in generally good condition.
Status: Sold
Hashiguchi GOYO (1880-1921)
Click here to view image full size.
An original pencil drawing on thick paper, 13.5 x 13.75 in; 34.25 x 35 cms, of a nude. Quite probably either Kodaira Tomi or Nakatani Tsuru. Both were his muse and had similar features. On the reverse is another drawing of a nude with the face unfinished. Two small red seals bottom left. One reading Honjo, the other unread. A small amount of foxing on reverse, otherwise in good condition.
Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size.
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size.
An original preparatory drawing (hanshita-e) for an unpublished set. Shows a busy street scene with a doctor’s surgery on the right. Probably c early 1870s. Signed on a painter’s palette Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi fude. Two small areas of pentimenti. Sumi on thin Japanese paper, image size 13.5 x 9.25 in; 34.5 x 23.5 cms. In good condition.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size.
An original drawing in vigorous sumi and red ink showing fighting samurai. Possibly a preparatory sketch for an illustrated book. Lightly laid at edges onto Japanese paper, otherwise good condition. 6.5 x 10.75 in; 16.5 x 27.3 cms.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size.
An original drawing in vigorous red ink showing fighting samurai. Possibly a preparatory sketch for an illustrated book. Lightly laid at edges onto Japanese paper, otherwise good condition. 7 x 10.5 in; 17.8 x 26.6 cms.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size.
An important large brush drawing in red ink showing a full length figure wielding a stave at a cowering adversary. The standing figure has no sword or armour but is obviously a chivalrous man of great probity. The leaning attitude of the upright figure is typical of Hokusai (for example, see Theodore Bowie, Indiana University Press, 1974, The Drawings of Hokusai, no. 108) and gives movement to what otherwise would be a static pose. Red ink was frequently used by Hokusai, not just on the obvious Shoki paintings (see nos. 160-161, pages 254-5, Timothy Clark, Hokusai Beyond The Great Wave, B.M., 2017) but as underdrawing on figures and landscapes (see nos. 178-182, pages 279-283, Timothy Clark, Hokusai Beyond The Great Wave, B.M., 2017). Red ink and wash on thin Japanese paper laid onto european paper, image area 16.5 x 15.5 in; 41.5 x 39.5 cms. An area not pertinent to the design missing top right but otherwise in good condition. Provenance: Ex collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller (inventory number 23.040).
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
An original sumi drawing showing the two gods of good luck, Ebisu and Daikoku, fishing from a boat. A variety of sea creatures can be seen in the water. Ebisu’s fishing line has caught an octopus which has landed on Daikoku’s head. 12 x 9.25 in; 30.5 x 23.5 cms. Laid onto Japanese paper. Sold “as is” with imperfections.
Status: Sold
Natori SHUNSEN (1886-1960)
Click here to view image full size.
An original watercolour on cartridge paper of the actor Onoe Kikugoro VI as Tomomori. Shunsen is famous for his print series of actors published by Watanabe from 1916 until 1954. 39.2 x 28.5 cms; 15.5 x 11.25 inches. Signed and sealed Shunsen. Minor foxing, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original shunga drawing showing a couple copulating. Probably a preliminary design for an obon illustrated book. Sumi on thin Japanese paper, 7.5 x 10.5 in, 19 x 26.5 cms. A nice example unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing a couple having sexual congress. 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: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
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: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
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: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
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: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size.
A sheet of original sumi drawings laid onto Japanese paper, 14 x 8 in; 35.5 x 20.1 cms.: Four being preliminary designs for the book: Ehon teikin orai, “Communication of Home Precepts” published in three volumes by Eijudo in 1828 (second and third vols n.d.). Together with a small study of a frog (with Hayashi seal). Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, sold at the Hayashi sale, L’Hotel Drouot, 2nd June, 1902, lot 44. There exist drawings copied from these books. However, the drawings here show Hokusai indicating areas of, for example, foliage or flooring, which are then completed in detail by a pupil or block-copyist for the block-cutter. Obviously drawings copied from the book show these finished details. Laid around edges on old mount. Sold “as is” with minor imperfections.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size.
A sheet of original sumi drawings laid onto Japanese paper, 13 x 8 in; 33 x 20.1 cms.: Four being preliminary designs for the book: Ehon teikin orai, “Communication of Home Precepts” published in three volumes by Eijudo in 1828 (second and third vols n.d.). Together with a study of persimmons. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, sold at the Hayashi sale, L’Hotel Drouot, 2nd June, 1902, lot 45. There exist drawings copied from these books. However, the drawings here show Hokusai indicating areas of, for example, foliage or flooring, which are then completed in detail by a pupil or block-copyist for the block-cutter. Obviously drawings copied from the book show these finished details. Laid around edges on old mount. Sold “as is” with minor imperfections.
Status: Sold
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original drawing in sumi and colour for the series Hana kurabe, “A Comparison of Flowers” published by Shugyokudo between c 1875 – 1890. The set of 120 prints was issued in groups of 12 enclosed in paper wrappers. This design shows a group of what are possibly thistles. On thin paper, 7.5 x 10.5 in; 19 x 26.5 cms.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size.
An original oban drawing by Yoshitoshi (an hanshita-e). A design for an unpublished set, probably showing an episode in the Satsuma Rebellion where a group of disenfranchised samurai rebelled. Probably executed c. 1877.
Fine condition. One area of pentimenti.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size.
An original sumi drawing on thin paper, 9 x 13.25 in; 22.9 x 33.6 cms, showing a reclining warrior, his sword resting on his shoulder. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, seal bottom left corner. Exhibited and sold at an exhibition: Hokusai, Prints, Paintings, Drawings and Illustrated Books held at the Hugh Moss gallery, London, 10 -25th May, 1972, no 112. The exhibition was curated by Jack Hillier who wrote the forward. Top left corner restored, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
An original drawing in sumi with light red under-drawing, 9.75 x 6.75 in; 24.7 x 17.2 cms, on thin paper laid onto card. Shows a general looking down on a castle. Slight foxing. Sold “as is.” Ex Tikotin collection, seal bottom right.
Status: Sold
Kishi GANTAI (1782-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
A superb large gajo (11 x 8 in; 28 x 20.4 cms) of tour de force paintings folding out to comprise: 17 two-sheet designs; 16 four-sheet designs; 5 six-sheet designs; 1 ten-sheet design, making a total of 138 sheets in sumi and light colour on paper. Gantai was the son and pupil of Ganku, and together with his brother, Renzan, carried on the Kishi school tradition. With his father, worked on the paintings for the new Kanazawa Castle in 1809. A highly accomplished painter, especially of kachoga. A variety of subjects are covered in this album, many of them the standard repertoire required of such artists to show their skill.
In extremely good condition with high quality boards and gold end papers. Signed Chikuzennosuke Gantai with seals Gantai and Kunchin.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original sumi drawing (hanshita-e) of oban size for an unpublished set: Eiyu kumiuchi zu, “Collection of Heroes in Combat.” Has a date seal for 1856. Sumi and light colour with pentimenti on thin paper. Shows the protagonists Satsuma no Kami Tadanori, a famous general of the Taira Clan, in combat with Okabe Rokuyata Tadasumi of the Minamoto Clan during the Genpei wars of 1180-1185.
In extremely good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original sumi drawing (hanshita-e) of oban size for an unpublished set, c. 1856. Sumi and light colour with extensive pentimenti on thin paper. Shows two samurai in combat. In extremely good condition.
Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size.
An original preliminary oban sumi drawing for an unpublished set. Shows a young woman teaching a child to play the shamisen and how to use the plectrum (bachi). With intended series title: Osana musume keiko awase, “Teaching the Arts to a Young Girl.” And sub-title: Imouto e oshieru no zu, “Picture of Teaching a Younger Sister.” A particularly interesting drawing as it shows the spontaneity of the initial concept. Kunisada may have made a further more detailed sketch but a final very detailed drawing was needed for the block-cutter to follow accurately and this would have been given to a pupil to undertake. For obvious reasons, these drawings did not survive.
In very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size.
An original hanshita-e entitled: Hanayagura, Tenno Matsuri. This famous festival takes place in July in Tsushima, Aichi, with boats floating down the Tenno River. Shows a festival participant with a lion mask. Sumi with touches of red on thin paper with pentimenti to face.
In good condition. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
An original harimaze-e drawing (two or more images on a single page originally intended to be cut apart). Sumi on paper. Intended for a set of such prints of the complete Tokaido. This sheet shows five stations: Shono (horse); Ishiyakushi (cherry blossom); Kuwana (oysters and cockles); Asakusa (the tori of a temple and visitor); Yokkaichi (boats in the bay). Provenance: Ex H. Beres collection, sold Sothebys, Paris, 25/11/2003, lot 168. Minor faults, but all congruent with an original drawing that has survived. Signed Hiroshige bottom right.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Fl. c. 1850-1880)
Click here to view image full size.
An original hanshita-e triptych drawing for an unpublished print: Okehazama daikassen no zue, “The Great Battle of Okehazama.” Shows Imagawa Yoshimoto being attacked by Hattori Koheita and Mori Shinsuke and killed. The battle was in June 1560. The intended print was to be published by Kiya Sojiro and has the publisher’s mark on the drawing as well as the censor seal for 1866.
Sumi on thin paper with extensive pentimenti. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Sold
UNSEN
Click here to view image full size.
The dates for Unsen are not known but he was working in the early Meiji period. This original hanshita-e shows Imperial troops defeating the rebellion during the Shimabara riot. (The events took place in 1637/8 although contemporary uniforms and artillery are shown. Comments on topical subjects were often “masked” by being set in a different period.)) A well drawn triptych in good condition using pentimenti. Signed Unsen hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size.
An original hanshita-e drawing showing actors in different roles; above as a warrior and beneath in an onnagata role. Sumi and red on thin paper. Image size 12.5 x 6 in, 31.5 x 15 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Good condition.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size.
An original hanshita-e drawing possibly showing Kagekiyo breaking prison. Sumi on thin paper. Image size 13 x 6.5 in, 33 x 16.5 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Numerous indications for the printer for the colours to be used. One hole, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size.
An original hanshita-e drawing probably showing Danjuro IX as Benkei. Sumi with light touches of pink and blue on thin paper, image size 12.75 x 6.5 in, 32.5 x 16.5 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). In good condition.
Status: Sold
Mizuno TOSHIKATA (1866–1908)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original drawing for the first sheet of a published triptych by Yoshitoshi for the set Dai Nippon shiryaku showing the naval battle of Dannoura in the reign of Antoku, the 80th Emperor. Published 20/4/1880. The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata” and is dated Meiji kano-e tatsu, 1880. Why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata.
Status: Sold
Mizuno TOSHIKATA (1866–1908)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original drawing for the first sheet of an unpublished ( ?) triptych by Yoshitoshi showing the king of the Tengu, Dai Sojobo, teaching martial arts to the young Yoshitsune. Drawn c 1880. The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata.” It has more detail than the BM example but why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
S
Click here to view image full size.
An original drawing showing two beauties: One drying her hair, the other about to enter a mosquito net. Sumi on thin paper. 13 x 15.5 in., 33 x 40 cms.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
A large original drawing showing a beauty on a balcony. In the distance another figure on another balcony. Possibly a study for a painting. Sumi and red under-drawing on thin paper. 15.25 x 25.5 in., 38.5 x 65 cms.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original sumi drawing (hanshita-e) for an unpublished print for the set Tokaido gojusan tsui, “Fifty-three Parallels for the Tokaido Road.” The set was published by various publishers in 1845-6 and was a collaboration with Kunisada and Hiroshige. Sumi on thin paper. This is a design for the lower half of the oban print, the top half having the title and a panel with the name of the post-station. Shows Yamato Takeru no Mikoto. A legendary prince, son of the Emperor Keiko. Shown here with his retainers.
In extremely good condition. Provenance: Purchased from me in 21/11/1975. Rare.
Status: Available
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size.
An original hanshita-e drawing probably showing Benkei and Yoshitsune on Gojo Bridge. Sumi on thin paper, image size 14.5 x 6.25 in, 37 x 16 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Some creasing.
Status: Sold
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine original drawing in sumi and colour for the series Hana kurabe, “A Comparison of Flowers” published by Shugyokudo between c 1875 – 1890. The set of 120 prints was issued in groups of 12 enclosed in paper wrappers. This design shows a group of Japanese poppies. On thin paper laid onto Japanese paper, 7.5 x 10 in; 19 x 25.5 cms.
Status: Available