Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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Shiba Zojoji setchu, “Snow at Zojoji Temple” from a set Edo meisho mitu no nagame, “Three Special Views of Edo” published by Uoya Eikichi, c 1840-42. The temple, together with Kan’ei-ji, was the Tokugawa’s family temple. Rare.

 

Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

 

Status: Sold

 

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    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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    The compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido, Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki. The best design from a Toto meisho set of 21 prints published by Kikakudo (Sanoki) c 1832-5 and then extended to 55 in c. 1839-42. Also one of the best known places in Edo with the Drum Bridge, koi ponds and 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. Hiroshige shows the shrine in winter under falling snow.

     

    Fine early impression with the red publisher’s seal in right margin (later editions having the black seal of Sanoki). These later editions have a black sky and a block defect appears at the edge of the pond centre left. Fine colour. Signed Hiroshige ga.

     

    Status: Sold

     

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      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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      Soshu Enoshima Benzaiten kaicho mode Hongu Iwaya no zu, “Pilgrimage to the Cave Shrine of Benzaiten on Enoshima.” A triptych showing the back view of the island (the causeway being on the other side) with the Iwaya cave on the right. Groups of women from Edo schools of narrative chanting are seen with umbrellas (Benzaiten was a deity associated with music). The statue was displayed once every six years. Published by Sumiyoshi Masagoro, 1851.

       

      Fine impression. Very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

       

      Status: Sold

       

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        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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        Midono from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi , “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). The conjecture is that Hiroshige was the better known and more commercial artist, reinforced by the fact that Eisen’s name was removed from the designs already published. Hence only the first editions have his signature on those prints. Shows travellers in a field of pampas grass and a farm worker with a hoe to the left. On the hill above are torii gates leading to a Shinto shrine. The area here opens out after the narrow Kiso valley and is popular with walkers today. Provenance: Ex Grabhorn collection.

         

        Fine impression of the earliest state with bokashi on the brow of the hill. Fine colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

         

        Status: Sold

         

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          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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          A snow scene: Atago shita yabukoji, “Bamboo Lane Below Atago Hill” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo”. Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 (1856-58). This design dated Dragon 12 (1856). The large building on the left housed the daimyo’s servants and retainers.

           

          Very good impression and colour. Small backed wormhole in top margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

           

          Status: Sold

           

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            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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            Noji Tama River in Omi Province with a poem by Minamoto no Toshiyori from the series of six prints Shokoku Mutamagawa , “Six Jewel Rivers in the Provinces.” Shows a nobleman and attendants admiring the moon’s reflection. The set published by Maruya Kyushiro 11/1857.

            Very fine impression. Fine colour. Trimmed on black border at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

            Status: Sold

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              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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              The Lumberyard, Fukagawa, from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “The Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo.” Shows snow falling on the timber yards lining a river. An umbrella in the foreground is inscribed Uo, “Fish” – a reference to the publisher Uoya Eikichi who published the set between 1856 – 1858 (this being 1856). There are 118 prints in the set plus a replacement design by Hiroshige II (see elsewhere on this update). A large supply of timber was needed for the world’s largest wooden city. However, in 1641 a fire destroyed not only houses but the lumber which was then stored in a central area causing the government to move the yards to Fukagawa.

               

              Very good early impression (later editions have a dark sky). Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

               

              Status: Sold

               

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                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                Azuma no Mori no koji “ The Old Story of Azuma” from a set Toto kyuseki tsukushi, “Old Edo Stories, Illustrated.” Exceptionally rare: Four other designs from the set came up at the Orange and Thornicraft sale, Sothebys, 25/3/1912, lot 440. And another impression of this design is illustrated in Hiroshige, The Albuquerque Museum, 1983, no. 722, pl. 74. Shows the concubine Tachibana Hime about to throw herself from the prow of the boat to appease the sea-gods and protect her lord Yamato Take. This she did despite him vowing to marry Miyazu Hime on his return. Published by Wakasa-ya, c. 1845. A wonderful design.

                 

                Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                 

                Status: Sold

                 

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                  Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                  Hida. Kago-watashi, “The Basket Ferry, Hida Province” from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 1853 ).

                   

                  Extremely fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                   

                  Status: Sold

                   

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                    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                    A distant view of Mount Daisen [ Oyama ] in Hoki Province. One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 12/1853 ). White rain ( printed with gofun ) falls on groups of peasants planting rice. A lovely design, the edges of the paddy fields zig-zagging into the distance. This is the rare first edition with blue and yellow diagonal bands on the sub-cartouche.

                     

                    Fine impression with strong woodgrain showing. The second state of the first edition has the rain printed black (not using gofun as here).Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                     

                    Status: Sold

                     

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                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

                       

                       



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                      A vertical oban diptych, Fujigawa no setchu, “The Fuji River in Winter.” Hiroshige records in his diaries that he commenced on a journey westwards from Edo on the fourth month Tempo 12 (1842). He walked the Koshukaido to Kofu in Kai Province and then on to Shimo-suwa. On the route to Kofu, he mentions visiting the Saruhashi, Monkey Bridge, and consequently must have crossed the upper reaches of the Fuji River to reach Kofu. On his return Hiroshige designed two kakemono-e, one of the Monkey Bridge for the publisher Tsutaya, and the design here of Fujigawa for the publisher Kikakudo (Sanoya Kihei). Both are considered masterpieces. The magisterial format perfectly conveys the wild landscape with a diminutive figure crossing the bridge above the gorge with boatmen on the river. Published c. 1842-44. There are many copies of these two kakemono-e. Genuine impressions of this design should have a small vertical block defect bottom right where the mountain meets the river, just to the left of the publisher’s seal. Extremely rare.

                       

                      Fine impression. The slopes of the mountain top left are printed without outline and appear different on different impressions, also because the block for the sky was changed. Fine colour (although the colour scheme is almost monochromatic relieved by only the blue of the river and touches of brown and green). Very good condition: Full size with ample room for joining of the two sheets. These designs often come heavily browned as they were hung as substitute paintings. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

                       

                      Status: Sold

                       

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                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                        Nihonbashi yukibare, “The Nihon Bridge, Clear Weather after Snow.” From Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1856) by Uoya Eikichi. The bridge was completed in 1603 and was originally called Edo Bridge. All points are measured from this bridge (similar to our Charing Cross).

                         

                        Fine impression of the first edition. There are slight variants of the first with some having red bokashi on the lower clouds but lacking the subtle gradation on Fuji and lower roofs. And also some have mica on the lower roofs. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                         

                        Status: Sold

                         

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                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                          Shomyoji-no bansho, “Vesper Bells at the Shomyoji Temple” from the rare early set Kanazawa hakkei, “Eight Views of Kanazawa.” The temple was built in 1258 by Hojo Sanetoki; the environs are seen on the right with boats in the foreground. The distant hills are printed without key-block outlines giving a painterly quality. These Eight View sets were inspired by the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang in China, first painted in the 11th century and then brought to Japan in the 14 – 15th centuries. Kanazawa is across Japan from Tokyo on the north coast on the Japan Sea. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, 1835-6.

                           

                          Very good impression and colour. Slight margin soil and small expert repair to bottom left corner. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                           

                          Status: Sold

                           

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                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                            Winter from a set of four triptychs: Edo meisho shiki-no nagame Sumidagawa setchu no zu, “Views of the Four Seasons at Famous Places in Edo, Snow on the Sumida River.” A famous print. Published by Marujin, 1848-9. Shows beauties and ferry boats on the river, a tea-house on the left.

                             

                            Fine impression. Slight fading, otherwise very good colour. Very good condition. The block for the centre panel had vertical cracks in it from the very start. These striations are evident to the left and right of the figures and are on all impressions, becoming more evident on later pulls. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                             

                            Status: Sold

                             

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                              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                              Oiso no Maihime telling the Soga brothers the whereabouts of Suketsune. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition, it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.

                               

                              Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                               

                              Status: Sold

                               

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                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                Kewaizaka no Shosho cuts her hair to become a nun. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition, it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.

                                 

                                Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                 

                                Status: Sold

                                 

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                                  Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                  Soga no Juro on a horse lower left bids farewell to his lover, Tora Gozen. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition. It was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.

                                   

                                  Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                   

                                  Status: Sold

                                   

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                                    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                    Soga no Juro and Soga no Goro attack Suketsune in the snow. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition , it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.

                                     

                                    Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                     

                                    Status: Sold

                                     

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                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                      The Soga brothers bidding farewell to the summer foliage. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man named Soga. He adopted the two children and they waited patiently for an opportunity to kill Suketsune which came when he was hunting near Mt Fuji. They killed him but were themselves slain in the ensuing battle. This is the first edition, it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.

                                       

                                      Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                       

                                      Status: Sold

                                       

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                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                        Tadasugawara no yudachi, “Evening Shower on the bank of the Tadasu River” from the early set Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous Views of Kyoto.” The set of ten masterpieces was published by Eisendo, c 1834. Shows figures running in the rain to get to the tea-houses which lined the banks here where the Kamo River and Takamo River joined.

                                         

                                        Very good impression. The extremely rare first state of this print has the publisher’s seal in red in the upper left margin. This early state has the kiwame seal in left margin. This was removed on later editions and the seal after Hiroshige’s signature has the characters reversed white on red. Very good colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                         

                                        Status: Sold

                                         

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                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                          Kai Otsuki no hara, “The Otsuki Plain in Kai Province”. A meandering stream with flowers and pampas grass from Fuji sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji” published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. The set was started 5 months before Hiroshige’s death and early impressions were printed very carefully as a tribute to Hiroshige. One of the six best designs from the set.

                                           

                                          Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                           

                                          Status: Sold

                                           

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                                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                            Ishiyama no shugetsu, “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama” from a set of prints Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi Province.” Shows Lake Biwa with Seta Bridge and Mount Hira in the distance. To the left is the temple where Murasaki Shikibu wrote her famous Tales of Genji. Published by Takenouchi, c. 1834-5. A guarantee label and seal au verso from the now deceased dealer M. Nakazawa.

                                             

                                            Fine impression: There is a curious feature on this print in that the blue sky block is invariably printed short of the mountain, top left, giving a white gap around the mountain. This is one of the few impressions I have seen where it is barely visible. Fine colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                             

                                            Status: Sold

                                             

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                                              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                              The year-end festival, Toshi-no-ichi, at Asakusa, Edo. This Buddhist temple was dedicated to bodhisattva Kannon. From the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853-1856 (this being 1853). Thousands gathered at this time of year to pray one last time and to purchase New Year goods.

                                               

                                              Extremely fine, early impression. Probably a variant first edition: without bokashi clouds as on Pulverer’s impression, but with the purple block partly printed over the trees left and right which is lacking on Pulverer’s. This maybe the earliest state. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                               

                                              Status: Sold

                                               

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                                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                                Wakasa, gyosen karei ami, catching flatfish in Wakasa Province. From the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853-1856 (this being 1853). This province was famous for its flatfish caught in the offshore waters and was considered a winter delicacy.

                                                 

                                                Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition.Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                 

                                                Status: Sold

                                                 

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                                                  Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                                  Bingo Abumon Kannondo. The temple of Kannon at Abumon, Bingo Province. From the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853-1856 (this being 1853).

                                                   

                                                  Fine, early impression. The earliest states have a cloud printed top left (as here). Very good colour. Slight centre fold and trimmed close, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                   

                                                  Status: Sold

                                                   

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                                                    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                                    Mitake from Kisokaido rokujukyu-tsugi no uchi, “Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was first published by Hoeido in 1835 with Eisen, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). The conjecture is that Hiroshige was the better known and more commercial artist, reinforced by the fact that Eisen’s name was removed from the designs already published. Hence, only the first editions have his signature on those prints. Shows a post station near to the famous Gankoji Temple. The inn and teahouse is advertising lodging.

                                                     

                                                    Fine, very early impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                     

                                                    Status: Sold

                                                     

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                                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                                      Tarui from Kisokaido rokujukyu-tsugi no uchi, “Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was first published by Hoeido in 1835 with Eisen, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). The conjecture is that Hiroshige was the better known and more commercial artist, reinforced by the fact that Eisen’s name was removed from the designs already published. Hence, only the first editions have his signature on those prints. Shows a daimyo’s cortege entering the station. On either side the villagers can be seen deferentially kneeling. This print is one of the few designs to show prints for sale. In this case on either side of the road, the shops doubling as teashops. The publisher’s mark Kinjudo can be seen on the left-hand shop.

                                                       

                                                      Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                       

                                                      Status: Sold

                                                       

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                                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                                        Shiba Akabane no yuki, “Snow falling at Akabane in Shiba.” From a Toto meisho “Famous Sights of the Eastern Capital” set published by Kikakudo (Sanoki), the seal in red in right margin, c. 1832-35. There is confusion over how many prints belong to this series: The original set of twenty-one designs seem to have been extended to fifty-five in c. 1839-42. Shows the Akabane Bridge with the Zojo-ji Temple between trees above. To the right is Chancellor Arima’s mansion and above a tall fire-tower.

                                                         

                                                        Fine, early impression. A very difficult design to find in early state. Later editions have the black seal of Sanoki in the right margin. Another first edition is in the Clarence Buckingham collection, The Art Institute of Chicago (1925.3464). A further interesting detail is that a block was specifically chosen with a wavy grain to print the water. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                         

                                                        Status: Sold

                                                         

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                                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                                          A snow scene showing the dramatic landscape around Mount Haruna: Kozuke, Haruna-san setchu, “Snow on Mount Haruna in Kozuke Province.” Shows the volcanic mount – one of three major mountains in the province – with Haruna Temple in the centre. The building housed a statue of a thousand-armed kannon, bodhisattva of mercy. One of the best designs from the set Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 8/1856 (this being 1853).

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Fine, early impression. The most difficult print from the set to identify in the first edition. Most designs in the set have distinctive features in the first state such as variegated cartouches or extra gradation. The only indication here is that the sub-cartouche should have a brown-red colour. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Status: Sold

                                                           

                                                           

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                                                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                                            Ishiyama shugetsu, “Autumn Moon over Ishiyama Temple” from the vertical Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views of Omi” set published by Takeuchi Magohachi and Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1857.

                                                             

                                                             

                                                            Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                             

                                                             

                                                            Status: Sold

                                                             

                                                             

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                                                              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                              Miyanokoshi (no. 37) from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). One of the best designs from the set. Shows a family group crossing a plank bridge against a misty silhouetted backdrop and a full moon.

                                                               

                                                              Very good impression and colour. Various states exist of this design with differences in gradation and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                               

                                                              Status: Sold

                                                               

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                                                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                Azumabashi Kinryuzan enbo, “Distant View of Kinryuzan Temple from Azuma Bridge” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1857) by Uoya Eikichi. A spring day with cherry blossom floating down over a boat drifting on the Sumida River. A geisha is partly glimpsed sitting in the boat. In the distance is Mt Fuji, the bridge and temple. See my blog.

                                                                Superb impression from the first edition. Fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                Status: Sold

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                                                                  Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                  A distant view of Mount Daisen [ Oyama ] in Hoki Province. One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 12/1853 ). White rain ( printed with gofun ) falls on groups of peasants planting rice. A lovely design, the edges of the paddy fields zig-zagging into the distance. This is the rare first edition with blue and yellow diagonal bands on the sub-cartouche.

                                                                   

                                                                  Fine impression with strong woodgrain showing. The second state of the first edition has the rain printed black (not using gofun as here).Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                   

                                                                  Status: Sold

                                                                   

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                                                                    Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                    An extremely rare uncut fan print: Spring Moon from a set Three Views of the Moon in the Eastern Capital. Shows two beauties on a restaurant veranda admiring a full moon. The other two designs from this set are illustrated in Hiroshige no uchiwae, Hiroshige Fan Prints, Okuda, Atsuko, Unsodo, 2010, nos 29 and 30, p 28 and 29. Published by Tsujiya Yasubei, c 1849-52. If not unique, then certainly one of the few impressions extant.

                                                                     

                                                                    Very fine impression and colour. Very slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                     

                                                                    Status: Sold

                                                                     

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                                                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                      One volume complete, Ehon tebikigusa, “A Model Book of Plants.” Published by Iseya Rihei, 1849. Signed on inside of front cover Ichiryusai Hiroshige hitsu with three page preface signed Ryukatei Tanekazu (1807-1858) plus one page introduction by Hiroshige on how he was asked to design a book as a guide to drawing for children. (See Strange, The Colour Prints of Hiroshige, Cassell, 1925, p. 112-114 for a full translation.) Thirty-five pages of flowers, grasses and fish plus two page view of Mt. Fuji and last page signed Ichiryusai. This is the rare first edition: It was republished by Shojuya Shoshichi, lacking the introduction. Original embossed grey covers and blue title slip.

                                                                       

                                                                      Extremely fine impressions. Some slight edge wormage at end, otherwise very good condition.

                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Sold

                                                                       



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                                                                        Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                        Autumn from a set of four triptychs, Edo meisho shiki-no nagame, “Famous Places in Edo in the Four Seasons.” An evening scene with beauties on a balcony overlooking the bay at Takanawa. Birds are descending across a full moon. Published by Marujin, 1848-9. All four triptychs from this set are masterpieces.

                                                                         

                                                                        Fine impression. Perfect colour. Slight thinning and creasing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                         

                                                                        Status: Sold

                                                                         

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                                                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                          A copy of Ryakuga Korin-fu Ryusai hyakuza, the One Hundred Abbreviated Drawings by Ryusai [Hiroshige]. 1 vol. complete: 21 sheets; inside front cover title and illustrator Hiroshige (also given on last page). 3pp. preface dated Kaei 4 (1851) and signed Ryukatei Tanekazu and 20 pages, numbered, with illustrations in sumi, blue and pink. Colophon inside back cover with a list of bookshops (?) in Osaka and Edo and publisher Yoshidaya Genpachi. According to Brown (L.N.Brown, Block Printing And Book Illustration In Japan , George Routledge & Sons Ltd. 1924, p. 195) this book was republished as vol. IV of Sohitsu gafu. Original covers, missing title slip. Contents very good with only minor marks.

                                                                           

                                                                          Status: Sold

                                                                           




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                                                                            Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                                            An original painting of the Sumida riverbank at Mimeguri, Toto ( Edo ). A full moon rises above a tori and is reflected in the river. Possibly originally from a makemono. Sumi and light colour on paper, 7.9 x 21.9 in; 20 x 55.5 cms. Sealed with a Ryusai seal used in his later years.

                                                                            Status: Sold




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                                                                              Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                                              Minakuchi, Station 51 from the Tokaido gojusantsugi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c 1833-4. Shows the village women, at left, peeling and drying gourds to make the famous kampyo.

                                                                              Exceptionally early printing. Probably first edition. Fine colour. Very slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )



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                                                                                Toi Tama River in Settsu Province with a poem by Minamoto no Toshiyori from the series of six prints Shokoku Mutamagawa , “Six Jewel Rivers in the Provinces.” Shows women fulling cloth beneath a full moon. The set published by Maruya Kyushiro 11/1857.

                                                                                Superb impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                                Status: Sold

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