Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Evening snow , Asukayama from the set: Eight Views of the Suburbs of Edo. Published by Kikakudo c 1837-8. One of Hiroshige’s earliest and finest sets. The first private issue of these prints (for the poet Taihaido) had three poems. This state has two. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold and trimmed close. Extensive splashed gofun. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Whirlpool at Naruto, Awa Province, from the Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke and dated Hare 9 (1855). The best design from the set.
Very good impression; good colour. Minor discoloration, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Heavy snow with geisha in front of the torii in the Gion district of Kyoto. From the fine early set of ten prints: Famous Places in Kyoto, published by Eisendo c1835. The first edition of this set has the publisher’s mark and kiwame seal in blue in right margin. (There are also two first edition states of this design – one with gradation on the roofs. the other without. See Suzuki, Utagawa Hiroshige, nos 106/7.) This impression, although the second edition, is still much sought after and rare.
Very good impression and colour. Faint centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A mist scene showing Oyashiro Shinto Temple, Izumo Province from the Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke and dated Ox12 (1853)
Good impression; very good colour. Minor marks on bottom margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Hira no bosetsu, ‘Evening Snow on Mount Hira’ from the first Omi Hakkei set published by Eisendo and Hoeido, c1834. One of Hiroshige’s best designs.
Fine early impression with the mountain printed. Fine gradation and colour. On full size totally untrimmed paper. Near perfect condition. ( Later editions add green to the colour scheme: See E F Strange, Hiroshige, Cassell & Co, 1925, colour pl. op.p.172. ) Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The great lantern at the Kinryuzan Temple, Asakusa, in snow. Asakusa Kinryuzan from The Hundred Views of Edo, Meisho Edo hyakkei. The set published by Uoya Eikichi with this design dated Ansei lll/7 (1856). This is the exceptionally rare first edition. The best way of discerning this (apart, obviously, from the quality of impression) is that only the first edition uses the vegetable pigment beni on the lantern and on the door to the left: All subsequent editions mixed in red lead to give a brighter colour (which usually oxidizes). (The temple still stands and looks not unlike Hiroshige’s depiction.)
Fine impression and colour, with mica added. Very small expertly repaired wormage bottom right margin otherwise fine. Seals intact. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Beauties and snow on the Sumida River. The winter scene from a set of four triptychs of famous places in the four seasons. Published by Marujin, 1848-49. Considered to be Hiroshige’s finest design in this genre. Illustrated on covers of Eight Hundred Years Of Japanese Printmaking, Museum Of Art Carnegie Institute, 1977.
Very good impression with perfect colour, Full size and matching. Original backing sheets, Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. (There were some cracks in the blocks for this design and they appear on every known impression.)
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tsuchiyama from The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido. The set published 1833-34 by Takenouchi Magohachi and Tsuruya Kiemon, Shows a daimyo’s procession crossing a stream in heavy rain.
Very good early impression. Very good colour, Small paper flaw near left edge otherwise very good condition,. Signed Hiroshige ga
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kambara, Station 16, from The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido, generally known as the Reisho Tokaido. Published c1850-51 by Maruya Seijiro.
Extremely fine first edition with the deluxe red pigment in cartouche. Fine colour and condition with extra paper on right for publisher’s seal. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Hakone tochiba no zue, “Hakone Spa” from the set Honcho Meisho, “Views of Our Homeland”. An excessively rare set published by Fujihiko, c mid 1830s. I have never noted another impression of this design for sale. The complete set, which contains some of Hiroshige’s rarest masterpieces, is illustrated in Utagawa Hiroshige, Juzo Suzuki, nos 438 – 452.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Aki, Itsukushima Sairei-no zu. Aki is the old name for Hiroshima. The beautiful Torii of Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima is considered to be one of the three best views in Japan. Published Ox12 (1853) by Koshimuraya Heisuke from the Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.
Fine, very early impression. Fine coloured and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Urami Falls, Mt. Nikko, Shimotsuke Province, Shimotsuke, Nikkosan Urami no taki from the Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces. Published Ox 8 (1853) by Koshimuraya Heisuke.
Fine, very early impression but not the earliest of all (see Pulverer impression). However, this is one of those cases where the earliest is not the preferred state: The Pulverer copy has the waterfall printed solid blue whereas this impression has the water blind-printed and the gradation on the side making for a more beautiful composition. Fine colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The temple compound if the Akiba Shrine, Ukiji, Ukiji Akiba no keidai, from The Hundred Views of Famous Spots in Edo. Published Snake 8 (1857) by Uoya Eikichi.
Fine impression and colour. Minor mark au verso left margin, otherwise fine condition. This is the earliest edition with the break in the character “eight” in the date seal top margin. The figure sketching on the verandah, bottom left, is supposed to be Hiroshige. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Aji, horse-mackerel ( Caranx trachurus ) and kuruma-ebi, prawns, from the first series of fish published by Eijudo, c.mid 1830’s ( although this design always lacks publisher’s seal ). Poem by Toshinoya Tomiharu.
Very good impression. Fine colour. One small thinned area, otherwise exceptional condition with extra paper all round. Signed Ichryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kani, crab, Charybois and saba, mackerel ( Scomber Japonicus ) together with morning glory. From the second series of fish published by Yamasho, c.1840-42. No publisher’s seal although later editions have the seal of Marujin who presumably bought the blocks and republished the set. Poem by Shichichintei Mampo.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Small mark, otherwise fine impression. Full size with extra paper all round. Provenance: Ex Hayashi, Vever and Pulverer collections; the latter seal au verso. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Inada, yellow tail or amberjack ( Seriola quinqueradiata ) and fugu, blow fish or puffer ( Fugu pardalis ) with plum blossom from the second series of fish published by Yamasho, c.1840-42. Poem by Suzugaki. The number of late impressions and facsimiles of the two fish sets proves that the series was very popular at the time.
Fine impression of the rare first edition ( blue band at top; undamaged Yamasho seal, and block defect not printing ). Very good colour. Small repaired wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Suzuki, Japanese sea perch ( Lateolabrax japonicus ) and kaneme-tai, red bream ( possibly Beryx splendens ), together with shiso or beefsteak plant. From the second series of fish published by Yamasho, c.1840-42. Poem by Atsugaki.
Very good impression ( with Ichiryusai seal but cross-hatching on the Suzuki; so a new state between Kruml 20a and 20b, Andon 49 ). Fine colour. Album backing and centre fold ( as per usual ). Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Inada, yellow tail or amberjack ( Seriola quinqueradiata ) and fugu, blow fish or puffer ( Fugu pardalis ) with plum blossom from the second series of fish. Published by Yamasho, c. 1840-42. The number of late impressions and facsimiles proves that the series was very popular at the time.
Fine, very early impression: Although it has the partly damaged Yamasho seal, the block defect beneath the fugu is still hardly visible and I think this is still the first edition issued as separate sheets by Yamasho and before the sets were bound. Very fine colour and condition with extensive mica on the Inada. Completely untrimmed. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tobiuo, flying fish ( probably Prognichthys ) and ishimochi, also called guchi or shiroguchi, white croaker ( probably Argyrosomus argenatus ) together with a single lily from the second series of fish published by Yamasho, c. 1840 – 42. The number of late impressions and facsimiles proves that the series was very popular at the time.
Very good early impression with mica. Fine colour. Light album backing and slight centre fold ( as per usual ). Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Bora, the grey mullet ( Mugil cephalus ) with camellia and Japanese asparagusudo from the first series of fish published by Eijudo, c. mid 1830’s. The number of late impressions and facsimiles proves that the series was very popular at the time.
Very good impression with extensive mica. Fine colour. Light album backing and slight centre fold (as per usual ). Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Ai, or ayu, river trout ( Plecoglossus altivelis ) from the first series of fish published by Eijudo, c. 1832. The first design to be commissioned and considered the finest composition from the two sets. The number of late impressions and facsimiles proves that the series was very popular at the time.
Fine early impression with strong woodgrain. Examples before the Eijudo and kiwame seals ( as here ) are extremely rare. Fine colour. Completely full size with extra paper all round. Small repaired wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An important and rare original painting of a peacock ( Pavo cristatus ) perched on a rock with peony blossom ( Paeonia suffructiosa ). The regal peacock is usually shown with peonies, symbols of opulence and associated with summer. The subject and style borrows from the Chinese-derived Kano style, but with a spontaneous wet brush. The peony is the floral symbol of China and the peacock ( male peafowl ) was kept by the Chinese for centuries. It was a popular subject for Japanese artists of all schools and frequently used to demonstrate their dexterity, giving rise to often highly finished paintings. Hiroshige, as usual in his paintings, eschews this for a simpler approach. Hiroshige designed at least four prints of the same subject: An o-tanzaku published by Jakurindo, c. 1832; a chu-tanzaku with no publisher, c. 1832; a chu-tanzaku published by Marujin, c. early 1840s; and a kakemono-e published c. early 1840s. The style of signature on this painting dates it to c. 1832 – the best period for his kacho prints. Although I have had, and seen, a number of kacho hanshita-e, this is the first such painting I have catalogued. A Chinese-style poem top left. The painting is illustrated in the bicentennial exhibition of Hiroshige’s birth, The World of Hiroshige, 1996 – 1997, Mainichi Shimbunsha, no. 307; Ukiyo-e Painters and their Works, Volume 1, Yoshida Teruji, 1963, Ryokuen Shobo and was exhibited at the National Diet Library supervised by Dr Suzuki Shigezo, n.d. The inside of the box is guaranteed by Dr Narazaki Muneshige. Sumi on paper, mounted with box; image size 50 x 9.5 inches, 127 x 24 cms. Signed Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Chidori, “plovers” flying against a full moon over breaking waves. This chu-tanzaku is one of Hiroshige’s best known kacho-e, and seems to have been highly regarded at the time as there are at least three other variants: One version, also published by Sanoki, is illustrated in Japanese Prints, James A Michener, Charles E Tuttle & Co, 1959, no. 226 ( with another impression in Tamba, The Art of Hiroshige, no. 411 ); another, without publisher, is illustrated in Sotheby’s sale catalogue 25/1/1978, lot 117; and a third, also without publisher and lacking moon, is illustrated in Hiroshige, Birds and Flowers, George Braziller, 1988, no. 32. It’s quite possible that the latter two are, in fact, contemporary copies. ( A problem that seems to have existed from Masanobu through to Yoshitoshi. )
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A chu-tanzaku of a small brown owl sitting on a pine branch, seemingly perched on the ‘prow’ of the three-day-old moon. ( To the Japanese the moon was at it’s most beautiful at this time. ) Generally considered to be one of the finest kacho prints by Hiroshige. Published c. mid 1830s.
Fine impression of the first edition with strong woodgrain showing. Later editions lack the gradation around the moon and a break appears in the kakihan beneath poem. Fine colour. Slight centre fold and trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Three cranes ( symbols of longevity ), new year firs and a large setting sun. Probably issued at the new year between 1847-1852. The title: Seimeiryu taitsu jyubun no koto and the inscription explain the Yakudoshi or unlucky years which occur every seven years. Published by Joshuya Kinzo. Extremely rare: I cannot locate another illustrated impression at moment.
Fine impression and colour. Small edge restoration, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige fude.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original sumi drawing in chu-tanzaku format on thin tissue with pentimenti probably showing an azure-winged magpie amongst cherry blossom. An almost identical drawing by Hiroshige was in my catalogue 19, 1977, Birds in Japanese Prints, item no 27. Signed Hiroshige with Hiro seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Two house swallows and wild cherry. An aiban print based on an opened sensu fan; however this is probably more of a decorative convention, rather than being designed for actual use. From a series published c late 1840’s by Matsubarado or Fujihiko. Excessively rare: The only other impression I can find illustrated is in Hiroshige, The Albuquerque Museum, 1983, no 771 ( another design from the set illustrated pl 77 ).
Very good impression and colour. Slight soil and small repaired binding holes down right edge. ( Possibly an indication that this came from a sample book of such designs, a reason for its having survived. ) Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An ogi-e fan print showing a camellia flower and a magnolia ( ? ) bud and flower. This appears to be the only surviving example of this design having been rescued from an actual fan. Published by Maruya Seijiro, 1852. Excessively rare: Hiroshige only designed a few ogi-e format fans, most being in the round uchiwa-e style. ( For another, see Hiroshige, Matthi Forrer, catalogue of exhibition at Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1997, no. 80. ) Ex Hayashi collection and another unidentified seal au verso.
Good impression and colour. The white camellia blind printed. The fan’s rib marks evident and trimmed to the fan shape. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Koi, carp ( Cyprinus carpio ). The best design from the second series of Large Fish published by Yamasho, c 1840-42. The first edition, second state ( with the block defect behind dorsal fin evident ). Only the earliest states have the block printing water reeds ( in this case printed blue; other impressions are known with the reeds green ). There is also brown gradation on the belly of the koi on this impression. Rare.
Fine impression. Slight turning of colour at top edge, otherwise good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige fude.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tobiuo, flying fish ( probably Prognichthys ) and Ishimochi also called guchi or shiroguchi, white croaker, ( probably Argyrosomus argenatus ). Together with a single lily. From the second series of fish prints published by Yamasho c 1840-2. Poem by Toshigaki Maharu.
Very good early edition with extensive mica ( Kruml 17, p 36, Andon 49 ). Extra paper at right edge so no trimming of tail. Fine colour ( oxidation on lily ). Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Awabi or tokobushi, abalone or “sea-ear” ( Haliotus tuberculata ) and sayori, Japanese hall-beak or snipe-fish, ( Hemirhamphus sayori ). Together with peach blossom. From the first series of fish prints commercially published by Eijudo c 1832-4. Poems by Kumogaki Fujimi and Miwagaki Mimiki. It’s very difficult to find fine examples of this design, partly because there are deceptive copies and also because the wood blocks may have been softer than the blocks used for other prints from the set. Hence impressions are often poor.
Very good early impression. Between the first private edition and the early commercial edition: Lacking judges’ names but before kiwame and Eijudo seals. ( See Kruml 6a and 6b, p 17, Andon 49, 1994. ) Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A madai, red tai or red seabream with sprigs of sansho ( Japanese pepper ). From the first set of fish prints published by Eijudo, 1832-34. Two Kyoka poems by Shizugaki Namiyasu and Toshigaki Maharu.
Good impression, colour and condition. Heavy use of mica. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A tobiuo, flying fish, and ishimochi, white croaker, together with a single lily from the second fish series. Published by Yamasho c 1840-42. Poem by Toshigaki Maharu.
Good impression and colour. Minor marks and slight crease, but generally good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An otanzaku print showing a carp leaping a waterfall. This is an allusion to a Chinese story of a sturgeon that crossed the rapids of Lung Men on the third day of the third month, and became a dragon. Excessively rare: This is the only impression I have recorded and was previously sold by me in 1986. Published 1846. Another impression illustrated in: Hiroshige and the Utagawa school, Part IV, the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 1984, no 61, page 42.
Fine impression and colour: Printed in black and grey. Very light backing. Minor marks. Partly indistinct collector’s seal au verso slightly visible at front. Appears to read ”Hosukaku in”. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shimada, a grouper, and an ainame, greenling, together with red-berried nanten from the second series of fish prints published by Yamasho c1840-42. Numerous copies exist of the prints from these two series and one has to be particularly vigilant.
Very good early impression before the Ichiryusai seal was replaced and moved to the side. Extensive use of mica on the fish. Very minimal marks and centre fold ( as usual ) but otherwise very good condition. Full size. ( Late editions have Marujin publisher’s seal. ) Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A chu-tanzaku showing two geese flying against a full moon. Excessively rare: apparently unrecorded. Not illustrated in any standard reference work.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Ai or ayu, river trout, (Plecoglossus altivelis) swimming in a stream from the first fish series published by Eijudo c1832-4. Probably the best design from the two series. (See also Paintings on this website for an original Hiroshige painting of this subject,)
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Awabi and snipe-fish from Hiroshige’s first fish series published commercially by Eijudo around 1832-34. A rare design to find in early state. Kruml 6b (Andon 49).
Very good impression and colour. Mica on shells. Full size; no centre fold. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An extremely large and important drawing showing beauties on a restaurant verandah overlooking the Sumida river. A preparatory study for a painting which was either not executed or has been lost. Although an abbreviated version is illustrated in Ukiyoe Taikei, vol 11, no 67 which gives the location as the Kawaguchi-ro restaurant. Sumi and pentimenti on thin paper. 19 x 37 in., 48 x 94 cms.
Status: Sold
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A large and extremely important drawing. A detailed preparatory design for a well know painting. Shows a party beside a lake. This drawing also shows a back view of Hiroshige ( the seated figure with shaved head beneath the tree on the right ). Hiroshige is known to have shaved his head to become a Buddhist monk in 1856, so this study must date from that time. It’s interesting to compare with the finished painting which Hiroshige simplified, leaving out figures and the dog at bottom right. Sumi and pentimenti with annotations on thin paper. 40 x 17.5 in., 101 x 44 cms. The painting is illustrated in the “200th Anniversary of the Birth of Hiroshige” exhibition catalogue, Tokyo Odakyu Museum, 1996, no. 316, supervised by Prof. Kobayashi Tadashi.
Status: Sold
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