Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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Station Ishiyakushi from Tokaido gojusan-tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” This seminal work was possible because Hiroshige was asked to accompany an official procession along the Tokaido Road from Edo to Kyoto in 1832, and he made numerous sketches to document the journey. An evening scene in late autumn showing the village with the Ishiyakushi-ji (temple) on the left. This housed a stone image of Yakushi Nyurai, the Buddha of medicine. Pilgrims came in the hope of being healed, but they seldom stayed preferring to move on to Shono, the next station, which was only 3 km away. Because of the sets popularity, it was reprinted many times and there are a plethora of late impressions. Early printings are hard to find. Published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi) and Tsuruya Kiemon (Senkakudo) 1833-34.

 
 

Fine, early impression. Beautiful blue bokashi on the distant Suzuka Mountains: Late impressions often have crude wiping of this block. Fine colur and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

 
 

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    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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    Station Hamamatsu from Tokaido gojusan-tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” This seminal work was possible because Hiroshige was asked to accompany an official procession along the Tokaido Road from Edo to Kyoto in 1832, and he made numerous sketches to document the journey. A winter scene with farmers warming themselves around a fire. Hamamatsu Castle in the distance. Because of the set’s popularity, it was reprinted many times and there are a plethora of late impressions. Early printings are hard to find. Published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi) and Tsuruya Kiemon (Senkakudo) 1833-34.

     
     

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

     
     

    Status: Available

     
     

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      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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      The Yoro Waterfall. Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The 32 meters fall cascades down from Mount Tado. Legend has it that the water had rejuvenating properties with the Empress Gensho (A.D. 683-748) having visited and likening the taste to that of sake. A cider, Yoro Sanroku, is produced here. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke (Kohei), 1853-56, this being 1853. Numerous states exist of this design with colour variations and differences in gradation. Primarily the colouring of the fall changes: Some impressions have the waterfall completely blue, which obscures the blind-printing, while others, as here, have edge gradation only.

       
       

      Very good impression with blind-printing on the waterfall. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

       
       

      Status: Available

       
       

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        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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        Station Hakone from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Hakone, yonaka taimatsu tori, “Hakone, Travelling with Pine Torches at Night.” Porters lighting the way for a palanquin with firebrands on a mountain path. A beautiful design.

         
         

        Very fine impression with strong woodgrain. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

         
         

        Status: Available

         
         

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          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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          Station Numazu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. An impressive view of Mount Fuji seen from the plains of Suruga. The village of Numazu is seen on the right amongst the trees.

           
           

          Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

           
           

          Status: Available

           
           

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            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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            Station Hara from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. A huge Mount Fuji towers over the landscape emphasized by the diminutive travellers in the foreground.

             
             

            Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

             
             

            Status: Available

             
             

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              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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              Station Okitsu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. The Kiyomi Barrier and Seiken Temple near Okitsu.

               
               

              Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

               
               

              Status: Available

               
               

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                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                Station Fuchu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. A night scene with travellers arriving at an inn. This was the largest post town on the Tokaido and served as the castle town for Sumpu Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa clan.

                 
                 

                Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                 
                 

                Status: Available

                 
                 

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                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                  Station Ejiri from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Located on the west side of Suruga Bay, close to the famous beauty spot of Miho no Matsubara.

                   
                   

                  Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                   
                   

                  Status: Available

                   
                   

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                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                    Station Kanbara from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Kanbara, Fujikawa funawatashi, “Kanbara, Ferryboat on the Fuji River.”

                     
                     

                    Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                     
                     

                    Status: Available

                     
                     

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                      Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                      Jakko Nunobiki no taki, “The Hanging Cloth Waterfall at Jakko Shrine.” So-called because it falls in seven-tiers. The shrine is seen below the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                       
                       

                      Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Slight fading, otherwise very good colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                       
                       

                      Status: Available

                       
                       

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                        Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                        The Kirifuri waterfall, Kirifuri no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “The Falling Mist Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” A group of travellers admire the fall from below. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                         
                         

                        Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Very good colour and condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                         
                         

                        Status: Available

                         
                         

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                          Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                          Somen no taki, “The Wheat Noodle Waterfall.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.”Two travellers admire the fall from below. On a ledge above them is a stone statue of Jizo Bosatsu, the deity of travellers. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                           
                           

                          Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                           
                           

                          Status: Available

                           
                           

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                            Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)



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                            Kegon no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “ The Kegon Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Three travellers rather precariously perched on a ledge looking down at the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”

                             
                             

                            Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.

                             
                             

                            Status: Available

                             
                             

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                              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                              A triptych showing horse racing in Tokyo. Tokyo Shokonsha [the original name of the Yasukuni Shrine] naigaijin keiba no zu, “Horse Racing for Foreigners and Japanese in Shokonsha Tokyo.” From Tokyo kaika kyoga meisho, “Comic Pictures of Civilised Tokyo.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Marujin) 1871. The first Western-style horse racing was established by – mainly British – residents in the form of the Yokohama Race Club in 1862.

                               
                               

                              Fine impression: Later states lack the wood-pattern background on the title panel. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Keisai Yoshitoshi.

                               
                               

                              Status: Available

                               
                               

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                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                Spring moon at the shore of Tsukudajima . One of a set of chu-tanzaku prints published by Shogendo, c. 1837. Tsukudajima was one of two islands at the mouth of the Sumida River. Originally a sanbar, it was reclaimed with earth and rocks and given its name by the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu, who invited thirty-three fishermen to live there in 1613 in order to provide fish for the rapidly expanding city of Edo. The fishermen came from Tsukudama near Osaka and it was they who became the proprietors of what would become the Tsukiji fish market. It must have been popular during the late Edo period as a place to visit and view the boats from teahouses on the shore because there are many prints depicting the area, especially under a full moon.

                                 
                                 

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

                                 
                                 

                                Status: Available

                                 
                                 

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                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                  Seki from a Tokaido set published by Maruya Seijiro, 1850-51, hence it is often referred to as the Marusei Tokaido. Also known as the Reisho Tokaido because the title “Tokaido” is written in formal script. Below is the station number 48. Seki was located where the two highways of Tokaido and Ise-ji meet. Seki means “barrier checkpoint.” Figures pass beneath a torii gate on a snowy hillside.

                                   
                                   

                                  Fine impression and colour. Minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                   
                                   

                                  Status: Available

                                   
                                   

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                                    Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                    A poem by the celebrated poet Bunya no Yasuhide from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). The poet in the background watches as a fierce wind blows away some of the umbrellas that are being made. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:
                                     
                                    The mountain wind in autumn time
                                    Is well called “hurricane”;
                                    It hurries canes and twigs along,
                                    And whirls them o’er the plain
                                    To scatter them again
                                     
                                     

                                    Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling of border but otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                     
                                     

                                    Status: Available

                                     
                                     

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                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                      Sumidagawa hazakura no kei, “Cherry Trees along the Sumida River” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first landscape set. The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the design. These were removed on later editions. There are also variant states with different shading. Rare.

                                       
                                       

                                      Fine impression and colour. Backed, otherwise very good condition. Prints from this set are often missing or have the publisher’s name and address on the right border trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. (The last set to be signed like this.)

                                       
                                       

                                      Status: Available

                                       
                                       

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                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                        Shimotsuke Nikkosan urami no taki, “Back-viewed Waterfall on Mt. Nikko in Shimotsuke [Province].” 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. Figures gaze up at the back of the waterfall which thunders over the path. It is also known with variant colour schemes. Fine design.

                                         
                                         

                                        Very fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                         
                                         

                                        Status: Available

                                         
                                         

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                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                          The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.

                                           
                                           

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

                                           
                                           

                                          Status: Available

                                           
                                           

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                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                            Mino Ochiai-bashi. Mino (Noshu) Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). An evening rain scene with figures making their way across the torrential Chitose River, famous for its fishing.

                                             
                                             

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

                                             
                                             

                                            Status: Available

                                             
                                             

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                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                              Iyo Province, Saijo. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. A large furled sail in the foreground with Saiju village on the water’s edge. Beyond is Mt. Ishizuchi.

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

                                              Status: Available

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                                                Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                                A poem by the celebrated poet and monk Noin-hoshi from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). A group of travellers are caught in a torrential downpour. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:
                                                 
                                                The maples and leaves
                                                Of Mount Mimura –
                                                Making the Tatsuta River
                                                A fine brocade
                                                 
                                                 

                                                Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling on one margin, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                                 
                                                 

                                                Status: Available

                                                 
                                                 

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                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                  Mimasaka, Yamabushidani, “Mimasaka [Province], Yamabushi Valley.” Travellers caught in heavy wind and rain in the valley. Hiroshige II also produced an excellent version of this design. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by b Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

                                                   
                                                   

                                                  Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing and very small wormhole at extreme edge of margin, top left, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                   
                                                   

                                                  Status: Available

                                                   
                                                   

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                                                    Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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                                                    Hokusai’s interpretation of a poem by Onakatomi no Yoshinobu Ason (921-991). From an unfinished set: Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, “Pictures of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets Explained by the Nurse.” The poems are from an anthology Hyakunin isshu, “One Hundred People, One Poem Each” compiled by the poet Fujiwara no Teika (1162-1241). The poet speaks of his love as being like the fire kept by the guards at the gate to the Imperial Palace: It burns hot only at night. There is actually some doubt that the poem can be attributed to Yoshinobu. Shows a group of off-duty Imperial carriage guards relaxing around the smoking embers of a fire. The poet with his servant is seen sitting on the distant hill. Published by Eijudo, 1835-36. A considerable number of original drawings exist for the set that were not turned into prints and are in various museums and private collections.

                                                     
                                                     

                                                    Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Saki no Hokusai Manji.

                                                     
                                                     

                                                    Status: Available

                                                     
                                                     

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                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)



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                                                      Nikko Shimofuri no taki, “Shimofuri Waterfall in Nikko” from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1859).

                                                       
                                                       

                                                      Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                       
                                                       

                                                      Status: Available

                                                       
                                                       

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                                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                        Tokaido hidari Fuji, “Fuji Seen from the left on the Tokaido [Road]” from Fuji sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji” published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. Shows travellers on the Tokaido Road at Oiso with workers in rice paddies beyond.

                                                         
                                                         

                                                        Fine early impression and colour with the red signature and title labels double-printed to give a more saturated colour. Bottom margin trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                         
                                                         

                                                        Status: Available

                                                         
                                                         

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                                                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                          Fuchu from The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido published by Marusei, Maruya Seijiro, 1847-52. Called the Reisho Tokaido because of the angular style of Kanji used. Travellers coming and going at the entrance to the station. One of the best designs from the set. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection with seal below title cartouche.

                                                           
                                                           

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

                                                           
                                                           

                                                          Status: Available

                                                           
                                                           

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                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                                            A view of a smoking Mt Asama, Shinano Province, from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” Mt Asama is an active volcano which violently erupted in 1108. Subsequently there was another eruption in 1783 and since then there have been minor tremors. Published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1859).

                                                             

                                                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                             

                                                            Status: Available

                                                             

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                                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                                              Enshu Akiba enkei Fukuroi tako. Fukuroi, Enshu (Totomi) Province from the “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 – 1861 (this being 1859). Shows kite flying with a distant view of Mount Akiba. It has been suggested that the release of confetti was to bring good luck for the forthcoming harvest.

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Very slight soil, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              Status: Available

                                                               

                                                               

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                                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                Tango, Ama no hashidate, “Tango [Province], Ama no hashidata” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zu, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke in 1853-56 (this being 1853). Shows the “Heaven’s Bridge” peninsula of pine trees extending into Miyazu Bay. One of the Nihon sankei, “Three Famous Views of Japan.”
                                                                ga.

                                                                 
                                                                 

                                                                Very good impression and colour. (The success of this print depends entirely on the bokashi clouds wiped across the design: Impressions vary depending on the dexterity of the printer.) Margins trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                 
                                                                 

                                                                Status: Available

                                                                 
                                                                 

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                                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                  The Kinuta (or Toi) river in Settsu Province from Shokoku Mu Tamagawa, “Six Crystal Rivers in Various Provinces.” Published by Maruya Kyushiro, 1857. Shows two women fulling cloth beneath a full moon. An autumnal night activity. Kinuta is the name given to the mallet used to beat the cloth.

                                                                   
                                                                   

                                                                  Fine impression and colour. Small repair top left corner and slight edge soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                   
                                                                   

                                                                  Status: Available

                                                                   
                                                                   

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                                                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                    Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki, “The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in Snow.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. One of the most famous places in Edo. Known for its pergola, two drum bridges, koi ponds and the 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. The design comes in various states: Late editions have a black sky and the red publisher’s seal on right margin is replaced with an abbreviated Sanoki seal in black. Even later editions show a slipping plug becoming evident on the edge of the water, centre left.

                                                                     
                                                                     

                                                                    Fine impression and colour. Probably the earliest printing. Slight trimming on right margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                     
                                                                     

                                                                    Status: Available

                                                                     
                                                                     

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                                                                      Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                      Seki and Kameyama from the chuban Muraichi Tokaido. The set of 56 prints published by Muraichi, 1852. Printed two-to-a-sheet uncut and probably from a complete proof set. Double censor’s seals Murata and Kinugasa and date seal 2ic/1852 top right.

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                      Fine impressions with strong woodgrain showing. Fine colour. Very small binding holes in right border, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga on each print.

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Available

                                                                       

                                                                       

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                                                                        Utagawa KUNIYASU (1794-1832)



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                                                                        A triptych Soshu Enoshima Benzaiten Iwaya narabi sairei no zu, “Picture of Iwaya, the Main Shrine, Pilgrims to the Display of Benzaiten at Enoshima.” Enoshima island was a popular place to visit with the Iwaya caves and the shrine of the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten (Benten), goddess of the arts, entertainment and wealth, and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. A fascinating print showing a multitude of various visitors. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, late 1820s. Rare.

                                                                        Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kuniyasu ga.

                                                                        Status: Available

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                                                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                          Omi, Biwako Ishiyamadera, “Ishiyama Temple and Lake Biwa in Omi [Province].”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. Moonlight on Lake Biwa is one of the iconic Eight Views of Omi.

                                                                           

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

                                                                           

                                                                          Status: Available

                                                                           

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                                                                            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

                                                                             
                                                                             

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                                                                              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

                                                                               
                                                                               

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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

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