Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Minamoto no Ushiwakamura battling with Kumasaka Chohan. From the fine set Yoshitoshi mushaburui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi, 1883-1886 (this being 1883).
Fine impression and colour. Light toning, otherwise fine condition. This is the first edition. There are a number of later states and the set was republished by Tsunajima in 1886.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A pheasant on a snow-covered pine. Published by Kawaguchi Shozo, c. 1830s (seal top left).
Fine impression and colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Four cats, the first sheet of a triptych Tatoe zukushi no uchi, “Proverbs Illustrated by Cats.” Examples being: “Bonito to a cat,” “Coin to a cat,” “Not even a cat would eat it.” Published 1852 by Kagaya Yasubei. Bob-tailed and calico cats were common in the Edo period. It is well known that Kuniyoshi was a cat-lover and Yoshimune, one of his pupils, relates how they were allowed to run around his studio and when a cat died he would have it sent to a nearby temple. He also had a Buddhist altar erected in his home for his deceased cats. Another pupil of Kuniyoshi’s was Kyosai and he depicts the chaotic studio with cats and other artists milling around in his illustrated book Kyosai kadan, part II, vol. 3, of 1887. Of the utmost rarity: I have not catalogued another sheet from this triptych in 50 years.
Very fine impression and colour. One minor blemish, otherwise very fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. (All the cats have blind-printing on their coats which is not apparent on the illustrated examples of this print. Possibly due to the reproductive process.)
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A medium tanzaku showing a Java sparrow on a magnolia branch. Published by Kawasho (Kawaguchi Shozo) c early 1830s. Another example of this design has an overall light pink ground rather than the light yellow graded up, as here. Another impression is illustrated in Kikuchi , A Treasury of Japanese Wood Block Prints Ukiyo-e, NY, 1968, no. 1477.
Fine impression with blind-printing on the bird’s breast. Very good colour. Minimal soil at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kami, crab (Charybois) and saba, mackerel (Scomber Japonicus) together with two flowers of morning glory. Poem by Shichichintei. This is the first edition (Kruml 19a). From the second series of fish published by Yamasho c. 1840-42. Collector’s seal Hayashi bottom right corner.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Six cats, the last sheet of a triptych Tatoe zukushi no uchi, “Proverbs Illustrated by Cats.” Examples being: “Bonito to a cat,” “Coin to a cat,” “Not even a cat would eat it.” Published 1852 by Kagaya Yasubei. Bob-tailed and calico cats were common in the Edo period. It is well known that Kuniyoshi was a cat lover and Yoshimune, one of his pupils, relates how they were allowed to run around his studio and when a cat died he would have it sent to a nearby temple. He also had a Buddhist altar erected in his home for his deceased cats. Another pupil of Kuniyoshi’s was Kyosai and he depicts the chaotic studio with cats and other artists milling around in his illustrated book Kyosai kadan, part II, vol. 3, of 1887. Of the utmost rarity: I had not catalogued another sheet from the triptych until the last year.
Superb impression with extensive blind-printing on the cat’s coats. Fine colour. Slight centre fold and light backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A half-block print showing a Japanese cormorant (?) and iris. Printed only in grades of sumi. In fact, this and the other half is illustrated in: Four Hundred Ukiyoe Woodblock Prints From The Museum Of Art, Rhode Island School Of Design, 1990, no. 166, p. 72 which shows fish and hydrangea on the other side. This is an aizuri print. The quality of impression here leads me to believe this might be a proof impression. Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, c early 1840s.
Fine impression, colour and codition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A large panel showing a parrot on a flowering crab apple branch. This is the very rare first edition published by Jakurindo (Wakasaya Yoichi). It was reissued by Kikakudo (Sanoya Kihei). Published c. early 1830s. Hiroshige is rightly regarded as the leading landscape artist. However, many of his finest designs are in the fan (uchiwa-e) and bird and flower (kacho-e) genres. They are not so well known because of their often great rarity.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Takahashi SHOTEI (HIROAKI) (1871-1945)
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A large design (20 x 13.75 in; 51 x 35 cms) on thick hosho showing a ginger cat and tomato plant. Two versions are known of this design: As here and with the cat having a black and white coat. An edition of only 100 prints was published by Fusui Gabo, 1931. This is an extremely rare proof print with the printer’s seal hand-stamped bottom right Ono Tomisaburo. At the bottom are the numerals: 6.12.10 standing for Showa 6, 12th month, 10th day (1931). Interestingly, the published edition of prints employs baren-suji – the pattern of baren marks left in the background, not evident on this proof. Shotei (he changed his name in 1921) must have been fond of cats as he designed a number of other prints but this is by far and away the best.
Very fine impression with extensive blind printing on the cat’s coat. Fine colour. Slight discolouration in margin at top left and right, otherwise very good condition. Signed Showa 6, 8th month, Hiroaki saku with Hiroaki seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
A bluebird and a branch of wild rose. A chuban print published c 1835-9. A very similar design with the same poem is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, acquisition number 21.9729 and also a chutanzaku design, acquisition number 21.7997. Rare.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A Java sparrow on a clematis vine. A sanchogake format (three designs printed on a horizontal sheet and intended to be separated). Published c 1835-9. This is the first edition with the cube-shaped red Hiroshige seal. Two later impressions are in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, acquisition numbers 21.9590 and 65.1671. Rare.
Fine impression and colour. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A half-block, 8.75 x 6.5 in; 22.5 x 16.5 cms, print showing a Japanese crane standing in water with a flowering plant (a variety of Berberis ?). Published c. late 1840s by Tsutaya Kichizo. Unidentified collector’s seal au verso.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A third-of-a-block (ko-tanzaku) print, 13.5 x 3 in; 34 x 7.25 cms, showing a sparrow and cherry blossom. Published c. mid 1840s. Unidentified publisher’s seal. These narrow panels are often poorly printed, but not in this case.
Very fine impression: beautiful gradation. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ohara HOSON (Aka SHOSON, KOSON) (1877-1945)
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A mother monkey holding a persimmon and four playful babies. Published by Kawaguchi, c. 1930. The first and only edition. Ex Robert O. Muller collection. Rare.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hoson. Copyright seal in lower right margin; seal of printer, Komatsu, and carver, Maeda, in lower left margin. Kawaguchi catalogue number “28” on reverse.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIMARU (1794-1829)
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An uchiwa-e (fan print) showing summer flowers : hydrangea, peony, iris, chrysanthemum, morning glory, etc against a yellow ground. Of the utmost rarity: possibly the only recorded example. Published by Ibaya Senzaburo with date seal Bunsei 10 (1827). Ex Werner Schindler collection, seal au verso, and illustrated in Masterpieces of ukiyo-e prints from the Schindler collection, Kondo/Suzuki, Tokyo, 1985, pl. 165, p. 140.
Fine impression; very good colour and condition. Signed Kunimaru hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A bora, grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), together with camellia and Japanese asparagusudo. This impression is from the extremely rare first private edition for a poetry club with the judges’ names beside the kyoka poems by Higaki Kunifune and Toshinoto Haruki. From a set of ten prints published – most likely – by Eijudo around 1832-34. These prints were subsequently issued commercially by Eijudo with his seal and a kiwame seal (both missing here on the private printing) and with the judges’ names removed. Who the poetry group was is not known, but they must have been affluent and influential. Of the sixteen poets on the prints, four were certainly members of the Shingyoku Circle, which was affiliated to the Yomogawa. This was the group that commissioned, amongst others, Hokusai’s Horse and Shell series of surimono. There appear to be three other impressions known from the private edition: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige, The Ukiyo-e Society of America Inc., 1983, no. 5; Ukiyo-e art, no. 18, Memeorial exhibition of Hiroshige, The Japan Ukiyo-e Society, 1968 (C) no. 4; and Juzo Suzuki, Utagawa Hiroshige, Nihon Keizai Shinbun, 1970, no. 593. Provenance: Ex Stoclet collection.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Centre fold (as usual as they were issued in folding album form), otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A one third block (10 x 4.75 in; 25.3 x 12.1 cms) panel showing an oriole – probably a black-naped oriole – on a branch of a flowering apple tree. Published c. early 1830s.
Good impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An extremely rare aiban print showing two kochi , bartail flatheads, (Platycephalus indicus) and an abalone, sea-ear, (Haliotus tuberculate). From a set of eight prints of various fish published c. late 1830s. Another impression is illustrated in Japanese Prints IV – Hiroshige and the Utagawa School, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, 1984, no. 45, p. 35.
Fine impression and colour. Slight soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Moon from a set Furyu settsugekka, “A Fashionable Snow, Moon, Flower.” An uncut fan print showing the actor Iwai Kumesaburo III as Shirai Gonpachi. Kumesaburo last played this role in the play Kakitsubata tamuke no harakawado performed at the Kawarasaki-za theatre in 3/1850. Published by Kojima Jubei (who specialised in fans) in 3/1853.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An exceedingly rare fan print showing a bust portrait of Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Soga no Goro wearing the iconic kuruma bun wig. 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 called 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. Published c.1827 by Maru-Mata, a publisher who seems to have only produced fan prints for a few years. Possibly Kunisada’s finest actor design in this format. A design I have never seen and probably unique.
Very good impression. Good colour. Dismounted from a fan and sold “as is” with all imperfections. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An uncut fan print: Yoshiwara Naka-no-cho sakura doki, “Cherry Blossom at Naka-no-cho in the Yoshiwara.” Published 7/1852. Exceptionally rare: One other trimmed impression is illustrated in Hiroshige Fan Prints, Rupert Faulkner, Unsodo, 2010, no. 55, p. 45.
Fine impression and colour. Extremely good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An uncut fan print: Ochanomizu no seiran, “Fine Weather but Windy.” From a set Edo hakkei, “Eight Views of Edo.” Published 1847-8 by Ibaya Senzaburo (who specialised in fans). Shows two beauties caught on a blustery day to the north of the Kanda River, the aqueduct lower left and Mt. Fuji in the distance. Exceptionally rare: The V & A museum has a complete (trimmed) set, see Rupert Faulkner, Hiroshige Fan Prints, 2001, nos. 23-30 (this being no. 25). And another impression is illustrated in Ukiyo-e Art, number eighteen, Memorial Exhibition of Hiroshige, 1968, no. 3. These appear to be the only other impressions known.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight centre fold and soil, but generally very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa SADAHIDE (1807-1873)
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An uncut fan print showing a bust portrait of a courtesan. Shin Yoshiwara from a set Toto meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital.” The original Yoshiwara district was burned down in the great fire of Meireki in 1657 and rebuilt in the new location north of Asakusa.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Sadahide ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIMARU (1794-1829)
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An uncut fan print showing a beauty looking into a lacquered hand mirror which she has withdrawn from a lacquered cabinet. Kunimaru produced some exceptional fans, of which this is one. However, his work in other fields is not noteworthy and it does pose the question if there were two artists with the same name ? Published 1827. Of particular interest is the design on the under-garment she is holding which has a Dutch motif of cherubs. Rare.
Very fine impression with strong burnishing on the mirror case, cabinet and her hair. Fine colour. Small repaired binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunimaru hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utgawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An uncut fan print from a set of views of Ise: Ise meisho, Asakumayama toge no chamise, “Teahouses on the Mount Asakuma Pass, Famous Places of Ise Province.” Hiroshige used this same view about a decade later for no.7 from the set The Sixty-odd Provinces. He cleverly uses the cliff sides to wrap around the uchiwa-e shape. Published c.1840. Extremely rare: This actual impression illustrated in Hiroshige no uchiwa-e, Unsodo, 2010, p.78, pl.108. Ex collection Maroni with seal at bottom. (His collection was sold at public auction at Kende Galleries, N.Y. 1947-9.)
Fine impression and colour. Centre fold (as often), otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kami, crab (Charybois) and saba, mackerel (Scomber Japonicus) together with two flowers of morning glory. Poem by Shichichintei. This is the first edition (Kruml 19a). From the second series of fish published by Yamasho c. 1840-42. Unidentified collector’s seal bottom right corner.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIMARU (1794-1829)
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An uchiwa-e (fan print) showing summer flowers: hydrangea, peony, iris, chrysanthemum, morning glory, etc against a yellow ground. Of the utmost rarity: possibly the only recorded example. Published by Ibaya Senzaburo with date seal Bunsei 10 (1827). Ex Werner Schindler collection and illustrated in Masterpieces of ukiyo-e prints from the Schindler collection, Kondo/Suzuki, Tokyo 1985, pl. 165, p. 140.
Fine impression; very good colour and condition. Signed Kunimaru hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A shishi cub being taught to scale a vertical cliff. ( Shishi: ‘Chinese Lion’ [ Ch.: Shi-tzu ]. ) it was said that the shishi cast its young from a high rock to test whether it could scale the rock face in which case it became the perfect beast. Published by Sanoki, c 1839-40. Extremely rare: one other impression illustrated in The Art of Hiroshige, Tsuneo Tamba, no.410.
Fine impression and colour. Small areas of expert restoration. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1785-1865)
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An uncut fan print showing the actor Bando Takesaburo I in the role of the Sumo wrestler Shirafuji Genta from a set: Mitate gonin otoko go-hiiki omozashi, An Imaginary Five Commoners.” Published by Yama-Ta, 2ic/1852.
Superb impression with mica added to sky and burnishing. Superb colour and condition: From a group of such fans that are as the day they were first printed and must have been put together by a fan collector. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1785-1865)
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An uncut fan print showing the actor Bando Shuka I: “Snow” from a Furyu settsugekka set of Snow, Moon , Flowers. Published by Kojima Jubei (who specialised in fans) in 3/1853.
Superb impression with mica added to sky. Superb colour and condition: From a group of such fans that are as the day they were first printed and must have been put together by a fan collector. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A tanzaku showing a Japanese finch sitting on a camellia branch. Unidentified collector’s seal au verso.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Ai or ayu, river trout, Plecoglossus altivelis. Poem by Haruzono Shizuo. From the first set of fish prints published by Eijudo, c 1832-4. This first series was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Due to their popularity this first series was published commercially and a second set was commissioned. The most sought after print in the series and probably the first to be designed.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size with with no centre fold. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An uncut fan print showing a geisha adjusting her hair pin set against a snowy landscape. Fukagawa Iyo setsu, “Time in Fukugawa, Iyo Province.” Published 3/1855 by Iseba Magobei.
Fine impression and colour with splashed gofun to represent falling snow. Small expertly repaired wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa SADAHIDE (1807-1879)
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An uncut fan print Gosekku no uchi, kugatu, tsuki machi, “Five Festivals, Ninth Month, Moon Viewing.” Viewing the full moon in the eighth and ninth months was a popular activity passed down from the aristocracy in Heian times; especially where the moon’s reflection could be seen in water. One such party is seen here where a member vainly attempts to catch a catfish with a gourd: A hopeless task with such an unsuitable utensil. This is based on a Zen riddle posed by Ashikaga Yoshimochi (1386-1428) on how to catch a catfish with a gourd, which inspired the 15th century artist Josetsu to paint the subject with accompanying poems on the conundrum by Zen monks. Published by Iseya Ichiemon, 1835.
Fine impression and colour. Two small expertly repaired wormholes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Sadahide ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A half- block print showing a small bird (possibly a bush warbler) and plum blossom. . Published by Kawasho (Kawaguchi Shozo) c. mid 1830s. Half-blocks were printed two-to-a-sheet and divided, either vertically or horizontally.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga with Utagawa seal.
Status: Sold
Anonymous (c. 1810)
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An uncut ukie fan print, Edo meisho Eitaibashi, “Eitai Bridge, Edo.” Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c. early 1800s. Possibly by Utagawa Kunimitsu or Utagawa Kunitora and quite possibly the only recorded impression.
Very good impression and colour. Slight corner soil, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A half-block print showing a sparrow and iris. Published by Kawasho (Kawaguchi Shozo) c. mid 1830s. Half-blocks were printed two-to-a-sheet and divided, either vertically or horizontally.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga with Utagawa seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An uncut fan print showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII in the role of Hanakawado no Sukeroku from a set: Mitate gonin otoko go-hiiki omoizashi, “A Parody of the Five Chivalrous Commoners, a Cup of Sake from their Fans.” Shows the actor holding a number of pipes; a shakuhachi protruding from his back. Published by Yama-Ta, 2ic/1852.
Extremely fine impression and colour. Minimal soil at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An uncut fan print showing the actor Sawamura Chojuro V as Ono no Tofu (aka Ono no Michikaze) in the play Ono no Tofu aoyagi suzuri performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 3/1850. Shows the character holding a large umbrella. Published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1850 (who seems to have specialised in fans).
Extremely fine impression and colour with extensive burnishing. Minimal soil at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An uncut fan print from a series: Koumei matsu tsukushi, “ Famous Kinds of Pine.” A euphemism for young beauties. One here shown holding a cage for fireflies being caught by children in the background. Published by Maruya Jinpachi, 4/1854.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold