Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Onio and Dozaburo, the retainers of the Soga Brothers. From a set Soga monogatari zue, “The Revenge of the Soga Brothers.” A set of 30 prints published by Ibaya Senzaburo, 1848. This famous story has many versions but basically it tells how Kawazu Sukeyasu was murdered by his cousin Kudo Suketsune. Sukeyasu left two sons and his widow remarried a man 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. This is the first edition, it was republished in 1858 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNTEI (1770-1820)
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Yamamoto Kansuke (Haruyuki) (1501-1561) overpowering a gigantic boar. Takeda Shingen’s most valuable general and one of the Takeda nijushi-sho, “Takeda’s Twenty-four [most trusted] Generals.” Kansuke was involved in a lengthy feud with Kenshin Tora and is killed in one of their skirmishes at Kawanakajima on 12 Oct. 1561.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Shuntei ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Sukiya embankment in snow, Toto Sukiya-gashi, from Fuji sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Tsutaya Kichizo, 1858. The rampart on the inner side of the moat of Edo Castle on the right. Figures cross a bridge leading to Sukiya Gate. In the distance the long outer walls of the main residence of the Nabeshima Clan of Saga. Fuji on horizon.
Fine impression, very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Tadasugawara no yudachi, “Evening Shower on the Bank of the Tadasu River” from the early set Kyoto meisho no uchi, “Famous Views of Kyoto.” The set of ten masterpieces was published by Eisendo, c 1834. Shows figures running in the rain to get to the tea-houses which lined the banks here where the Kamo River and Takamo River joined.
Very good impression. The extremely rare first state of this print has the publisher’s seal in red in the upper left margin. This early state has the kiwame seal in the left margin. This was removed on later editions and the seal after Hiroshige’s signature has the characters reversed white on red. Very good colour. Imperceptible centre fold and trimmed close at top, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The cantilevered Monkey Bridge from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke 1853-6 (this being 1853). This bridge – one of the three most famous bridges in Japan – is situated in Otsuki and purports to be 1300 years old (albeit rebuilt many times).
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Trimmed close, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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Yoroi no watashi, “Yoroi Ferry” from the set Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Edo.” Published by Ai-To, 1862. Shows the laden ferry crossing in heavy snow. The Koami-cho warehouses on the right.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Taira no Tadamori (1096-1153) grappling with the oil thief from a set: Honcho komei kagami, “A Mirror of our Country’s Renowned Heroes.” Published by Joshuya Kinzi, c 1835. The story relates how the Emperor Shirakawa was perturbed by a monster in the precincts of the Mido Temple at night. The samurai Taira no Tadamori was ordered to kill the beast only to discover a harmless old monk who steals a little oil from the stone lanterns. Kunisada designed a number of sets like this around this date.
Fine impression and colour. Very slightly trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
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A surimono from a fine set of eight prints: Ichiyoren bunbo shiyu, “Four Companions of the Writing Studio for the Ichiyo Circle.” Issued c 1827 for the Ichiyoren poetry club. The set alternates Chinese and Japanese subjects with the literati tradition of brush, ink, inkstone and paper. In this case: Sumo Komachi, “Ink and Komachi.” Ono no Komachi being the famous mid-ninth century poet and it shows her washing a poetry anthology which included a poem plagiarized by another poet who accused her of stealing it. The ink ran proving her innocence. Poems by Karakutei Kobun and Karindo.
Very fine impression with blind-printing, gold and silver. Fine colour. Slight crease, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gakutei.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA ( 1822-1866 )
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Takamatsu Naizen and Tateshina Danjo Masatada grappling during the Battle of Kawanakajima in the mid 16th century. They are heavily entwined in the red ribbons of the standards. Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke in 1857.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya.
Status: Sold
Mori YOSHIYUKI ( 1835-1879 )
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Shows Hido Hachiro holding the decapitated head of an enemy from Honcho buyu kagami, “Mirror of our Country’s Military Elegance.” Yoshiyuki was a pupil of Yoshiume and designed the set A Hundred Views of Osaka. He moved to Tokyo in 1868. Published by Tsutaya, c 1868. Rare: The first time I have catalogued this set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshiyuki ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The ronin Yazama Shinroku Fujiwara Mitsukaze ) from Seichu gishinden, “Tales of True Loyalty.” From a rare uncompleted set of the 47 Ronin published 6/1868 by Masudaya. Thirteen designs extant. It has been suggested that the set was completed but that the others are not known based on the fact that two of the prints are numbered 3 and 46. An error as artists did not commence and progress from number 1. Artists chose at random which numbers from a set to start with. Well known examples being Hiroshige’s Tokaido and Kisokaido.
Very good impression and colour. Small backed wormage and light album backing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Anonymous (1821)
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A still life from a set of six prints for the Iwagaki Club: Iwagaki-ren rokuhira no uchi. Shows a tobacco pouch, telescope and snake netsuke (for snake year 1821). There appear to be at least three states of this lovely surimono.
Fine impression and colour with gold and silver on the pouch. Minor rubbing, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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Kwanyu ( Chin. Kwan Yu ), the celebrated warrior who was deified in 1591 as Kwan Ti, the God of War. Shows the warrior standing on a partially submerged boat, far right, with his long black beard and carrying a huge halberd overlooking the river battle with the Seven Armies of Gi ( Wei ). Published by Tsutaya Kichizo 1854.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A rare triptych showing fireworks over Ryogoku bridge with numerous pleasure boats negotiating the huge trestles of the bridge. A fine design published 1847 – 50 by Sanoki.
Very fine impression. Pristine colour and condition. Totally untrimmed and with deluxe double-printed red. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The ronin Okudera Kouemon Fujiwara Hidetomi ( number 7 ) from Seichu gishinden, “Tales of True Loyalty.” From a rare uncompleted set of the 47 Ronin published 6/1868 by Masudaya. Thirteen designs extant. It has been suggested that the set was completed but that the others are not known based on the fact that two of the prints are numbered 3 and 46. An error as artists did not commence and progress from number 1. Artists chose at random which numbers from a set to start with. Well known examples being Hiroshige’s Tokaido and Kisokaido.
Very good impression and colour. Light album backing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Fujikawa from the so-called “Upright Tokaido.” One of the two snow scenes from the set. Shows travelers coming and going at the edge of the village. Published by Tsutaya, Hare 7, 1855.
Very good impression with woodgrain evident in the sky. Very good condition with full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The ronin Muramatsu Sandayu Fujiwara Takano ( number 46 ) from Seichu gishinden, “Tales of True Loyalty.” From a rare uncompleted set of the 47 Ronin published 6/1868 by Masudaya. Thirteen designs extant. It has been suggested that the set was completed but that the others are not known based on the fact that two of the prints are numbered 3 and 46. An error as artists did not commence and progress from number 1. Artists chose at random which numbers from a set to start with. Well known examples being Hiroshige’s Tokaido and Kisokaido.
Very good impression and colour. Small backed wormhole and light album backing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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Originally a fishmonger (hence the go Totoya). Studied painting under Kano Yosen’in and then became one of Hokusai’s best pupils. Produced excellent surimono such as here showing a sumptuously attired courtesan representing Kyoto from a set of three surimono Sangoku-shi no toen ketsugi, a History of the Three Kingdoms. (A play on the Chinese states of Wei, Shu and Wu during AD 220-280, but here being Kyoto, Edo, Osaka.) Produced for the Shipporen (“Seven Treasures”) Kyoka Club c 1827. Their emblem top right and also incorporated into the background and on the box bottom left. Extremely rare.
Superb impression, colour and condition with extensive silver and gold. One of the finest surimono I have catalogued. Signed Go Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786 [?]-1868)
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An uncut vertical surimono diptych showing two young women in court finery from the Heian period (794-1185). This being considered the finest and most cultured period in Japanese history. One stands on a balcony, the other on steps leading to the balcony overlooking a flowering cherry tree. Extremely rare: The separated design is in the MET, JP2062 and JP2061as well as them having an uncut example, JP1101. These vertical diptych designs were printed on a single sheet of hosho from a single block but with a horizontal crease between what would be the two separate surimono of conventional size. There are also two vertical diptych designs known which form a four surimono picture but these are even rarer.
Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Extensive silver and blind-printing. Signed Gakutei Sadaoka hitsu and Gakutei Sadaoka.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An extremely rare set of hosoban designs: Pictures of Various Women of imperial Japan. Shows, on the left, Princess Joruri – the lover of Yoshitsune. On the right Suke no Tsubone, the wet-nurse of the child Emperor Antoku who both drowned at the battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. Published by Shimizuya Tsunejiro, 1845.
Very good impression and colour. Small repaired wormage on each sheet, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Numazu from the Upright Tokaido, Gojusan tsugi meisho zue. Published by Tsutaya, 1855. The old adage that familiarity breeds contempt certainly applies to this set, which was reprinted many times. Early printings, as here, enable us to appreciate this underrated set. One of the two snow scenes from the set showing figures crossing one of two trestle bridges.
Very good to fine impression. The red cartouches double printed ( only seen on early impressions ). Fine colour. Light album backing and trimmed close at bottom right but leaving black border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shows station Wada in heavy snow from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi. The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo). This high pass (1651 metres) was a difficult part of the journey.
Fine early impression before the break in the key block to the left and beneath the publisher’s gourd seal. Fine colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOHARU (1735-1814)
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The founder of the Utagawa school who had, amongst others, Toyohiro and Toyokuni as his pupils. Although not the first to use western conventions of linear perspective, he was the first to employ them extensively and in full colour and had obviously studied engravings from Holland, Germany and Italy -particularly prints of Venice after Canaletto. Uki-e Fukagawa Eitai suzumi no zu, “Perspective Picture: A View Enjoying the Cool Near Eitai Bridge, Fukagawa.” Shows the Sumida River busy with boats; Eitai Bridge in the distance to the left and beyond the masts of vessels moored at Tsukudajima. (The Eitai Bridge was to collapse in 1807 killing anything from 500-1500 people.) To the right the then newly built neighbourhood of Nakazu. The water on the right is the Hakozaki canal. Published by Eijudo, c 1771. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, seal in right border. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour with the blue at the top intact which is very rare. In exceptional condition. Signed Utagawa Toyoharu ga.
Status: Sold
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (c1764-1823)
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A surimono still life showing two handscrolls, a small screen, a branch of coral, a branch of plum blossom and two seals. (Coral and plum blossom are associated with the new year.) One of the seals has a tiger on top, possibly indicating this surimono was issued for the Tiger year 1818. From a series of still life surimono produced by the Taiko-gawa (Drum Poetry Group), their seal top right. Shinsai was one of Hokusai’s best pupils and is primarily known as a surimono designer. In fact, this surimono seems to have been reissued without the Drum seal and different poems. (See The Art of Surimono, Roger Keyes, Sotheby, 1985, no. 286, p. 334.) One poem by Rankotei Dondontei.
Very fine impression. Fine colour with gold and silver. Small crease top right and minor signs of mounting au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shinsai.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
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Shinbashi station from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875. The station was opened in 1872.
Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
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A train passing beneath a bridge at Shinagawa from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875
Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
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A train at Kawasaki from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875.
Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE III (1842-1894)
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A train at Kanagawa station, Yokohama from a set of prints Tokai meisho kaisei dochu-ki, “Newly Edited Travel Stories of Famous Places of the Tokaido.” Published by Shimizuya Naojiro, 1875.
Very good impression and colour. Binding holes in top border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Prince Genji being poled in a punt on a lake. From a set of such triptychs published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1853. Furyu Genji fune asobi, “Fashionable Genji Enjoying a Pleasure Boat.”
Very fine impression and colour. Slightly trimmed at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga and Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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Minamoto no Yoshitsune, on the right holding a large bow, and Benkei, in the centre, face a large white dragon which emerges amongst lightning bolts from the Koromo River at the battle of Takadachi in 1187. Bunji sannen Oshu Takadachi kassen Koromogawa yori hakuryu ten e noboru. Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke (Kinshodo), 1857. A fine design.
Fine impression and colour with mica applied to the dragon and silver rain. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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Higuchi no Jiro Kanemitsu, a retainer of Kiso no Yoshinaka, in the Kiso Mountains encounters a giant white baboon (ohishi) which has been terrorising the countryside and attacks it with a long bamboo spear. The creature hangs from a tree with one of Kanemitsu’s followers in its mouth. Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke (Kinshodo), 1858.
Very fine impression and colour. Fine condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych showing Ban Danemon Naoyuki exorcising the Bakemono in Masanori Fukushima’s mansion. A badger ghost rears up surrounded by other goblins, one of whom attempts to appease him with tea. Fukushima no yakata ni oite Naoyuki kori o taiji no zu. Published by Tsujibun, 1866.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu and Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Koishikawa yuki no ashita, “Snowy Morning at Koishikawa” from Hokusai’s most celebrated set: Fugaku sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” The set of 46 prints published by Eijudo, c. 1830-32. Shows a party at a teahouse, at left, admiring the view of Fuji. The only snow scene from the set. Provenance: Ex Le Veel collection, sold by Ader Picard Tajan, Paris, 2nd sale, 24/10/1980, lot 76, p. 36.
Exceptionally early impression (blue outline). Fine colour and, apart from slight vertical crease, fine condition. Very full size with extra paper top and right. This design usually has a clear sky with blue gradation at top and horizon. This state with a subtly graded blue sky appears to be the earliest version (with other similar impressions in the BM [1927.0613.0.13] and MET [JP1330]). Not only does it better convey the wintry conditions but Eijudo was probably also conscious of saving money on this expensive pigment on later editions. The finest example to come onto the market for many years. Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Boar from a chu-tanzaku set of twelve prints Buyu mitate junishi, “Chosen Heroes for the Twelve Signs.” Based on the Chinese zodiac system of twelve animals. Shows Yuryaku Tenno, the 21st Emperor (457-480) by a waterfall killing a huge boar. Said to have occurred at Mount Katsuragi in 461. Published by Minatoya Kohei, c. 1840.
Very good impression and colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Asakusa Kinryuzan, “Kinryuzan Temple at Asakusa” Meisho Edo hyakkei, “The Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo.” The view shown by Hiroshige is through the Kaminarimon gateway with the large hanging lantern after a heavy snowfall. The great temple, which still stands, was in the northern part of Edo, not far from the Yoshiwara. Published by Uoya Eikichi who published the set between 1856 – 1858 (this being 1856). There are 118 prints in the set plus a replacement design by Hiroshige II. This is one of Hiroshige’s best known designs.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Grain showing on the red wooden post at left and the lines still crisp. On later editions the red and green pigment gets cruder and the sky darker. And even later a slipping plug becomes evident in the blue area at bottom, below the black line at left. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Lumberyard, Fukagawa, from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “The Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo.” Shows snow falling on the timber yards lining a river. An umbrella in the foreground is inscribed Uo, “Fish” – a reference to the publisher Uoya Eikichi who published the set between 1856 – 1858 (this being 1856). There are 118 prints in the set plus a replacement design by Hiroshige II. A large supply of timber was needed for the world’s largest wooden city. However, in 1641 a fire destroyed not only houses but the lumber which was then stored in a central area causing the government to move the yards to Fukagawa.
Very good impression, still with the lighter sky: Late editions have a black sky. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Dog from a chu-tanzaku set of twelve prints Buyu mitate junishi, “Chosen Heroes for the Twelve Signs.” Based on the Chinese zodiac system of twelve animals. Shows Hata Rokurozayemon, a follower of Nitta Yoshisada, with an array of weapons and accompanied by his dog. Published by Minatoya Kohei, c. 1840.
Very good impression and colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Cock from a chu-tanzaku set of twelve prints Buyu mitate junishi, “Chosen Heroes for the Twelve Signs.” Based on the Chinese zodiac system of twelve animals. Shows Kwaido Maru, the boy Kintoki, umpiring a match between a cock and a young tengu. Published by Minatoya Kohei, c. 1840.
Very good impression and colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Snake from a chu-tanzaku set of twelve prints Buyu mitate junishi, “Chosen Heroes for the Twelve Signs.” Based on the Chinese zodiac system of twelve animals. Shows Nitta Shiro (Tadatsune) inside Mount Fuji during Yoritomo’s hunting party (1193) encountering snakes and a vision of the goddess of the mountain. Published by Minatoya Kohei, c. 1840.
Very good impression and colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Asakusa Imado from a Toto meisho set of ten prints published c. 1834. Shows three men stoking the ceramic tile kilns at Imado on the bank of the Sumida river. Mount Tsukuba can be seen in the distance. The kilns were fuelled by pine needles, a stack of which can be seen on the left. This set, and other landscapes by Kuniyoshi, are characterised by strong western-style elements – shadows and clouds derived from viewing imported prints and books from Europe. Published by Kagaya Kichibei, c. 1834. Provenance: Ex B.W.Robinson collection (purchased privately). Very rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. The green bamboo border intact. The set is well known for having this border trimmed off, partially or completely. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold