Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )
Click here to view image full size.
No. 32, Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu fighting a large boar from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “ Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki. “ A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chokaro Yoshiiku ga.
Status: Sold
Takahashi CHIHARU (1777-1859)
Sold
Click here to view image full size.
A surimono in Yamato-e style showing Otohime and Tawara Toda on the long bridge at Seta. There are different versions of this popular legend. One has it that Otohime, the Dragon Princess, had an enemy in the form of a giant centipede that lived and poisoned Lake Biwa. It had also killed two of her sons. She begs Tawara Toda Hidesato, a famed archer, to kill it. This he does and she rewards him in the Dragon Palace with silk, a sword and armour, a temple bell, and a bag of rice. The silk and rice are to last forever, however much is used. Hence his name Tawara Toda, “Rice-bag Toda.” Probably issued for Dragon year 1832.
Fine impression, very good colour and condition. Signed Chiharu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )
Click here to view image full size.
Noji Tama River in Omi Province with a poem by Minamoto no Toshiyori from the series of six prints Shokoku Mutamagawa , “Six Jewel Rivers in the Provinces.” Shows a nobleman and attendants admiring the moon’s reflection. The set published by Maruya Kyushiro 11/1857.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Trimmed on black border at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (Active c 1799-1823)
Click here to view image full size.
A surimono showing a scroll with a painting of a Takarabune ship and an enameled Persian clock (with Arabic numerals). Norizome, “Maiden Voyage [of the New Year].” The Takarabune, “Treasure Ship” is associated with the new year and carries the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) with their treasures. Shinsai was a pupil of Hokusai and is best known for his surimono prints. Issued in 1822 by the Taiko-gawa, “Drum Poetry Group” with their emblem top right. Three poems by Shikishishima Michikusa; Ume no Sugatame; Fugentai. Another (trimmed) impression is in the MET, JP2116.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shinsai.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
Click here to view image full size.
A surimono, Hara, from an untitled Tokaido set, generally called the Surimono Tokaido. Published in 1804 for a kyoka club. There are 59 prints in the set; 8 being in this horizontal tanzaku format, the rest being koban size. This is the very rare first edition with the kyoka poems. In the second edition, also in 1804, the poems are left out. There is also a third edition in 1805 and a fourth in the 1840s where these tanzaku designs were replaced by koban prints designed by Hokusai’s pupil Yanagawa Shigenobu. Shows travellers admiring Fuji.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Gakyojin Hokusai ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
A design from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets.” Shows the poet Yamabe no Akahito (fl. 724-736) with a page walking beside the bay of Tago, with Fuji beyond. He is noted as one of the Thirty-six Poetry Immortals. Published by Yebi-Ne, 1840-2. A set with some fine compositions.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
Click here to view image full size.
One of the Eight Dog Heroes, Satomi Yoshizane, seated surrounded by a dragon, thunderbolts and waves. From a set Dai Nippon goketsu Suikoden, “Great Japanese Heroes of the Popular Suikoden.” The set (?) published by Shimizuya Tsuejiro, c. 1843-5.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Kambara, yoru no yuki, “Night Snow at Kambara” from Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi)/Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. One of Hiroshige’s most celebrated designs, discussed and illustrated extensively. This is the very rare first edition: The sky is graded down from the top and the last figure on the right has the uncleared wood evident on the legs. This mistake was soon rectified but in doing so the block cutter made a small break above the knee. Probably the earliest state of the first edition has a blue tint to the gradation on the distant hills: See the Honolulu Academy of Arts impression, 15.927. Kambara owes a lot to Hiroshige’s imagination as it doesn’t resemble any place near there. Also, Kambara has little snow, yet it remains one of Hiroshige’s most iconic images.
Fine impression of the first edition with subtle gradation on the roofs of the houses and elsewhere. Seals a little faded, otherwise very good colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Harima Maiko no hama, “Maiko Beach Harima Province” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces.” Shows the beach with the famous pine forest stretching down to the water. Published by Koshihei, 1853-6, this being 1853.
Fine impression of the first edition. Slight fading, otherwise very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Shono, haku-u, “Sudden Shower at Shono” from Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi)/Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. Together with Kambara, one of Hiroshige’s most celebrated designs, discussed and illustrated extensively. This is the very rare first edition: The waves of bamboo beautifully graded and strong woodgrain evident on the house roofs bottom right. See Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige, The Ukiyo-e Society of America, 1983, nos. 17a-e for illustrations and a description of the various states. Although the area had thick groves of bamboo growing along the Suzuka River, there was nowhere that exactly matches the design.
Fine impression of the first edition with subtle gradation. Seals and green a little faded, otherwise very good colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Hakone, kosui, “Hakone, the Lake” from Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road.” The set published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi)/Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. A line of travellers – presumably the deputation of the Edo Shogunate going to Kyoto – making its way down a precipitous path on the right in this mountainous region. This is the very rare first edition: An extremely difficult design to find in early impression as the jigsaw of colours on the mountains need to be perfectly keyed to work.
Fine impression. The red a little faded, otherwise very good colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Station Karuizawa from Kisokaido rokujukyo tsugi no uchi, the “Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Kaido.” A night scene after the autumn harvest and the stubble is being burned. In the background the village and Mt Asama in the distance. A traveller stops to get his pipe lit by another traveller illuminated by the light cast from his lantern. Another traveller stoops to light his pipe from one of the bonfires. Published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi)/Kinjudo (Iseya Rihei), c. 1838. The lantern is inscribed Iseri (for Iseya Rihei) and their mon is partially seen on the saddlecloth of the horse. On later editions this seal was removed. The first edition of this design has a Takenouchi seal to the left of the inscription top centre.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Oji, Fudo no taki, “Fudo Waterfall, Oji” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1859 (this being 1857). Waterfalls were a pleasant way of getting relief from the summer heat. Japan has many hundreds of waterfalls but a considerable number are in remote areas. The government has compiled a list of 100. This is the rare first edition with strong wood-grain and mica applied to the waterfall. Provenance: Purchased from me in 1989.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Echizen Yunoo toge, “Yunoo Pass in Echizen Province” from a set of twenty prints Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Sea.” Ten prints showing mountain scenes and ten sea scenes (actually harbours). Published by Yamadaya Shojiro, 1858. The title is in a wrestling umpire’s fan. This is the first edition with variegated colour in this fan. The second edition has the fan printed in red only (see BM impression, 1915, 0823,0.152.7).
Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Fukagawa, Suzaki, juman-tsubo, “The One Hundred Thousand Tsubo Plain, Suzaki, Fukagawa” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1859 (this being 1857). An eagle hovers over the snowy coastal plain, Mt Tsukuba and the Chiba mountains in the distance.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size.
Uba Shizu of Nabeshima praying under a waterfall from a set Zen’aku sanuroku bijin, “Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” The set published by Sawamuraya Seikichi, 1876.
Very fine impression and colour with splashed gofun. Very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (active 1815-1852)
Click here to view image full size.
A surimono showing a Chinese lady threading a needle on a balcony. First issued in Osaka for the Drum Group, c 1824. This is the excessively rare first edition with the blue sky and clouds; verses by two Osaka poets, and the coloured thread is connected to the spool on the floor. Another genuine impression is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number JP2090. In the second state the verses are replaced by Edo poets. In the third state the blue sky is replaced with a gold ground and there is a hand-stamped title. There are clever copies of this surimono produced in the 1890s. This is possibly the only other genuine impression of the first edition extant.
Fine impression and colour with areas of gold. Fine condition. Signed Gakutei Sadaoka hitsu. Ex Hayashi collection, seal bottom right.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
An uncut fan print, Funa Benkei, “Benkei in a Boat.” Shows Yoshitsune’s boat fleeing from Kyoto and his brother Minamoto no Yorimoto. The boat encounters the ghosts of the slain Heike clan who rise from the waves. However, Benkei, by praying to the gods, is able to avert disaster and calm the storm. Benkei is seen with his rosary at the prow of the boat. Of the utmost rarity. Seemingly only two other impressions known: One illustrated in Kuniyoshi, Nikkei Inc, 2011, no. 47 and the other in Kuniyoshi, Juzo Suzuki, Heibonsha Ltd, no. 102. (The V. & A. copy.) These impressions also illustrated elsewhere. Published c. 1840.
Fine impression and colour. Restored binding holes at left edge and minimal soil at corners. Probably the best example extant. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
Click here to view image full size.
An original double-sided wood-block showing on one side the busts of three wrestlers with a title cartouche Ozumo tozai kurabe, “A Sumo Contest Between East and West.” On the other side is a sumi key-block for a set Kurikara kongo den, “Legends of the Dragon Sword and the Thunderbolt of Absolute Truth.” Shows Benkei Taikumon heaving (presumably) the large bell of Mii Temple. The set was published in 1863. Interestingly, the heads on the sumo side have been altered by plugging-in new wrestlers.
Generally in good condition with the usual edge damage. Sold “as is.” Rare.
Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size.
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
The Lumberyard, Fukagawa, from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “The Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo.” Shows snow falling on the timber yards lining a river. An umbrella in the foreground is inscribed Uo, “Fish” – a reference to the publisher Uoya Eikichi who published the set between 1856 – 1858 (this being 1856). There are 118 prints in the set plus a replacement design by Hiroshige II (see elsewhere on this update). A large supply of timber was needed for the world’s largest wooden city. However, in 1641 a fire destroyed not only houses but the lumber which was then stored in a central area causing the government to move the yards to Fukagawa.
Very good early impression (later editions have a dark sky). Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
Click here to view image full size.
Akasaka kiribatake uchu sekikei, “Evening View of the Paulownia Grove at Akasaka in the Rain.” The replacement print for the Meisho Edo hyakkei “The Hundred Views of Famous Places in Edo” after 1858 probably because the blocks were damaged, and a superior design to Hiroshige’s. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 1859.
Very good impression. (The same impression as is illustrated in Ukiyo-e Taikei, XVI, 48-2.) Fine colour. Very small binding holes in margin, otherwise fine condition. Signed Nisei (the second) Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
Click here to view image full size.
Otoyo no Kata from Zen-aku sanjuroku bijin, “Thirty-six Good and Evil Beauties.” The set published in 1876 by Morimoto Janzaburo.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Azuma no Mori no koji “ The Old Story of Azuma” from a set Toto kyuseki tsukushi, “Old Edo Stories, Illustrated.” Exceptionally rare: Four other designs from the set came up at the Orange and Thornicraft sale, Sothebys, 25/3/1912, lot 440. And another impression of this design is illustrated in Hiroshige, The Albuquerque Museum, 1983, no. 722, pl. 74. Shows the concubine Tachibana Hime about to throw herself from the prow of the boat to appease the sea-gods and protect her lord Yamato Take. This she did despite him vowing to marry Miyazu Hime on his return. Published by Wakasa-ya, c. 1845. A wonderful design.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
Click here to view image full size.
An extremely rare diptych, Shoki-san jaki ni sokko, “Shoki-San, Quick-Acting Medicine to Remove Evil Spirits.” Images of Shoki were used to ward off evil spirits and illness, especially during the Boys’ Festival. Published 1858 by Enshuya Hikobei.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi fude with Yutaka seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
Hida. Kago-watashi, “The Basket Ferry, Hida Province” from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 1853 ).
Extremely fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size.
Flood from a series Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” Shows the actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Abe Bungo no Kami riding through rough waves. A fine set published by Okura Magobei, 1876.
Very good impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
Click here to view image full size.
A distant view of Mount Daisen [ Oyama ] in Hoki Province. One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 12/1853 ). White rain ( printed with gofun ) falls on groups of peasants planting rice. A lovely design, the edges of the paddy fields zig-zagging into the distance. This is the rare first edition with blue and yellow diagonal bands on the sub-cartouche.
Fine impression with strong woodgrain showing. The second state of the first edition has the rain printed black (not using gofun as here).Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
Click here to view image full size.
A triptych showing the exorcism of the evil fox of Princess Osakabe by Miyamoto Musashi. The story relates how Musashi is the only warrior brave enough to enter Himeji castle which is haunted by the princess. He pursues her and finally cannot resist touching her which exorcises the evil foxes who can be seen surrounding the princess. In gratitude she presents him with a sword (seen here on middle and left sheet). Published 1863 by Yamazakiya Seishichi.
Very good impression and colour. Slight creasing, otherwise good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa SADAKAGE (active c. 1818-1844)
Click here to view image full size.
A surimono, Kinsei, “Metal” from Gobantsuzuki, “A Set of Five” surimono based on the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Shows a woman polishing a metal mirror. Published c. mid-1820s. The set was designed for a group led by the poet Shakuyakutei whose plum-blossom emblem is seen at the top of the title cartouche.
Superb impression, colour and condition. Extensive silver and gold. Mint condition. Signed Gokotei Sadakage ga.
Status: Sold
Hotei GOSEI (Active c. 1804-1835)
Click here to view image full size.
A surimono showing a still life of fish and utensils from a fine and rare set Toto meisho awase, “Famous Attractions of the Eastern Capital.” The series title in a cartouche in the shape of the character “go” representing the Go-gawa Club. Each surimono shows something related to the location in Edo, in this case the sub-title is Nihonbashi. What the connection is is not obvious to me; perhaps the fish were a delicacy in restaurants which crowded round the bridge. Gosei was a pupil of Hokusai who gave him the name Hokuga which he changed to Gosei around 1810. Published c. 1820. Possibly the only known impression.
Very good impression and colour. Some slight soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Gosei hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
Click here to view image full size.
A surimono showing the strong woman of Omi, Okane, stopping a runaway horse from a temple by holding its tether down with her geta. Published for the year of the Horse, 1834.
Fine impression and colour. Areas of gold and silver. Some slight crinkling, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798 – 1861)
Click here to view image full size.
Nitta Tadatsune encountering the goddess of Mount Fuji and her dragon in a cavern with numerous stalactites and a fast flowing river and waterfall. Published by Tsuji-ya Yasubei c 1844. Robinson T143.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size.
A snow scene: Imadobashi Matsuchiyama, “Imado Bridge and Matsuchi Hill.” From Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 8/1862 ). This was also a district that attracted Hiroshige I and he designed a number of prints of the area. One of the six best designs from the set.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Trimmed close at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
A vertical oban diptych, Fujigawa no setchu, “The Fuji River in Winter.” Hiroshige records in his diaries that he commenced on a journey westwards from Edo on the fourth month Tempo 12 (1842). He walked the Koshukaido to Kofu in Kai Province and then on to Shimo-suwa. On the route to Kofu, he mentions visiting the Saruhashi, Monkey Bridge, and consequently must have crossed the upper reaches of the Fuji River to reach Kofu. On his return Hiroshige designed two kakemono-e, one of the Monkey Bridge for the publisher Tsutaya, and the design here of Fujigawa for the publisher Kikakudo (Sanoya Kihei). Both are considered masterpieces. The magisterial format perfectly conveys the wild landscape with a diminutive figure crossing the bridge above the gorge with boatmen on the river. Published c. 1842-44. There are many copies of these two kakemono-e. Genuine impressions of this design should have a small vertical block defect bottom right where the mountain meets the river, just to the left of the publisher’s seal. Extremely rare.
Fine impression. The slopes of the mountain top left are printed without outline and appear different on different impressions, also because the block for the sky was changed. Fine colour (although the colour scheme is almost monochromatic relieved by only the blue of the river and touches of brown and green). Very good condition: Full size with ample room for joining of the two sheets. These designs often come heavily browned as they were hung as substitute paintings. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
A triptych showing Prince Genji (far right) on a stone terrace looking out at Suma Beach, Akashi, thronged with visitors enjoying themselves. Two of his party look as though they are going to collect shells. A mitate of Chapter XIII of the Genji Monogatari where Genji is exiled at Akashi, Akashi no ura shiogari no zu. There was a proliferation of sets based on the original Genji Monogatari and the Ryutei Tenehiko (1783-1842) update at this time. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, 1/1855.
Fine impression and colour. Bokashi on the edge of the bay at top (missing on later editions). Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size.
Heavy snow, Yushima Tenjin, “Yushima Tenjin Shrine.” From Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 9/1862 ). The shrine is famous for its ume, Japanese apricot trees, and the Ume Matsuri festival held in February and March. One of the six best designs from the set.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Trimmed close at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
An extremely rare and unusual surimono: I have only seen two impressions – both of which have passed through my hands, and one of which was gifted to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Shows the most famous playwright of his age – Tsuruya Nanboku IV (1755-1829). His crest is clearly visible on his shoulder. He died on the 27th of the 11th month, 1829 and this surimono must date from shortly after that: A sort of shini-e – very unusual in surimono form. He wrote the most famous Kabuki ghost story: Yotsuya kaidan, “Yotsuya Ghost Story” (1825) as well as the quick-change play Osome no nanayuki (1813).
Fine impression and colour. The poems above printed in gold. Slight soil. Very small restored binding holes at left edge, and slight trimming at bottom. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
A rare diptych, Kansho Tempaizan mangan. This famous tale (with different versions) is the basis for the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy” which was performed at the Kawarazaki Theatre, Edo, 9/1832. This Mt. Tempai scene shows Kan Shojo (Sugawara no Michizane), a Heian politician and poet, transforming himself into a demon and invoking a storm. Umeomaru , a former retainer of Kan Shojo is seen climbing the mountain on the left sheet. There is also a fine vertical surimono diptych of this subject issued by Kunisada in 1832. Published by Yamaguchi Tobei. A fine design I have not catalogued before.
Fine impression and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
Click here to view image full size.
Kasumigaseki setchu, “Kasumigaseki in Snow” from Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 6/1862 ). Shows a steep incline in what is now the administrative district of Tokyo. One of the six best designs from the set.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Trimmed close at bottom, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
Click here to view image full size.
Narukami Shonin, a wicked priest, from the play Narukami. One of a set Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” The series published by Hiranoya Shinzo, 1862. The set is known for its deluxe printing.
Superb impression and colour. Fine condition. Signed Kio Toyokuni hitsu (77 year’s old).
Status: Sold