Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
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Nakazu Mitsumata, “Mitsumata Middle Strand.” Shows the charring of a boat to preserve it on the eight-acre Nakazu Island. In the background Tsukudajima and Eitaibashi. From Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 3/1862 ). Compare with the Kuniyoshi landscape of the same subject published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, 1834. 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 KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The Empress Jingo Kogo, sumptuously attired, sitting on a rock with two Imperial Jewels above her. She is supposed to have invaded Korea although there is some debate about this. From a set Meiko hyaku yu den, “Stories of a Hundred Heroes of High Renown.” The series published by Idzumi-ya Ichibei, 1843-44.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Kaidomaru felling a tengu during practise with wooden swords from a set Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of our Country’s Swordsmanship.” The series published by Kadzusa-ya Iwazo, c. 1845-6.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An early triptych showing Shutendoji’s palace on Mount Oyeyama, Oyeyama Shotendoji shuzui no zu. Raiko (Minamoto no Yorimitsu) is charged by the Emperor Murakami with killing the evil Shutendoji who terrorizes the neighbourhood. He and his retainers infiltrate the castle and ply Shutendoji and his ogrish band with sake and dance for them. Eventually Shutendoji is so intoxicated he has to be carried to bed, whereupon Raiko and his followers attack and decapitate Shutendoji. This is the episode most depicted with the head flying through the air. Published by Daikokuya Heikichi, c. 1832. Robinson T21. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Nihonbashi yukibare, “The Nihon Bridge, Clear Weather after Snow.” From Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published between 1856 and 1858 (this being 1856) by Uoya Eikichi. The bridge was completed in 1603 and was originally called Edo Bridge. All points are measured from this bridge (similar to our Charing Cross).
Fine impression of the first edition. There are slight variants of the first with some having red bokashi on the lower clouds but lacking the subtle gradation on Fuji and lower roofs. And also some have mica on the lower roofs. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shomyoji-no bansho, “Vesper Bells at the Shomyoji Temple” from the rare early set Kanazawa hakkei, “Eight Views of Kanazawa.” The temple was built in 1258 by Hojo Sanetoki; the environs are seen on the right with boats in the foreground. The distant hills are printed without key-block outlines giving a painterly quality. These Eight View sets were inspired by the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang in China, first painted in the 11th century and then brought to Japan in the 14 – 15th centuries. Kanazawa is across Japan from Tokyo on the north coast on the Japan Sea. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, 1835-6.
Very good impression and colour. Slight margin soil and small expert repair to bottom left corner. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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Princess Toyotama, the daughter of the Dragon King of the sea, gives birth to Ugayafuki Aezu by turning herself into a dragon. From a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The series published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886.
Fine impression with extensive mica. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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O’ai-no-kata of Okazaki dispatches a man who spied on her while taking a bath. From a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The series published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Toki Motosada, the retainer of Gamo Sadahide, throwing a red temple guardian to the ground and vanquishing the ghosts on Mount Inohana. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 – 1892 (this being 1890). This seems to be the same subject Yoshitoshi used for his set Wakan hyaku monogatari but the names are altered.
Very fine first edition, fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The battle of Fujikawa from a set of triptychs Toyotomi Shoshinroku published by Yorozumago, c 1869. The set relates Hideyoshi’s (1537-1598) exploits. From humble origins he became the second unifier of Japan who, after 100 years of war, brought stability and peace.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size with extra paper all around. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shoki appearing in the Chinese emperor Ming Huang’s dream and cleansing him of a fever demon. From the set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889 – 1892 (this being 1890).
Very fine first edition, fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The famous daimyo Oda Nobunaga throwing an assailant over a terrace while the Honnoji Temple burns behind him. Nobunaga’s branch of the Oda clan held control of central Japan but he was eventually killed by his treacherous vassal Akechi Mitsuhide at this temple in 1582. From a set Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The series of 51 prints published by Kumagai and Funazu Chujiro, c. 1876 – 82. The design here by the latter in 1878.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Kiyohime changing into a serpent on the edge of the Hidaka River. The monk Anchin fell in love with Kiyohime only to change his mind. He escapes across the river followed by Kiyohime who becomes a serpent and traps him in the bell of the Dojo-ji Temple and kills him. From a set Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts,” sub-title: Kiyohime Hidakagawa ni jatai to naru zu. The set published by Sasaki between 1889 -1892 (this being 1890). This is the first edition.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Abe no Hirafu (c. 575 – 674), a governor of Koshi Province, is famous for quelling the indigenous people of northern Japan – the Ainu. He is shown here killing a giant bear in the snow (of either northern Japan or Korea). From a set Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The series of 51 prints published by Kumagai and Funazu Chujiro, c. 1876 – 82. The design here by the latter in 1880.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The famous wrestler Shirafuji Genta watching kappa (amphibious half humanoid, half turtle creatures). One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi cutting the arm off a tengu. He was taught the short sword technique from his father but then became expert with the long sword, eventually inventing the two-sword style, with the long sword in the right hand, the short in the left. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865.
Fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Lord Mashiba Tairyo Hisayoshi defying the thunderstorm on Mount Kobo conjured up by Kobo Daishi. A retribution for ignoring the vow of silence on the mountain. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865.
Fine impression with burnishing and mica. Fine colour. Trimmed close on the right, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Toki Daishiro, the retainer of Gamo Ujisato, vanquishing the demons in the temple on Mt. Inohana by grappling with the temple guardian. One of a set of 26 prints with title Wakan hyaku monogatari, “One Hundred Tales of China and Japan.” Published by Daikokuya Kinnosuke, 1865. This appears to be the same subject Yoshitoshi used in his set Shinkei sanjurokkaisen but with altered names.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych from a set of three designs: Buyu setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon and Flowers with Valiant Warriors,” this being “Flower”: Ikutamori ume, “Plum at Ikuta Forest.” The battle of Ichi-no-Tan took place in the forest between the Taira and Minamoto clans. Published by Kiya Sojiro, 2/1867.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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The young Kintaro, aka, Kintoki, Sakata Kaidomaru. He is shown fighting a giant carp in a waterfall from a series: Honcho musha kagami, Kintaro, “ Mirror of Warriors of Our Country, Kintaro.” This child of superhuman strength is often depicted with the animals living on Ashigara mountain where he honed his fighting skills and was spotted by Minamoto Yorimitsu (944-1021), under whom he went on to serve.Yoshitsuya was a pupil of Kuniyoshi and this print can be compared to a famous design by Kuniyoshi of the same subject published in 1836. Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke, 7/1856.
Very good impression and colour. Slight creasing, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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An extremely rare print by this pupil of Kuniyoshi: Nobori ryu; kudari ryu, “Dragon going up [in the sky]; dragon going down [to the earth].” The most popular of Japanese subjects, printed in sumi and red. Published by Shimizuya Tsunejiro, 1849-50. This is the first time I have I catalogued this design.
Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing and slight adhesive mark at right edge. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A bust portrait of Teranishi Kanshin holding a fan from the series Kuniyoshi moyo shofuda tsuketari genkin otoko, “ Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion.” The title derived from a contemporary kabuki play Shofuda tsuki kongen kusazuri. Poem above by Gosonoya of Ise. Robinson S40.7. Published by Ibaya Kyubei, 1845.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming and retains original album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIHARU (1828-1888)
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The brigand Rori Hakucho Chojun from the set Suikoden goketsu kagami, “Mirror of the Heroes of the Suikoden.” A set mirrored on Kuniyoshi’s earlier Suikoden set. Shows him, with heavily tattooed torso and wielding a sword, defending himself against a dragon. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, 1856.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming top and bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichibaisai Yoshiharu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)
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Zojo-ji asagiri, “Morning Mist at Zojo Temple” from Toto sanjurokkei, “Thirty-six Views of the Eastern [ Edo ] Capital.” A couple watch a fish porter passing in the precincts of the Buddhist shrine . Situated in Shiba it was the Tokugawa family temple. The set published by Ai-To between 1861 and 1862 ( this being 6/1862 ). One of the six best designs from the set.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786?-1868)
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A surimono, Komatsu Shigemori, from the Heike Monogatari. One of a set with series title: Honchoren honcho nijushiko, “Twenty-four Japanese Paragons of Filial Piety for the Honcho Circle.” Issued by the Honchoren poetry club, c. 1821. Shows Taira no Kiyomori (1118-81) seated in an alcove being admonished by his son Shigemori (1138-79) for not being as loyal to the emperor as he had been. Kiyomori was a famous military leader and head of the Taira Clan. Poem by Kanenoya Arikado.
Fine impression, colour and condition with silver and gold. Signed Gakutei with Sadaoka seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (1777-1835)
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A surimono showing a bust portrait of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Kanawa no Goro, a retainer of Kamatari no Fujiwara, disguised as the fisherman Fukashichi from the Mikasayama Goten scene at the palace on Mount Mikasa in Act 4 of Imoseyama onna teikino. Three poems by Shoshokyo Otokado, Sakuragawa Jihinari and Sakuragawa Omokage. Issued c. mid 1820s. Rare.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
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A surimono, Ni, Yukiwake no Wakanaya uchi Koromode, “Number Two: The Snow Clothes of Koromode of the Wakanaya” from the pentaptych entitled Hisakataya Nakanocho, “The Nakanocho for the Hisakataya Poetry Club.” Issued c. 1827. Shows the oiran Koromode of the Wakanaya parading with her Shinzo and another courtesan down the Nakanocho, the main street of the Yoshiwara. Two poems by Suihotei Komatsu and Hisakataya.
Fine impression, colour and condition with extensive gold and silver. Signed Gakutei Sadaoka.
Status: Sold
Katsushika TAITO II (Fl. c 1810-1850)
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One of the great surimono designs and extremely rare: There appear to be four other genuine examples recorded, apart from this impression, which is from the Vever collection. (See Vever sale, Sothebys, 1977, lot 302. In fact, Vever had two copies. The other sold Vever sale, Sothebys, 1978, lot 231.) The Baur impression. See The Baur Collection, Matthi Forrer, Geneva, 1994, Volume 1, G224, and is also illustrated in the Chiba Museum catalogue, Ukiyo-e bino kiwami, 2001, no. 126. The Chester Beatty impression. See The Art of Surimono, Roger Keyes, Sothebys, 1985, vol. 2, no. 335, p. 384 (ex Gonse). And the MFA, Boston, impression, accession no. 11.20424, ex William Sturgis Bigelow. Three poems by Bunshuro Tomoyoshi, Bunkaro Kiyomaru, and Bumbunsha. Shows a carp swimming down amongst water-weeds and cherry blossom. The carp was a symbol of achievement against adversity in Japan and had a connotation with the new year. In fact, Taito designed another print of a carp amongst water-weeds which is part of a harimaze sheet and is most often encountered with the left calligraphy removed. Issued c 1832 for the Taikogawa Poetry Club. Vever seal bottom right.
Very fine impression with burnishing on the eye and the cherry blossom blind-printed. Fine colour. Minor foxing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Katsushika Taito.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A surimono showing the poetess Kiyogaki standing on Mukaigaoka Hill overlooking a frozen Shinobazu Pond with the shrine of Benten. (And since the snake was the messenger of Benten, this print was probably issued for Snake Year 1833.) Two poems by Tojuen Kiyogaki and Yayoian.
Fine impression and colour with extensive silver – especially on the frozen lake. Slight soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A surimono from a set Onkyoku zukushi, “An Array of Songs.” In the cartouche, top right, on the right, is Tokiwazu (a school of vocal music featuring the 3-stringed shamisen), and on the left the title of the musical piece illustrated here, which is Oimatsu, “Old Pine Tree,” a brief and auspicious piece composed in 1747 and used for celebratory occasions. A warrior is shown reclining against an old pine in heavy rain. Issued c 1818. Another from the set is illustrated in Reading Surimono, John Carpenter, Hotei publishing, 2008, no. 76, p. 203. Rare.
Fine impression with gold, blind-printing and the rain printed in silver. Very good colour. The red may be down slightly but, as yet, I have not found another impression to compare. Very good condition. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868)
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A surimono showing Li Kui (Jap: Ri Ki), one of the brigands from the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (the Suikoden). He was nicknamed the “Black Whirlwind” and is usually shown wielding two giant axes (as here). From a set Suiko Juban, “Ten Characters from the Water Margin.” Probably for the Kadonumaren Poetry Club c. late 1820s. Another two designs from the set are in the Harvard Art Museums, 1933.4.2003 and the Asian Art Museum, S.F., 2010.193. Rare: I cannot locate another impression at the moment.
Fine impression and colour. Slight soil and possibly slightly trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Extensive silver. Signed Gakutei Harunobu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Princess Chujo (Chujo-hime) from the set Chuko meiyo kijin den, “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation.” Published by Iseya Ichiemon or Enshuya Matabei (this design) 1845. Robinson S35.17. Abandoned by her stepmother, she is rescued by the nuns of Taima-dera, becomes a nun, and is credited with the invention of embroidery. She is shown here with a spinning wheel (forming a mandela around her head) and looking out at a landscape with a rainbow.
Very fine impression and colour. Very slight crinkling and trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Fujiwara no Yasumasa from the set Chuko meiyo kijin den, “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation.” Published by Iseya Ichiemon or Enshuya Matabei (this design) 1845. Robinson S35.11. A renowned poet and flautist, he escapes being attacked by the robber Hakamadare Yasusuke who is mesmerized by the music.
Superb impression and colour. Very slight crinkling and trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The sculptor Hidari Jingoro from the set Chuko meiyo kijin den, “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation.” Published by Iseya Ichiemon or Enshuya Matabei (this design) 1845. Robinson S35.2. Although possibly fictitious, there are nevertheless many sculptures around Japan attributed to him. So accomplished was he that his pieces often came to life, as here, where a dragon and two lions chase the pursuers of his Lord’s wife.
Superb impression and colour. Very slight crinkling and trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shidzuka-gozen or Lady Shidzuka from the set Chuko meiyo kijin den, “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation.” Published by Iseya Ichiemon or Enshuya Matabei (this design) 1845. Robinson S35.12. She was a renowned 12th century shirabyoshi (court) dancer who achieved fame after 100 Buddhist monks and 99 other dancers failed to bring much needed rain.
Superb impression and colour. Very slight crinkling and trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold