New Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych , Shinyo rokkaisen, “Six New Monsters” showing Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181) and his lover on the engawa of the palace confronted by a multitude of snow covered skulls and skeletons in the garden. Towards the end of his life, Kiyomori, the head of the Taira Clan, was obsessed with and hallucinated that his vanquished enemies – on his quest for power and authority – had come back for retribution. Published by Funazu, 1882.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Sheets attached, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych Fuji no sono Soga kyodai hommo o togeru zu. “Moor at the Foot of Mt. Fuji: Picture of the Soga Brothers Achieving their Avowed Wish.” Soga no Goro Tokimune and Soga no Juro Sukenari avenging the death of their father by killing Kudo Suketsune at his hunting encampment in pouring rain. Juro dies in the battle and Goro is killed later. Published by Yamaguchi Tobei, 1843-7.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Active 1850-1870)
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A triptych showing Miinamoto no Yorimitsu (aka Raiko) and his retainers confronting the giant Earth Spider (Tsuchigumo – a form of spider-like yokai). After a fierce battle Yorimitsu cuts off the head of the spider and 1990 dead victims emerge from its stomach. A popular subject and there are numerous versions by other artists.
Fine impression and colour. Light backing and trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Isshunsai Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1850-1880)
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A triptych showing Sato Masakiyo, having invaded Shikoku and overthrowing the castle of Shosokabe Motochika, entering deep into the mountains where he battles an army of huge toads, lizards, bats, spiders, cats and dogs. Sato Masakiyo Shikoku seibatsu no toki Shosokabe Motochika no honjo o semeotosu ori kara hakarazu shinzan ni tachiiri kebutsu taiji no zu. Published by Kinseido (Sanoya Tomigoro), 1862.
Very good impression and colour. Album backing, otherwise good condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Kan Zhang Liang (below) and Huang Shigong from the set Kan-So gundan, “Battle Tales of the Han and Chu.” The success of the Chinese warrior tales retold by Takizawa Bakin (1767-1848) in his novel “The Water Margin: New Illustrated Edition” published in 1805 resulted in the commissioning of Kuniyoshi to produce his famous series based on the heroes of the “Water Margin” in the late 1820s. Likewise for this set by Kunisada from around the same date. The story relates how Zhang Liang was walking near the Yishui Bridge one day when he met an old man who threw his shoe from the bridge and ordered Zhang Liang to return it and place it on his foot. Without thanking him the old man walked off but with the instruction to meet him five days later. Zhang Liang duly returned at dawn five days later to find the old man already there. Annoyed, the old man reiterates his command but with the same result. The third time Zhang Liang arrives at midnight so impressing the old man with his punctuality, fortitude and humility that he presents him with a book the knowledge from which will bring peace and prosperity to the empire during troubled times. He also tells him to meet again in thirteen years when he will be the yellow rock at the foot of Mount Gucheng. The old man was Huang Shigong. Zhang Liang visits after thirteen years, finds the rock, builds a shrine and is buried with it. Kunisada’s design shows the moment that the shoe is presented back to Huang Shigong. Published by Eijudo c 1827 (although this impression does not have publisher’s mark). The set was reissued by Joshuya Juzo.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Abe no Hirafu fighting a giant bear in the snow from a set of 51 prints Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “A Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The set was published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (the first 11 prints) and Funazu Chujiro between 1878-1882. Hirafu was a general for the Empress Saimei. On his return from a mission to the Emishi in northeastern Japan, where he signed a peace agreement , he presented the Empress with two live bears and seventy bear hides. Published by Funazu Chujiro in 1880.
Fine, early impression with splashed gofun (only on the earliest states). Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Yatsunada attacking Saohime’s brother’s castle from a set of 51 prints Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “A Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The set was published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (the first 11 prints) and Funazu Chujiro between 1878-1882. Saohime had conspired with her elder brother Saohikoto to murder the emperor but she abandoned their plan at the last moment. She is seen escaping the conflagration. Published by Funazu Chujiro in 1880.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The heavily tattooed bandit Tanmeijiro Genshogo grappling with an adversary under water. One of the great designs from Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Genshogo was famous for his tattoos and for the ability to stay under water for long periods. This large set and accompanying designs from the same period was a turning point in Kuniyoshi’s career. Published by Kagaya Kichibei, 1828-9. Robinson S2.69.
Fine impression and colour. Slight thinning of paper towards top; very slight centre fold and minimal soil at top, but otherwise fine condition. Alternate, later impressions lose the beautiful gradation in the water. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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The Sennin Kinko (Chin. Ch’in Kao) riding a giant carp from the set Ressen gachu. There are various versions of this story. One narrates how Kinko was bathing in the river one day when the king of the fishes invites him to his kingdom. He tells his pupils where he is going and the date of his return. On the appointed day Kinko emerges from the waves astride a giant carp. His pupils vow never to eat fish again. Kiyochika was said to have studied Western-style painting under Charles Wirgman and his landscapes reflect the fast Westernisation and industrialisation of Japan. Published by Miyajima Yukinobu, 1883. A fine and rare print and set.
Fine impression and colour. One sumi smudge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hoensha Kiyochika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The brigand Saginoike Heikuro Masatora plunging a short sword into a giant boar. He is usually depicted battling a giant snake. Published c 1834-5 by Sanoya Kihei. Republished by Uedaya Kyujiro. Robinson S1c.17.
Very good impression and colour. The title label at extreme left edge trimmed and slight centre fold, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1812-1866)
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A diptych showing the strong woman Oiko of Takashima. The story tells how the wrestler Saeki Urinaga spies her one day fetching water from the river. He lecherously reaches for her only to have his arm pinned down by her as she nonchalantly carries on walking. She leads him home for a wrestling match. From a set Shinsen azuma nishikie, published by Tsunashima between 1885 and 1889 (this being 1889).
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Fl. 1848-1870)
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Daimotsu no ura nanpu no zu, “Adverse Wind on Daimotsu Bay.” The ghosts of the Taira warriors attacking Yoshitsune’s ship in Daimotsu Bay. Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189) aboard his ship Tsukimaru sailing along the coast of Settsu Province at Daimotsu. It was here that the Minamoto and Taira clans clashed and many Taira warriors perished. It is the ghosts of these that rise from the waves to attack Yoshitsune. His men struggle to lower the sail. The storm abates after the intervention of Benkei who prays to the gods of the sea and Kannon, the Bodhisattva of mercy. Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Marujin), 1860.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Issen Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa SADAFUSA (Active 1830s – 1840s)
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An original sumi woodblock for two chuban prints from a Kanadehon Chushingura set. The upper design being Act VII, the tea-house Ichiriki, Kyoto with Yuranosuke; the lower showing Act VIII, the bridal journey with Konami and her daughter Tonase on the Tokaido Road. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIMARO (Active 1850-1875)
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An oban showing Jiraiya (Ogata Shuma Hiroyuki), a ninja who was able to transmogrify himself into a giant toad. His arch enemy was Orochimaru, a master of serpent magic, who is seen here as a giant snake. Jiraiya kills the snake with his heavy o-zutsu, hand cannon. Based on a multi-volume book by Mizugakiya Egao, Jiraiya goketsu Monogatari, it went on to be a very successful Kabuki play performed at the Kawarazaki-za Theatre in 7/1852 with Ichikawa Danjuro VIII playing Jiraiya. Published by Daikokuya Heikichi, 8/1852.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slightly trimmed at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunimaro ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIIKU (1833-1904)
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Torii Matasuke swimming underwater from a set of 28 prints Eimei nijuhasshuku, “Twenty-eight Murders with Verses.” The set was published jointly with Yoshitoshi, each contributing 14 prints. Matasuke is seen gripping the topknot of the severed head of his lord whom he has mistakenly murdered. Published by Kinseido between 1866-1869, this being 1867.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The Monkey King: One of the best designs from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon.” The set published between 1885 and 1892 (this being 1886) by Akiyama Buemon. Based on the Chinese fable, the Monkey King achieved immortality by stealing peaches from the Garden of Immortal Peaches. He is seen with his fighting stave and the Jade Hare that lived on the moon and was constantly pounding herbs for immortals.
Fine impression from a very early edition. The set was popular and many editions were printed and many late impressions exist. . Great care was taken with the cutting of the blocks on this set and only early impressions do them justice. Fine colour and condition. An impression that has not been in an album. Full margins. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A diptych showing Musashi-bo Benkei, renowned for his herculean strength, battling with the young Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru (Yoshitsune) on Gojo Bridge. The story relates how Benkei (1155-1189) wandered around Kyoto with the intention of relieving 1000 samurai of their swords. One night with one more sword to go he saw Yoshitsune playing a flute and wearing a golden sword at the Gojotenjin Shrine. They agreed to fight on Gojo Bridge in southern Kyoto. However, Yoshitsune was too agile for Benkei and had been educated in the secrets of fighting by the mountain tengu. Following Yoshitsune’s victory Benkei became Yoshitsune’s retainer. Published by Hei, c. early 1830s. (This publisher produced many of Kunisada’s prints in the early 1830s.) Very rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (Active mid 19th century)
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A triptych with title: Ryozoku shinzan yojutsu kurabe no zu, “A Picture of the Two Enemies in a Witchcraft Match in the Deep Mountain.” Shows Hakamadare Yasusuke and Kidomaru fighting with magic. Yoshitoshi designed a vertical diptych of the same subject in 1887. Published 1860 by Tsutaya Kichizo. A wonderful design.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming and minor corner defects, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The general Morozumi Masakiyo, Lord of Bungo and a retainer of the Takeda Clan (Shingen of Kai Province) in a battle with the Uesugi Clan (Kenshin of Echigo Province), the wars taking place between 1553 and 1563. From a set Koetsu yusho den, “Stories of Courageous Generals of the Provinces of Echigo and Kai.” Masakiyo is shown committing suicide by inserting his sword into his mouth while being blown up by a land-mine. As with so much in Japan, the land-mine originated in China from early times. Published by Sumiyoshiya Masagoro, c. 1848-9. One of the “three great deaths” of these wars. A fine design.
Fine impression and colour with extensive sprayed pigment around the exploding mine. Trimmed slightly on the right, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The samurai Shigeno Yozaemon looking up at an exploding houroku-hiya “hand grenade.” (As with so much in Japan, the grenade originated in China from early times.) From a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1869. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) An excellent set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shigetsugu Munakata Kamon warming his hands in a snowstorm: Large flakes float down. From a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1869. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) An excellent set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The warrior Jingu Samanosuke Masanaga holding a sword and wearing a mino (straw cape) in heavy rain. From a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1869. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) An excellent set.
Fine impression and colour. The rain printed in silver. Fine condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Shows Musashibo Benkei carrying the stolen giant Mii Temple bell up Mount Hiei to the Enryaku-ji, the Tendai-sect temple of the San-mon, “Mountain Order.” He is usually depicted dragging the half-ton bell, but here he is shown carrying it with the help of his kanabo, iron war club. Published by Daikokuya, c 1830-39. Another impression is in the British Museum, 1906,1220,0,1054. Rare.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)
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Shows the hirsute samurai Saito Tadanobu about to strike an adversary with a go board. This was a popular story relating to his death: He was attacked while playing go and used the heavy board to fight off his enemies. Published by Wakasaya Yoichi (Jakurindo), c 1810. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Shun’ei ga.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Shows the professional swordsman Kaibara Kenkichi travelling in the mountains from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Generally considered the father of kendo. At the age of 13 he came under the tutelage of Seiichiro Odani to learn the art of swordplay and master its secrets. Became assistant instructor at the Kobusho in 1856. Famous for inventing the yamatozue, a wooden sword, and the ganko ogi, a wooden fan substitute for the wakizashi (short sword) when the decrees abolishing the wearing of swords in public was issued in 1876. Here he is surrounded by wild beasts and a skeleton. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Here, the wounded and blood-smeared chief of the Edo otokodate, Banzuin Chobei, is seen drinking water in a bathhouse where he is treacherously murdered by Mizuno Jurozaemon. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Sekiguchi Gyokumeido, 10/1867.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Abe no Hirafu, a governor of Koshi, killing a giant bear in heavy snow. From a set: Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Leaders of Great Japan.” Published by Funazu Chujiro, 1880.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An extremely rare uncut fan print: Spring Moon from a set Three Views of the Moon in the Eastern Capital. Shows two beauties on a restaurant veranda admiring a full moon. The other two designs from this set are illustrated in Hiroshige no uchiwae, Hiroshige Fan Prints, Okuda, Atsuko, Unsodo, 2010, nos 29 and 30, p 28 and 29. Published by Tsujiya Yasubei, c 1849-52. If not unique, then certainly one of the few impressions extant.
Very fine impression and colour. Very slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ogata GEKKO (1859-1920)
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An uncut fan print showing a great white egret. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Gekko.
Status: Sold
Honda UNRIN (Active c. late Edo period)
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A surimono of a male and female red-crowned crane (aka Manchurian crane). Behind a huge setting sun. The crane represents good fortune, longevity and fidelity in Japan and is a popular subject for surimono. Unrin, a Nanga/Shijo artist, was a pupil of Tetsuo (1791-1871). Issued c. 1840s.
Fine impression with the birds outlines and plumage beautifully blind-printed. Very good colour. Minimal soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed and sealed Unrin.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNTEI (1770-1820)
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A woman playing a koto from the set: Hanagasa-ren Shichifukujin, “Seven Women as the Gods of Good Luck for the Hanagasa Club. Each beauty represents a god, presumably in this case Benten. The series may be a parody of the new year tradition of making a pilgrimage to the seven shrines devoted to each of the Seven Gods of Good Luck. The set of eight prints published c 1820.
Fine impression and colour with silver and gold. Light backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shokyuko Shuntei ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing Kato Kiyomasa (Watoni) and his henchmen watching Korean man-eating tigers carrying off their compatriots across a river. Watoni gunko toshu no zu. Hideyoshi sent Kiyomasa to Korea twice in 1592 and 1597. He is often depicted killing a man-eating tiger. Published by Yamaguchi-ya Tobei in 1855.
Very early fine impression with beautiful colour variation on the rocks at right. Fine colour. Slight edge crease near left edge of first sheet and imperceptible centre folds, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (c 1725-1770)
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Two volumes complete: Ehon haru no nishiki, “Picture Book: The Brocades of Spring.” Vol. 1: 1 page preface dated Kanoto U (1770); single page and 8 double page colour prints. Vol. 2: 1 single page and 8 double page colour prints. 1 page colophon with date, publisher, block-cutter and artist as Suzuki Harunobu with his seal. 2 pages publisher’s announcements. Published by Yamazaki Kimbe, Edo. This is the first edition, Meiwa 8 (1771). Other copies are in the MFA, Boston, acc. no 1997.477.1-2 and Philadelphia Museum of Art, acc. no. 1970-46-1. Provenance: Ex collections H.M.Kaempfer and Hayashi (their seals on the first page of each volume). Original covers and title slips. Covers worn. Some soil and edge restoration. Very good impressions with generally very good colour. Rare in the first edition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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Two volumes complete Yakusha sugao natsu no Fuji, “Portraits of Actors Compared to Fuji in the Summer.” (In other words, without white makeup.) Vol. one: Preface signed Santoan Kyozan. Frontispiece illustration showing Mt. Fuji and nine double-page illustrations of actors and their acolytes in a variety of pursuits offstage. Postscript dated Bunsei 11 (1828). Vol: two: Preface by Tsuruya Namboku IV dated 9/1827. Frontispiece illustration showing a washbowl and fan and nine double-page illustrations of actors from Edo, Kyoto and Osaka. Postscript signed Kochoro Utagawa Kunisada ga with seal Gotokan to tekichoku ko and the publishers: Tsuruya Kiemon; Yamamoto Kyubei; Eijudo (Nishimuraya Yohachi); Kansendo (Izumiya Ichibei); Kinrindo (Moriya Jihei). This fascinating book shows actors in and around their residencies. Replaced title slips and covers. Fine impressions and very good colour. Minor marks and thumbing. Rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa YOSHITORA (active c. 1850-1880)
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One volume complete Kyoka chakizai gazoshu, “Tea Ceremony Utensils, a Kyoka Collection.” Published Ansei 2, 1855 by Seiryuteizo. Inside front cover artists given as Ichiryusai Hiroshige and Ichimosai Yoshitora. Three pages preface; three pages decorative labels; four pages landscapes by Hiroshige (including the Uji River – a prime tea growing area); twelve pages of portraits by Yoshitora; twenty-one pages kyoka poems. Original covers with a hand inscribed title slip. Ex collection Edmond de Goncourt with his brocade binding and imitation wood slipcase. In very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A complete set of Kyoka Edo meisho zue, “Collection of Pictures of the Famous Places of Edo in Kyoka.” Fourteen volumes (sixteen books) dated Ansei 3, 1856. Artist: Ryusai Hiroshige ga, with volumes fifteen and sixteen being by Hiroshige II. Compiler of poems: Tenmei Rojin. Publisher not given. Book 1: 25 sheets, 11 illustrations. Book 2: 24 sheets, 10 illustrations. Book 3: 23 sheets, 10 illustrations. Book 4: 19 sheets, 9 illustrations. Books 5-6: 34 sheets, 15 illustrations. Book 7: 22 sheets, 9 illustrations. Book 8: 21 sheets, 9 illustratins. Book 9: 22 sheets, 9 illustrations. Book 10: 21 sheets, 8 illustrations. Book 11: 14 sheets, 6 illustrations. Book 12: 18 sheets, 7 illustrations. Book 13: 16 sheets, 6 illustrations. Book 14: 16 sheets, 8 illustrations. Books 15-16: 23 sheets, 9 illustrations. The monochrome illustrations show the popular life of Edo as well as the views. Original covers and title slips.
In very good condition. Rare complete.
Status: Sold
Kawamura BUMPO (1779-1821) and Watanabe NANGAKU (1763-1813)
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One volume complete Kaido kyoka awase, “Comparison of Kyoka Poems on the Highway.” Three pages preface signed Bumpo and thirty-six double-page illustrations alternating by Nangaku and Bumpo; last page colophon dated Bunka 8 (1811) with artists Nangaku Tseki and Bumpo Basei. Publishers Kawachiya Kihei, Osaka, and Yoshidaya Shimbei, Kyoto. Original embossed yellow covers with original title slip. Originally published in two volumes with the poems in volume one and almost immediately reissued as a one volume work, as here. Numerous collectors’ seals: Tanido Kyohitsu, Seiyo Kosetsu, and Edmond de Goncourt with his brocade binding and imitation wood slipcase. A beautiful example of this fine Shijo book in very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
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One of Toyokuni’s most famous books: 2 volumes bound as one, Yakusha Awase Kagami, “A Mirror of Actors’ Physiognomy.” Published Kyowa 4 (1804) by Bunshundo and Yamadaya Sanshiro. Vol. I, 4pp. preface, undated, 18 single-page half-length portraits of actors below kyoka poems. Vol. II, 15 single-page half-length portraits, followed by single page poem signed Ichikawa Hakuen (Danjuro V), 4pp. postscript, signed Kankoku. Lacking original covers with publisher Toto Banshundo on inside cover of Vol. I. Also lacking 2pp. second postscript by Banshundo and colophon. Very minor soil and three portraits with colour turned, otherwise very fresh impressions. Extremely Rare.
Status: Sold
[Shiba] Shin nigao-e (Published 1915)
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Five volumes complete: [Shibai] Shin nigao-e. Published in Tokyo Taisho 4 (1915) and illustrated by Natori Shunsen, Yamamura Koka, Torii Kotondo, Ishida Hakutei and others.
Volume one: 18.5 x 12.5 cm. Original covers, beige. The abbreviated title: Shin nigao and volume number are printed directly on the cover. On the right is the publication date, June 1, Taisho 4 (1915), and a note that subsequent numbers will be published on the first day of each month. Table of contents. Preface by Kinoshita Sataro. The fourteen colour woodcut portraits are by Natori Shunsen (5), Matsuda Seifu (4), Yamamura Koka (3), Torii Kotondo (1), and Ogawa Heibei (1). Block cutter: Igami Bonkotsu. Printer: Namamura Sanjiro. The text on actors and roles are mainly printed on tissue interleaves. Colophon page, dated June 1, Taisho 4 (1915). Compiler: Egawa Kinpei. Published by Nigao-do.
Volume two: 25.2 x 18.7 cm. Covers, light blue. The abbreviated title and volume number are printed directly on the cover. The first actor print is pasted to the cover, credited internally to Natori Shunsen. Front endpaper, table of contents. The forteen woodcut portraits are by Shunsen (4, including the cover), Koka (3), Terazawa Kotaro (2), Isshii Hakutei (2), Matsuda Seifu (2), Heibei (1). Colophon, dated July 1, Taisho 4; otherwise as Vol. one.
Volume three: 25.2 x 18.7 cm. Covers, beige. Title and volume number as for Vol. two. The first actor print is pasted to the cover, as above. The fourteen actor portraits are by: Shunsen (5), Seifu (3), Hakutei (3), Koka (2), and Heibei (1). Colophon dated August 1; otherwise, as above.
Volume four: 25.2 x 18.5 cm. Covers light blue in the same format as above. The fourteen actor portraits are by: Shunsen (5), Koka (4), Hakutei (2), Seifu (2), Heibei (1). Colophon dated October 1; otherwise, as above. Back cover, an ad for forthcoming special Coronation issue of Shin nigao.
Volume five: 25.1 x 18.6 cm. Covers, grey paper embedded with green fibres over stiff boards, bound with green silk tassels. The title, Shin nigao-kinen-go: Tairei Hoshoku gafu, “Shin nigao: Special Coronation Number” is printed directly on the cover. The format is basically the same, but two special sections have been added: five portraits of officials associated with Emperor Taisho’s coronation, and five portraits of geisha from Tokyo and Kyoto. The remaining eleven prints are of actors, for a total of twenty-one colour woodcuts: Shunsen (11), Heibei (3), Seifu (3), Ishizuka Kan (2), Kondo Hiroshi (1), and Koito Gentaro (1). Colophon dated November 1, Taisho 4 (1915), otherwise as above.
This set contains the earliest prints by Natori Shunsen and gave the impetus to have the larger actor portraits published. In slipcase. Very good condition.
Status: Sold
Cho GESSHO (1772-1832) and Kazaore YUJO (fl. c. 1790-1800)
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5 vols. complete: Zoku Koya Bunko, “The Sequel to Koya Library.” Vol. 1: 52 sheets; 48 illus. Vol. 2: 49 sheets; 48 illus. Vol. 3: 53 sheets; 51 illus. Vol. 4: 53 sheets; 52 illus. Vol. 5: 56 sheets; 54 illus. Preface, 5 pp. by Kogetsutei, dated Kansai 9 (1797). Artists: Kazaore Yujo and Cho Gessho. Published by Fugetsu Magosuke, Nagoya, Kansai 10 (1798), together with other publishers in Edo, Osaka and Kyoto. The greatest anthology of printed haiga (haiku poems accompanied by illustrations based on simple, yet often profound, observations of everyday life). The anthology was started by Yujo but taken over by Gessho on his death. Most of the work is Gessho’s. This is one of the few books where the block-cutter and printer must take pride of place beside the artist. The most striking effects were achieved by these artisans by imaginative working of the block surface and wiping of the blocks to produce distinctive variations in texture and formless adumbrations of trees, plants and landscapes, all in sumi. Other examples: Duret 464 (5 vols. 1799); Gonse (III), 438 (4 vols., 1798); Holloway 18; Ryerson, pl. XI. Original covers and title slips. Some slight damage to covers and slight restored wormage at bottom of first sheets of vol. 1. But otherwise an exceptionally fine and clean copy with hardly any thumbing on corners. A lovely and rare set.
Status: Sold
