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
Katsukawa SHUNCHO (Fl. c. 1780-1795)
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A chuban print showing a group of beauties caught in a downpour on the banks of a river. The centre figure has an umbrella with the publisher’s name Izumi [ya Ichibei] and address Shiba Jinmeimae which was in front of Shiba Daijingu Shrine. One of a set Nana Komachi, “The Seven Komachi,” being episodes in the life of the famous waka poetess Ono no Komachi (c. 825-c. 900). Little is known of Shuncho’s life except that he was a pupil of Katsukawa Shunsho and was then heavily influenced by Kiyonaga. He produced some particularly fine triptychs and pillar prints. Published c. early 1790s.
Superb impression, colour and condition: As the day it was printed. Signed Shuncho ga.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Two volumes complete: Toto shokei ichiran, “Fine Views of the Eastern [Edo] Capital at a Glance.” Shows famous places in Edo with accompanying kyoka poems at the top. Volume 1: 10 sheets, 1 p. preface. Volume 2: 11 sheets with colophon giving date Kwansei 12 (1800). Publishers Tsutaya Jusaburo, Suharaya Mohei and Suharaya Ihachi. Ando Enshi engraver and artist Hokusai shinsei. This book was first published with title Toto meisho ichiran by Tsutaya Jusaburo. Shortly afterwards the title was changed and the two other publishers joined Tsutaya Jusaburo. This is the edition offered here. Original hand-painted covers with a decoration of iris flowers and water (only found on the original edition). The blocks were subsequently sold to the Nagoya publisher Hishiya Kinbei who reissued it in 1815 together with Suharaya Mohei and Ihachi. The blocks were yet again sold, this time to Kawachiya Mohei who issued another reprint in 1840 with the above publishers. A lovely early example of this famous book. Cover and title slips in very good condition.
One wormhole affecting last 4 pages at the top outside image area, otherwise contents fine and clean. Provenance: Large seal of Hayashi Tadamasa at the start to each volume.
Status: Sold
Takehisa YUMEJI (1884-1934)
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One volume complete Sakura-saku shima : Haru no kawatare. Title page: Within purple borders, the subtitle and Yumeji-saku in reddish brown. Frontispiece: colour woodcut across two pages entitled TUMABIKI, “Finger-plucking” in roman letters, with decorative seal. One page introduction by Yumeji. The remaining 50 pages (unnumbered) with poems by Yumeji and ten double-page and four single-page b/w woodcuts, all dealing with emotions associated with springtime. Colophon dated Meiji 45 (1912), first printing. Artist/author: Takehisa Yumeji. Publisher Kawamoto Kamenosuke. Publishing house Rakuyodo. One page ad for the four books then planned but only this and the following Sakura-saku shima: Mi shiranu sekai were produced. Original pale blue covers with original title slip. In very good condition. Wonderful early designs before becoming overly cloying.
Sold together with: Sakura-saku shima: Mi shiranu sekai. Title page: Within black borders, the subtitle and Yumeji-saku in black, flanked by images of two demons, one red, the other green. Frontispiece: colour woodcut across two pages entitled UNKNOWN WORLD in roman letters, with decorative seal. The remaining 46 pages (unnumbered) with poems by Yumeji and ten double-page b/w woodcuts dealing with family relations and images of souls in hell. Colophon dated Meiji 45 (1912), first printing. Artist/author: Takehisa Yumeji. Publisher: Kawamoto Kamenosuke. Publishing house: Rakuyodo. Original yellow covers with title slip. In very good condition.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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One volume complete, Ehon tebikigusa, “A Model Book of Plants.” Published by Iseya Rihei, 1849. Signed on inside of front cover Ichiryusai Hiroshige hitsu with three page preface signed Ryukatei Tanekazu (1807-1858) plus one page introduction by Hiroshige on how he was asked to design a book as a guide to drawing for children. (See Strange, The Colour Prints of Hiroshige, Cassell, 1925, p. 112-114 for a full translation.) Thirty-five pages of flowers, grasses and fish plus two page view of Mt. Fuji and last page signed Ichiryusai. This is the rare first edition: It was republished by Shojuya Shoshichi, lacking the introduction. Original embossed grey covers and blue title slip.
Extremely fine impressions. Some slight edge wormage at end, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Kitao MASAYOSHI (1764-1824)
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One volume complete Choju ryakugashiki, “Simplified Forms of Drawing Birds and Flowers.” Published Kwansei 9, 1797, by Suharaya Ichibei. Illustrated by Kuwagata Keisai ( Masayoshi ). These influential books of Masayoshi’s were popular and were reprinted many times.
Fine early copy. Original title slip and lemon-yellow covers ( some wear ). Some thumbing at bottom especially towards front, and other minor marks, otherwise good condition. Unidentified collectors’ seals at end and small annotation on back cover of a previous (?) collector: L. de la Bedollier.
Status: Sold
Teisai HOKUBA (177 -1844)
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One volume complete Kyoka sumidagawa meisho zue, ” Humorous Poems on Famous Views of the Sumida River.” Colophon dated Bunsei 6, 1823, published by Shunsuien. Extremely rare.
Original covers with a printed design of chidori. Original title slip. Very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utgawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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One of a set: Edo Murasaki meisho Genji, “Murasaki’s Genji in Famous Places of Edo.” Mitate Ukifune Sumidagawa no watashi, “A Parody of Ukifune Crossing the Sumida River.” Shows a beauty on a ferry crossing the Sumida River in heavy snow, representing Ukifune, one of the court ladies of the Genji Monogatari. Stylised clouds above and below copying the traditional kiri-gane gold found on Yamato-e scrolls. These Genji pictures were popular at this time to circumvent the reforms of 1842. Published by Kinseido (his seal also appearing on the umbrella bottom right). A rare set.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760–1849)
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One volume complete Ehon Suikoden, “A Picture Book of the Suikoden”, published by Kadomaruya Jinsuke, Bunsei 12, 1829 showing 108 Chinese brigands. Some fine designs. Signed Katsushika Zen Hokusai I-itsu fude.
Fine impressions. Original covers lacking title slip. Some slight foxing and minor marks.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI (1786-1868) and Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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Two vols. kyoka books complete: Ressen retsujo gazoshu, a “Collection of the Portraits of Immortal Men and Women.” Twenty eight portraits of Chinese hermits and twenty one portraits of celebrated women in Japanese history. Being a selection of kyoka presented at the meetimg held at Kawachiya of Yanagibashi Ryogoku in Edo, 1st day of the 9th month, Bunsei 7 ( 1824 ). Published by Shinsenyen. Rare.
Original covers and title slips. Minor marks to covers, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Keisai MASAYOSHI (1764-1824)
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One volume complete Gyokai ryakugashiki, “Fishes and Shells in the Abbreviated Style of Drawing.” Published in Osaka by Fukusada Tobei, 1813. Originally published in 1802 with alternative title and poems by Ichiyosei Sogai and others. 31 sheets numbered 1-31. Initial page with title and illustrator Kuwagata Keisai (Kitao Masayoshi). Colophon with date Bunka 10 (1813), engravers and publisher.
Some minor soil and damage to covers, otherwise good condition. Extensive use of mica on various pages.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Autumn from a set of four triptychs, Edo meisho shiki-no nagame, “Famous Places in Edo in the Four Seasons.” An evening scene with beauties on a balcony overlooking the bay at Takanawa. Birds are descending across a full moon. Published by Marujin, 1848-9. All four triptychs from this set are masterpieces.
Fine impression. Perfect colour. Slight thinning and creasing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A copy of Ryakuga Korin-fu Ryusai hyakuza, the One Hundred Abbreviated Drawings by Ryusai [Hiroshige]. 1 vol. complete: 21 sheets; inside front cover title and illustrator Hiroshige (also given on last page). 3pp. preface dated Kaei 4 (1851) and signed Ryukatei Tanekazu and 20 pages, numbered, with illustrations in sumi, blue and pink. Colophon inside back cover with a list of bookshops (?) in Osaka and Edo and publisher Yoshidaya Genpachi. According to Brown (L.N.Brown, Block Printing And Book Illustration In Japan , George Routledge & Sons Ltd. 1924, p. 195) this book was republished as vol. IV of Sohitsu gafu. Original covers, missing title slip. Contents very good with only minor marks.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Nanke yushi Shijo-nawate nite uchijini. The last stand of the Kusunoki clan at Shijo-nawate in 1348. Kusunoki Masatsura, shown on the far left propped against his fallen horse under a rain of arrows, continues his father’s struggle against the Ashikaga forces. Wada Shinbochi (Genshu) leads the way holding enemy heads followed by Masatomo with a battle standard. Their blue complexions anticipate their imminent demise. Published by Fujioka-ya Keijiro, 1851-2. Robinson T271.
Fine impression. One small backed wormhole on title, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing Ushiwaka Maru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s childhood name), attended by Kisanda, practising fencing with the karasu or “crow” tengu in a forest glade on Mt Kurama, north of Kyoto. His training in martial arts is being supervised by a white-bearded yamabushi tengu, Sojobo, King of the Tengu. (The yamabushi were followers of Shugendo – a shamanistic mountain ascetism.) Yoshitsune (1159-1189) is the best known Japanese warrior and a popular subject for Japanese artists and craftsmen. Famous for exploits such as the battle on Gojo Bridge with Benkei and the battle of Dan-no-ura. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, 1851-2. Robinson T264.
Fine impression. This is the first state with gradation on the rocks top left. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An extremely rare diptych showing Princess Wakana (left) played by Bando Shuka I and the warriors Genkai Nadaemon played by Arashi Rikan III; Washizu Rokuro played by Arashi Rikaku II; Wachizu Shichoro played by Bando Takesaburo I. The play Shiranui monogatari, “The Tale of the White Embroiderer” was performed at the Kawarazaki Theatre, 2/1853. The story (from a late Edo novel) tells of the feud between Wakana and the Kikuchi clan who killed her family. She is rescued by a spider who gives her the power of spider magic which, with the aid of a spider scroll, enables her to conjure up a giant spider to assist her. Published by Kakumoto-ya Kinjiro. This is the only complete impression I have seen and I can only find one other recorded example (listed in the Kuniyoshi Project).
Fine impression and colour. Small edge binding holes, otherwise fine condition Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original painting showing what is probably the most famous encounter in Japanese mythology: The scene is evening on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto where the twenty year old Benkei ambushes samurai to steal their swords. He is shown approaching the flute-playing Yoshitsune. A fight ensues which Yoshitsune wins due to his leaping ability taught to him by the mountain tengu. Yoshitsune pardons Benkei and they become loyal friends. This painting, in shades of sumi, beautifully evokes the crepuscular gloom. On silk, 7 x 9.5 in; 17.75 x 24.1 cms. Painted c late 1870s. Signed Yoshitoshi with Taiso seal.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A vertical diptych showing Cho Jun, the white stripe in the waves, wrestling in the river with Ri Ki, the black whirlwind. Ronhakucho Chojun kokusempu Riki kochu ni tatakau no zu. The story concerns the river pirate, Ri Ki, who is caught stealing fish by Cho Jun and the ensuing underwater battle. Initially, Ri Ki has the upper hand but Cho Jun challenges him again and they fight until Ri Ki’s compatriots stop the engagement and invite Cho Jun to join their gang. Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1887. This is the extremely rare first state before the publisher and date in left margin. See my blog.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight discolouration to top margins, otherwise fine condition. Full margins all round with ample room for joining. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1886 ) by Akiyama Buemon. Benkei against a full moon. In 1185 Yoshitsune attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, was forced to flee to northern Japan by ship. Sailing along the Inland Sea off the coast of Harima Province not far from Kyoto, the ship was struck by a storm in Daimotsu Bay caused by the vengeful ghosts of the Taira warriors Yoshitsune and his men had slain. Benkei pacified the spirits in the prow of the boat by holding up his string of prayer beads.
Fine impression, colour and condition. (A good guide to the quality of the impression is to look at the outline of Benkei’s face: This fine line started to break down early on.) An impression that has not been in an album: Full margins with very extensive mica. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Itahana from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” 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). One of the best designs from the set. This design is never signed, even, as here, on the first edition. Rare.
Fine impression and colour. This is the first edition with gradation on the river and the river bank. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Ex Pulverer collection and purchased from me in 1974.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The stern of a large sailing-junk and a smaller vessel infront. A poem by Sangi Takamura (Ono no Takamura) from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets” published by Ebine c 1838. Depending which story one reads, either Takamura, who was a customs official for ships trading to and from China, went missing on a mission or was reported for being an extortioner and banished to the Oki Islands. Either way, he was subsequently pardoned. One of the best designs from this fine set. Robinson S19.11 and illustrated in Robinson (1961), no. 59.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Remargined top and bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)
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An interesting large painting, full colour on paper mounted on a wooden frame, 25.5 in; 62cms in diameter showing a bust portrait of a beauty with elaborate coiffure and a white mouse. Although not signed, the attribution is unquestionable, painted between 1767-1773 in Osaka. It appears to have been commissioned to hang in a hairdresser’s or cosmetic shop and has metal eyes at the top. The oxidised silver leaf background was meant to resemble a mirror and the idea of busts reflected in mirrors and silver grounds was later employed by Utamaro and Sharaku. Besides silver, gum and raised painting is applied. Such signboards appear in an illustrated book by Hasegawa Mitsunobu published in Osaka in 1752. This new discovery has been written about by Dr. Yamamoto Yukari in vol.27 of Minzoku Geijutsu (Ethno-Arts) in 2011. Minor surface marks all over but astonishingly good condition given their age and use. Extremely rare.
Status: Sold
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Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A fisherman with a scoop and net seemingly trying to catch the moon’s reflection. One of an excessively rare chuban series with title Toshi gafu no uchi, “Drawing Album for Chinese Poems” printed in red, and sub-title Toshin denshi. Printed in tones of blue except for a light flush on the horizon. Another impression ( trimmed ) was in the Vever collection ( ex Hayashi ), Sotheby’s, Part III, lot 295. Other impressions ( damaged ) are in the BM, ref: 1937, 0710,0,230 and Honolulu Museum of Art, ref: 14463. Hokkei was one of Hokusai’s best pupils and designed many fine surimono.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Daimotsu-no-ura o-kassen. A triptych showing the battle of Dan-no-ura. The clash between the Minamoto (Genji) clans and the Heike (Taira) clans happened in 24/3/1185 when the Taira were defeated by Yoshitsune. He is shown here on the left making his leap pursued by Noritsune. The Imperial barge is in the background. Published by Moriya Jihei, 1856. Robinson T337.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIHIDE (1832-1902)
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A painting in full colour on silk, 33.75 x 14.4 in; 85.6 x 36.6 cms. Shows a beauty after a bath looking down at her mirror. Yoshihide was a pupil of Kuniyoshi. In extremely good condition. Signed and sealed Sesso. Inscription guarantee on inside of box: “Late February in the 56th Year of the Showa era (1981).” Appraised, signed and sealed by Mr Tosuke Kimura.
Status: Sold
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU (1787-1832)
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A European couple in flagrante from a set Yanagi no arashi, “Storm of Willows” published c 1832. This highly unusual shunga print with chiaroscuro modelling is obviously based on imported woodcuts and engravings from Europe. There also exist several other shunga prints showing Dutchmen. See Shunga sex and pleasure in Japanese art, Timothy Clark et al, BM, 2013, no 120, p. 402.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Mica applied to the vulva. The set is unsigned but generally accepted as being by Shigenobu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)
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An interesting large painting, full colour on paper mounted on a wooden frame, 25.5 in; 62cms in diameter showing a bust portrait of a beauty with elaborate coiffure hanging paper acrobats. Although not signed, the attribution is unquestionable, painted between 1767-1773 in Osaka. It appears to have been commissioned to hang in a hairdresser’s or cosmetic shop and has metal eyes at the top. The oxidised silver leaf background was meant to resemble a mirror and the idea of busts reflected in mirrors and silver grounds was later employed by Utamaro and Sharaku. Besides silver, gum and raised painting is applied. Such signboards appear in an illustrated book by Hasegawa Mitsunobu published in Osaka in 1752. This new discovery has been written about by Dr. Yamamoto Yukari in vol.27 of Minzoku Geijutsu (Ethno-Arts) in 2011. Minor surface marks all over but astonishingly good condition given their age and use. Extremely rare.
Status: Sold
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the ghosts of the Taira (Heike) warriors attempting to sink Yoshitsune’s ship off the coast of Settsu on his way to Shikoku. This is one of Kuniyoshi’s great designs – amongst the three or four best triptychs and is illustrated in numerous publications. The scene is the outcome of a great battle at Dan-no-ura where the Minamoto (Genji) clans clashed and defeated the Taira clans a few years earlier. The spirits of the drowned warriors rose up to seek revenge only to be pacified by Benkei reciting exorcisms with his rosary. Published 1849-52 by Enshuya Hikobei. Robinson T242. Rare.
Very good impression and colour although slightly mismatched blue on the first and second sheets. Very good condition. Full size. There appear to be three states of this design: The main difference being in the shape of the ghosts and lines in the waves only on the first state. In this (the second state) the ghosts lack some of the features that are on the first and a large spirit appears above the wave over the ship on the centre panel. The third state has further differences in the ghosts and lacks this figure. Also, the colour of the boat gets greyer. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 21, 22, 23, and 24 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 9, 20, 18, and 19 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
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An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 14, 15, 16, and 17 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 10, 11, 12 and 13 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 5, 6, 7, and 8 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Terasawa MASATSUGU (active c 1760-1790)
Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size.
An original two-sided sumi block for printing pages 1, 2, 3, and 4 for the shunga book Aya no odamaki, “A Twist of Figured Cloth.” (See Sex and the Floating World, Timoin Screech, BM, 1999, p. 32-33.) The book was published in 1776. Also illustrated and described in Eiri Shunga Ehon Mokuroku, Tokyo 2007, p. 79. Extremely rare. Sold “as is” with imperfections (mostly wormage). See my blog.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
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A wonderful chuban shunga print showing a young suitor leaning across an engawa and interrupting a beauty playing a shamisen by partially lifting her robe. They are surrounded by flowering bushes and a meandering stream. A rare design I cannot, at the moment, locate being illustrated. Published c. late 1760s.
Very fine impression on thick hosho. Extremely fine colour. Slight oxidation, otherwise fine condition.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A matron with lover. A shunga sheet from the extremely rare de-luxe edition of the Fukujuso, “The Adonis Plant.” The blocks were re-carved, the text deleted, a mica ground added, and sumptuous hand-colouring applied and was renamed Nami chidori, “Plovers Above the Waves.” This was a costly exercise and was obviously directed at a few wealthy clients. Hokusai’s best shunga set with large figures often completely filling the space. Published c 1820. Another example illustrated in Richard Lane, Hokusai, Life And Work, Barrie & Jenkins, 1989, no. 224, p. 168.
Fine impression. Wonderful fresh carefully hand-applied colour with mica ground. Album backing. Centre fold (as usual) and slight soil to corner. But otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold