Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A sheet of original studies, sumi on thin paper, 10.5 x 15 in; 26.6 x 38 cms. Of particular interest and importance is the self-portrait in the upper right, This is another version of the famous self-portrait at the age of 83 (1842) sent to his publisher. Illustrated in Hokusai Drawings, J. Hiller, Phaidon, 1966, ill. No. 110 from the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden, Netherlands. Provenance: Ex Henri Vever collection, seal bottom right.
One small wormhole, otherwise in very good condition.
Status: Sold
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Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A sheet of original sumi drawings laid onto Japanese paper, 14 x 8 in; 35.5 x 20.1 cms.: Four being preliminary designs for the book: Ehon teikin orai, “Communication of Home Precepts” published in three volumes by Eijudo in 1828 (second and third vols n.d.). Together with a small study of a frog (with Hayashi seal). Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, sold at the Hayashi sale, L’Hotel Drouot, 2nd June, 1902, lot 44. There exist drawings copied from these books. However, the drawings here show Hokusai indicating areas of, for example, foliage or flooring, which are then completed in detail by a pupil or block-copyist for the block-cutter. Obviously drawings copied from the book show these finished details. Laid around edges on old mount. Sold “as is” with minor imperfections.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A sheet of original sumi drawings laid onto Japanese paper, 13 x 8 in; 33 x 20.1 cms.: Four being preliminary designs for the book: Ehon teikin orai, “Communication of Home Precepts” published in three volumes by Eijudo in 1828 (second and third vols n.d.). Together with a study of persimmons. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, sold at the Hayashi sale, L’Hotel Drouot, 2nd June, 1902, lot 45. There exist drawings copied from these books. However, the drawings here show Hokusai indicating areas of, for example, foliage or flooring, which are then completed in detail by a pupil or block-copyist for the block-cutter. Obviously drawings copied from the book show these finished details. Laid around edges on old mount. Sold “as is” with minor imperfections.
Status: Sold
Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)
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A fine original drawing in sumi and colour for the series Hana kurabe, “A Comparison of Flowers” published by Shugyokudo between c 1875 – 1890. The set of 120 prints was issued in groups of 12 enclosed in paper wrappers. This design shows a group of what are possibly thistles. On thin paper, 7.5 x 10.5 in; 19 x 26.5 cms.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original oban drawing by Yoshitoshi (an hanshita-e). A design for an unpublished set, probably showing an episode in the Satsuma Rebellion where a group of disenfranchised samurai rebelled. Probably executed c. 1877.
Fine condition. One area of pentimenti.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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An original sumi drawing on thin paper, 9 x 13.25 in; 22.9 x 33.6 cms, showing a reclining warrior, his sword resting on his shoulder. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection, seal bottom left corner. Exhibited and sold at an exhibition: Hokusai, Prints, Paintings, Drawings and Illustrated Books held at the Hugh Moss gallery, London, 10 -25th May, 1972, no 112. The exhibition was curated by Jack Hillier who wrote the forward. Top left corner restored, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An original drawing in sumi with light red under-drawing, 9.75 x 6.75 in; 24.7 x 17.2 cms, on thin paper laid onto card. Shows a general looking down on a castle. Slight foxing. Sold “as is.” Ex Tikotin collection, seal bottom right.
Status: Sold
Kishi GANTAI (1782-1865)
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A superb large gajo (11 x 8 in; 28 x 20.4 cms) of tour de force paintings folding out to comprise: 17 two-sheet designs; 16 four-sheet designs; 5 six-sheet designs; 1 ten-sheet design, making a total of 138 sheets in sumi and light colour on paper. Gantai was the son and pupil of Ganku, and together with his brother, Renzan, carried on the Kishi school tradition. With his father, worked on the paintings for the new Kanazawa Castle in 1809. A highly accomplished painter, especially of kachoga. A variety of subjects are covered in this album, many of them the standard repertoire required of such artists to show their skill.
In extremely good condition with high quality boards and gold end papers. Signed Chikuzennosuke Gantai with seals Gantai and Kunchin.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A fine original sumi drawing (hanshita-e) of oban size for an unpublished set: Eiyu kumiuchi zu, “Collection of Heroes in Combat.” Has a date seal for 1856. Sumi and light colour with pentimenti on thin paper. Shows the protagonists Satsuma no Kami Tadanori, a famous general of the Taira Clan, in combat with Okabe Rokuyata Tadasumi of the Minamoto Clan during the Genpei wars of 1180-1185.
In extremely good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A fine original sumi drawing (hanshita-e) of oban size for an unpublished set, c. 1856. Sumi and light colour with extensive pentimenti on thin paper. Shows two samurai in combat. In extremely good condition.
Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An original preliminary oban sumi drawing for an unpublished set. Shows a young woman teaching a child to play the shamisen and how to use the plectrum (bachi). With intended series title: Osana musume keiko awase, “Teaching the Arts to a Young Girl.” And sub-title: Imouto e oshieru no zu, “Picture of Teaching a Younger Sister.” A particularly interesting drawing as it shows the spontaneity of the initial concept. Kunisada may have made a further more detailed sketch but a final very detailed drawing was needed for the block-cutter to follow accurately and this would have been given to a pupil to undertake. For obvious reasons, these drawings did not survive.
In very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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An original hanshita-e entitled: Hanayagura, Tenno Matsuri. This famous festival takes place in July in Tsushima, Aichi, with boats floating down the Tenno River. Shows a festival participant with a lion mask. Sumi with touches of red on thin paper with pentimenti to face.
In good condition. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original harimaze-e drawing (two or more images on a single page originally intended to be cut apart). Sumi on paper. Intended for a set of such prints of the complete Tokaido. This sheet shows five stations: Shono (horse); Ishiyakushi (cherry blossom); Kuwana (oysters and cockles); Asakusa (the tori of a temple and visitor); Yokkaichi (boats in the bay). Provenance: Ex H. Beres collection, sold Sothebys, Paris, 25/11/2003, lot 168. Minor faults, but all congruent with an original drawing that has survived. Signed Hiroshige bottom right.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Fl. c. 1850-1880)
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An original hanshita-e triptych drawing for an unpublished print: Okehazama daikassen no zue, “The Great Battle of Okehazama.” Shows Imagawa Yoshimoto being attacked by Hattori Koheita and Mori Shinsuke and killed. The battle was in June 1560. The intended print was to be published by Kiya Sojiro and has the publisher’s mark on the drawing as well as the censor seal for 1866.
Sumi on thin paper with extensive pentimenti. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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An original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 14.5 x 10.5 in; 37 x 27 cms, laid onto Japanese card. Shows a standing warrior with his sword drawn: A common subject in Hokusai’s oeuvre.
In very good condition.
Status: Sold
UNSEN
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The dates for Unsen are not known but he was working in the early Meiji period. This original hanshita-e shows Imperial troops defeating the rebellion during the Shimabara riot. (The events took place in 1637/8 although contemporary uniforms and artillery are shown. Comments on topical subjects were often “masked” by being set in a different period.)) A well drawn triptych in good condition using pentimenti. Signed Unsen hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Active c 1849-1867)
A five-sheet original drawing (hanshita-e) showing a parade of beauties before a wicker fence and blossom. Bigyoku imayo hanazoroi, “An Assortment of Modern Beautiful Gems as Flowers.” Nice brushwork on the sumptuous kimonos. Sumi with sumi wash and light touches of red on thin Japanese paper laid onto further thin Japanese paper. Each sheet signed Ichikawa Yoshikazu ga. Sold “as is” with all imperfections, but in good condition.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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An original hanshita-e drawing showing actors in different roles; above as a warrior and beneath in an onnagata role. Sumi and red on thin paper. Image size 12.5 x 6 in, 31.5 x 15 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Good condition.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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An original hanshita-e drawing possibly showing Kagekiyo breaking prison. Sumi on thin paper. Image size 13 x 6.5 in, 33 x 16.5 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Numerous indications for the printer for the colours to be used. One hole, otherwise good condition.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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An original hanshita-e drawing probably showing Danjuro IX as Benkei. Sumi with light touches of pink and blue on thin paper, image size 12.75 x 6.5 in, 32.5 x 16.5 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). In good condition.
Status: Sold
Mizuno TOSHIKATA (1866–1908)
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A fine original drawing for the first sheet of a published triptych by Yoshitoshi for the set Dai Nippon shiryaku showing the naval battle of Dannoura in the reign of Antoku, the 80th Emperor. Published 20/4/1880. The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata” and is dated Meiji kano-e tatsu, 1880. Why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata.
Status: Sold
Mizuno TOSHIKATA (1866–1908)
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A fine original drawing for the first sheet of an unpublished ( ?) triptych by Yoshitoshi showing the king of the Tengu, Dai Sojobo, teaching martial arts to the young Yoshitsune. Drawn c 1880. The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata.” It has more detail than the BM example but why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
S
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An original drawing showing two beauties: One drying her hair, the other about to enter a mosquito net. Sumi on thin paper. 13 x 15.5 in., 33 x 40 cms.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A large original drawing showing a beauty on a balcony. In the distance another figure on another balcony. Possibly a study for a painting. Sumi and red under-drawing on thin paper. 15.25 x 25.5 in., 38.5 x 65 cms.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka SETTEI (1710-1786)
Four original paintings on silk. An artist who developed a style somewhere between Moronobu and Sukenobu. Well known for his elegant erotica painted with great refinement. Sizes vary from 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 12.75 in; 32.5 cms. to 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 11.5 in; 29 cms. Full colour and obviously taken from a hand scroll of 12 such paintings. Mounted onto gold-flecked paper. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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The ronin Yada Gorosaemon Suketake. A snow scene showing him facing an adversary with sword raised. From a fine set of twelve half length portraits of the forty-seven ronin: Seicho gishi shozo, “Portraits of Faithful Samurai of True Loyalty.” The depictions borrow strongly from western portraiture including imitation western script in the green border of the title cartouche. It is not necessary to repeat the story here as it is the best known Japanese tale. Published by Sumiyoshiya Masagoro, 12/1852.
Fine impression. Fine colour. Full size with extra paper left and top. Slight soil left margin, otherwise fine condition. Extensive splashed gofun to imitate snow. The printing on this set is exceptional with details such as the sword blades and title cartouches burnished. Signed Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Awabe or tokobushi, abalone or “sea-ear” ( Haliotus tuberculata ) and sayori, Japanese half-beak or snioe-fish ( Hemirhamphus sayori ), Together with peach blossom. Poems by Kumogaki Fujimi and Miwagaki Mimiki. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Extremely rare early state before the kiwame and large Eijudo seal. Kruml a/b
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kurodai, black sea bream ( Acantho pagus schlegeli ) and akadai, red bream ( Pagus tumifrons ) together with bamboo shoots and Japanese pepper. Poems by Tomigaki Uchiyasu and Kaoan Hoshi.. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market.
Fine, early impression before the grey block defect on the tail of the black sea bream. Full size. Kruml 10b. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Ise-ebi, spiny lobster or crawfish ( family Panulirus ) and shiba-ebi, shrimps. Poems by Ryokujuen Motoari and Toshihiro Machikado. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market.
Very good impression and colour. Full size. Kruml 4c. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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A Chinese brigand ( Shinwa-Yi ? ) hanging onto a rock in a fast-flowing river. Above and below him other submerged protagonists. From an early set: Tsuzoku sangokushi yeiyu no ichi-ni, “Popular Heroes of the History of the Three Kingdoms.” Published c. 1837 by Joshuya Kinzo. Extremely rare: Not known to Robinson ( S.10 ) who only lists 8 prints ( including a key-block proof ) from this set. Possibly unrecorded.
Very fine impression, colour and condition ( proof state ). Full size with extra paper all round. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A large and important painting showing a view of the Sumida River through the piles of the Ryogoku Bridge. In the distance the ofunagura, “boat houses,” boats on the river and the Shogun’s official horses – goyouba – being taken out by samurai to the shoal outside the ofunagura-mae, the Shogun’s dock, to be cooled off. This masterpiece appears to be from a series of views of the Sumida as there is another – a view of Mimeguri, Sumida river bank in snow – in the Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art. The size, signature and seal is the same. Sumi and light colour on paper, 21.25 in; 54 cms. x 37 in; 94 cms. In very good condition. Old mount and box. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Taki KATEI (1830-1904)
A fine and decorative painted silk folding hand-fan by the Meiji artist Taki Katei. He lived in Tokyo and studied painting under Araki Kankai; also studied Chinese painting in Nagasaki. A fine kacho-ga painter. He contributed a lot to the medium of books and was the principle artist on three gafu: Kokotan gato, 1883; Kacho gafu, 1883 and Tanjo ippan, 1887. Shows a Japanese lobster, sea bream and shells with various flowers on one side and a hydrangea in a Chinese basket with various lilies on the other. The fan is in very good condition; the silk flecked with gold; the ribs are bamboo, the exterior decorated with floral designs in raised lacquer. The fan is contained within what is probably the original brocade case and has the original tassles. Fully open the fan measures 20.5 in; 52 cms. across and 11.25 in; 8.5 cms. in height. Fully signed and sealed on both sides Katei Taki.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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An important original painting showing a taro plant and balloon flowers. This statuesque plant is known as the village potato in Japan ( satoimo ) for its edible corms and “elephant ears” when grown ornamentally. Above is a poem by Ota Shokusanjin ( Ota Nampo ), a famous late Edo period poet and writer. The poem reads:
Aki chikoo saitsuru hanano koikaze ni
Kaburiwo fureru imoha arashina
Shokusanjin
Interestingly, Shokusanjin’s calligraphy is often at a slant. Why this should be I cannot say. The taro appears in other Hokusai paintings and there is another close version of this painting illustrated in the Special Exhibition, Hokusai, Nagoya City Museum, 1991.10.26 – 1991.11.24, no. 210. Hokusai often duplicated subjects as he was near to destitution many times. The painting employs the tarashi- komi – Rimpa technique of colours dripped or brushed into wet ink. Sumi and light colour on silk, 42.5 in; 108 cms x 11 in; 28 cms. Newly remounted and in fine condition with new box and futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). Signed Iitsu hitsu with seal Iitsu. Sold together with what is probably the original box.
Status: Sold
Sugimura JIHEI (Fl. c. 1680-1698)
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The most prolific of Moronobu’s pupils and was originally confused with him, but now properly identified as a separate artist. Produced some of the finest erotic designs. A couple in flagrante beneath a sumptuous duvet. Published c. mid 1680’s.
A large oban ( 11in; 27cms x 14.5in; 36.75cms ).
Good impression. Some restorations but generally good condition. Partially hand-coloured. Unsigned ( as usual ).
Status: Sold
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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An extremely rare triptych: Sunshu Moho kokai chu no Fuji. Shows the paddle-steamer Daikokuya ploughing through the Sea of Miho, Suruga Province. The first rays of the sun hit the top of Mount Fuji. Kiyochika was an interesting artist: Although mainly self-taught, he also studied photography in Yokohama with Shimaoka Renjo and then the rudiments of western-style oil painting with the English correspondent, cartoonist, and painter Charles Wirgman. The influence of imported lithographs and etchings is evident in this print. Published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1878.
Very fine impression of the first edition with strong variegation in the sky, top left. Fine colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kobayashi Kiyochika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Hosoda EISHI (1756-1829)
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A fine original painting by one of the best known Ukiyo-e artists. This high ranking individual produced some of the most refined prints during the late 1780s and the 1790s. He had many pupils including Eisho, Eiri and Eisui. Shows a standing beauty painted c. late 1790s. One hand adjusts a hairpin, while the other holds a partly concealed letter. Image size 35.25 x 13 in; 89.5 x 33 cms. Exquisitely painted in full colour on silk. In very good condition with futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ) and fine new mount and box. Signed Chobunsai Eishi hitsu with Eishi seal.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus being approached by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante aided by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (active c. 1684-1695)
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A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante, the huge duvet slipping off their bodies. Published c. mid 1680s.
Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned.
Status: Sold