Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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An original hanshita-e drawing showing actors in different roles; the one above as a warrior, and beneath as a commoner. Sumi and touches of red on thin paper. Image size 14 x 6 in, 35.5 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

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    Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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    An original hanshita-e drawing showing an actor with sword raised and voluminous red hair. Sumi and red on thin paper, image size 11.5 x 5.75 in, 30 x 14.5 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 on the colours to be used. In good condition.

    Status: Sold

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      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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      An original hanshita-e drawing presumably showing Kintaro with a monkey, pheasant and dog. A lovely preparatory sketch in sumi and pink on thin paper, image size 13 x 6.25 in, 33 x 16 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

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        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)



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        A vertical diptych showing a multitude of cranes flying up from a cresting wave to a large red sun. In fact this diptych was used by an Edo publisher as end sheets to albums – usually sets of Hiroshige landscapes. Rare: Invariably it is impossible to match the two sheets as the bottom design is always graded blue at the top. Another matching impression is illustrated pl. 143 in Four Hundred Ukiyoe Woodblock Prints From The Museum Of Art, Rhode Island School Of Design, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Collection Of Japanese Prints, 1990. Published 5/1858.

        Fine impression and colour. Small expertly repaired binding holes, otherwise good condition. Collector’s seal bottom right on each sheet. Signed Hiroshige fude.

        Status: Sold

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          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)



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          Azuma no Mori no koji “ The Old Story of Azuma” from a set Toto kyuseki tsukushi, “Old Edo Stories, Illustrated.” Exceptionally rare: Four other designs from the set came up at the Orange and Thornicraft sale, Sothebys, 25/3/1912, lot 440. And another impression of this design is illustrated in Hiroshige, The Albuquerque Museum, 1983, no. 722, pl. 74. Shows the concubine Tachibana Hime about to throw herself from the prow of the boat to appease the sea-gods and protect her lord Yamato Take. This she did despite him vowing to marry Miyazu Hime on his return. Published by Wakasa-ya, c 1845. A wonderful design.

          Fine impression, colour and condition. Almost mint. Signed Hiroshige ga.

          Status: Sold

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            Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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            A triptych with title Furyu ningyo zu, “Pictures of Dolls in Contemporary Fashion.” There was a craze for these lifelike dolls in the 1850s ( this triptych being dated 2/1856 ). In fact Kuniyoshi designed another print in the same year of the centre subject Tammeijiro Genshogo being captured. This impression appears to be the only known copy: Not listed anywhere. Unidentified publisher. An original hanshita-e for the first sheet exists in the Victoria & Albert Museum, illustrated in Japanese Colour Prints, Edward F. Strange, 1913, pl. XLII.

            Very fine impression and colour. Possibly very slightly trimmed round. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

            Status: Sold

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              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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              An important original oban wood-block for printing the last sheet of a triptych Gishi youchi rannyu no zu, the night attack of the forty-seven Ronin. The block was cut by Hori Cho and published by Fujikei, 4/1864. The only Yoshitoshi block I have seen. Sold together with the published print in indifferent condition. Block in good condition.

              Status: Sold




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                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                A nagaban ( 20 x 9 in; 51 x 23 cms ) print showing a rear view of General Bacho ( Chinese Ma Chao ) on horseback carrying a huge axe. One of the Five Tiger Generals, heroes of the Chinese Ming Dynasty “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” A set of five prints with title Goku saishiki go hon nobori no uchi, “Five Brightly Coloured Banners.” Published by Moriya Jihei, c 1835-7 and complements another nagaban set of the same date but showing female warriors. Extremely rare, partly due to their size.

                Fine impression and colour. Minor soil towards bottom and almost undiscernable centre fold. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                Status: Sold

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                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)



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                  Masaki atari yori Suijin no mori uchikawa Sekiya no sata o miru zu, “View of Suijin Grove and Sekiya Village, Seen From Near Masaki” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being Snake 8, 1857 ). One of the great designs from the set, the view encapsulated by a semi-circular screen.

                  Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour. One very small thinned spot, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                  Status: Sold

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                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)



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                    Konodai Tonegawa fukei, “View of Konodai and the Tone River” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being Dragon 5, 1856 ). Shows the river disappearing in the distance with Mt Fuji on the horizon. The scene being admired by three travellers on the rocky outcrop at left.

                    Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                    Status: Sold

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                      Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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                      A view of two temples separated by water: Mimeguri and Ushi-no Misaka. From an early set of thirteen prints with title Shimpan uki-e, “New Perspective Prints,” published by Iseya Rihei, 1811. ( Although various dates are given between 1804 and 1810 for the series, in fact at least three have Yama-To gyoji seals.) Illustrated in Katsushika Hokusai, the catalogue of the Peter Morse collection at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, 1988, no. 50. Interestingly, there are other designs in the same format using the same title cartouche and of the same date but by Toyokuni I and Kunitora.

                      Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Later editions have considerably coarser colouring. Signed Hokusai ga.

                      Status: Sold

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                        Cho GESSHO (1772-1832)



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                        An original painting showing an autumnal scene with a woodcutter carrying an axe and about to cross a bridge over a river that flows down from paddy fields with steep cliffs above. In the mid-distance a man on a bullock. Gessho was the son of a kakemono-mounter and, after studying with Goshun and Gessen in Kyoto, moved to Nagoya, where he stayed to become the leading artist with Baiitsu and Kinkoku. Well known for haiga and kyoka anthologies such as Fukei gaso and Zoku koya bunko. Sumi and colour on silk. Image size 38.25 x 13 in; 97 x 33 cms. Very good condition. Old mount and box with inscription Shusansui Gessho ga ifuku ( “one scroll” ). Signed Gessho with seals Yukisada ( Gyotei ).

                        Status: Sold




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                          Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)



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                          Cats, one astonished by a painting on an easel of a rooster and chicken, the other pawing at the image and having upset a palette, throwing brushes and tubes of paint into the air. From a set of at least nine oban prints published by Matsuki c. 1879 – 81. These prints mimic imported lithographs and etchings and are exceptionally rare. There are also very misleading copies of this series.

                          Fine impression with gauffrage on the left cat. Fine colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Totally untrimmed. No known example has a signature, although other designs from the set are known with information running horizontally and with signature.

                          Status: Sold

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                            Utagawa YOSHIIKU ( 1833-1904 )



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                            No. 82, Goto Matabei Mototsugu stopping a cannon shot with his shield from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “ Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki.” A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1/1867. One of the four best designs from the set.

                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chokaro Yoshiiku ga.

                            Status: Sold

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                              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.

                              Very good impression and colour. Full margins with extensive mica. Offsetting visible au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                              Status: Sold

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                                Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)



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                                The cat witch Ama Myochin. The best design from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi, biographies of the Eight Dog heroes. She peeps between two bamboo curtains, the silhouette of her true self – large hairy body and huge claws – being revealed through the curtains. Cherry blossom floats down. Published 1852 by Tsutaya Kichizo. The Hakkenden, Bakin’s famous novel, was a popular source for ukiyo-e artists.

                                Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed round. Signed Ichiyosai Kunisada ga.

                                Status: Sold

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                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)



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                                  Oniwakamaru, the young Benkei, battling with the giant red carp that swallowed his mother. From a set Yoshitsune ichidai zu. Of the utmost rarity: Stewart in Subjects Portrayed in Japanese Colour-Prints, Kegan Paul, 1922, p. 318, states that only one design ( not this ) was known at that time. It is unknown how many prints were designed for this set. Published c. 1845. A wonderful design and shows that Hiroshige could excel in other areas apart from landscapes.

                                  Fine impression and colour. Slight discolouration in margins, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.

                                  Status: Sold

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                                    Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)



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                                    MAY in romaji from a set of the twelve months, Junikagetsu no uchi, although this is the only known design for the set. One of Kyosai’s best designs. Shows Shoki, the “Demon Queller” riding a tiger and brandishing his two-edged sword at a group of terrified oni. Shoki ( Chinese: Chung K’wei ) was lauded for having relieved the Emperor Ming Hwang of the fever demon during his sleep. A favourite subject for Japanese artists, although mostly ignored by the Chinese. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Paintings of Shoki were hung on Boy’s Day ( 5th day of the 5th month ). Hence Kyosai choosing this subject for MAY.

                                    Fine impression and colour. Trimmed at bottom, otherwise very good condition: This design is notorious for often being heavily trimmed and consequently for the three sheets not aligning properly. And also for being trimmed into the title at right. Signed Kyosai ga.

                                    Status: Sold

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                                      Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                      Shinchunagon Tomomori clasping the great anchor and binding the rope about him prior to jumping into the sea after his defeat at the battle of Dannoura. From an untitled series of at least seventeen prints. This design published by Yamashiroya Heisuke, c. 1845. Extremely rare: Ex Robinson collection and illustrated by him in colour in Kuniyoshi, Phaidon, 1982, pl. 13, SIf.7. Sold by me to Robinson in 1980 and at that time it was the only impression he had seen. I have subsequently not seen another.

                                      Fine impression and colour. Trimmed round slightly and small repaired binding holes at right. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                      Status: Sold

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                                        Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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                                        A fine long surimono with poems attached showing horsetails, fern fronds and kuzu ( arrowroot ) lying in and around a lady’s travelling hat with silk cushion and the two red cords for tying. Of the utmost rarity: other impressions in TNMC, no. 3708 ( without poems ? ); Matthi Forrer, Hokusai, no. 67, p. 64 ( with poems ); Surimono: Prints by Elbow, Edythe Polster and Alfred Marks, 1979, Lovejoy Press, F-D 1933-4-2680, p. 267, ( without poems ? ). But miscatalogued as a bowl with green vine and plants. Ex Hayashi; and evidently an impression in the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, Jingumae, Tokyo. There is also a Hokusai square surimono of the same subject illustrated in The Art of Surimono, Roger Keyes, 198, p. 226. Issued 1801. A beautiful print.

                                        Fine impression. Very good colour. Minor marks. The inevitable folds hardly discernable: These surimono were folded three times, once horizontally and twice vertically to form a neat packet. The facing text ( announcement or poems ) were an irritation to many early collectors and were trimmed off, making this example even rarer. Otherwise very good condition. Signed Gakojin Hokusai utsushi.

                                        Status: Sold




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                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)



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                                          Awabi or tokobushi, abalone or “sea-ear” and sayori, Japanese half-beak or snipe-fish, together with peach blossom from the first series of ten prints published by Eijudo, c. 1832-4.

                                          Good impression. Very good colour. Slight creasing, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga.

                                          Status: Sold

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                                            Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)



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                                            One of the most majestic landscape sets: Shokoku takimeguri, “Travelling Around the Waterfall Country.” A series of eight waterfalls, this being the Kirifuri, “Falling Mist” fall that cascades down Kurokami mountain in Shimotsuke Province. Shimotsuke Kurokamiyama Kirifuri no taki. Pilgrims from Nikko admire the fall, one with Eijudo’s seal ( the publisher ) on his back; another with “Ei” on his back. Published c. 1832. Interestingly, there is a clever set of copies of this set, fully discussed in Oriental Art, Summer 1972, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, pp. 141 – 147 by Roger Keyes.

                                            Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed around: These designs are martyrs to trimming being slightly over-sized and few impressions are truly full size, otherwise very good condition. Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.

                                            Status: Sold

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                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                              The sea shore at Izu from the set Fuji sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” The series published by Sanoya Kihei, 1852. This chuban set is now recognised as one of Hiroshige’s finest series and this is the best design. Late editions are not known which probably partly explains why the set was overlooked as it has always been rare. The heaving sea produces a wave that mimics the outline of Fuji.

                                              Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                              Status: Sold

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                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                Sakanoshita fudesute mine, “The Peak of Fudesute Mountain from Sakanoshita.” Fudesute means to “throw away brush” which alludes to the story of the artist Motonobu Kano who, unable to capture the beauty of this view, threw his brush away. From the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c. 1833-4.

                                                Fine impression and colour. The seals very crisp. Very early impression: much better than the example in Ukiyoe Taikei. ( First edition ? ) Probably no other set went into so many reprints and there are a plethora of coarse impressions extant. Proof of how popular the designs were with the public. Indeed, it is stated that the first two hundred sets sold out in a matter of hours. Slight edge soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                Status: Sold

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                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                  Otsu hashirii chamise, “The Running Well Teahouse at Otsu” from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c. 1833-4. Shows the teahouse with the eponymous well at far left. So-called because of the water that gushed from it. Rice cakes in Otsu borrowed the name and were called Shirii rice cakes. This is the extremely rare first state of the first edition with the mountain in the background ( missing on all later editions ) and gradation on the tea house roofs. Ukiyoe Taikei, vol. 14, no 54 shows the first edition but second state without gradation. Other first editions were in the Happer sale, Sothebys, 26/4/1909, lot 141 and Metzger auction, AA Galleries, NY, 13/11/1916, lot 157.

                                                  Fine impression with very crisp seals and the mountain beautifully graded in grey ( some impressions being in blue ). Probably no other set went into so many reprints and there are a plethora of coarse impressions extant. Proof of how popular the designs were with the public. Indeed, it is stated that the first two hundred sets sold out in a matter of hours. Fine colour. Slight thinning in centre with backing support and small repairs top and bottom margins, but generally very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                    Katsukawa SHUN’EI (1762-1819)



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                                                    An original Shun’ei brush drawing showing the Soga brothers revenge on Suketsune in his tent. This appears to be a preliminary design for a print illustrated in Ukiyoe meihan, 500 Ukiyoe Masterpieces, no. 85, p. 39 but with the figures facing the other way. The print published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c. 1798. On thin Japanese paper, 14.75 x 10.5 in, 37.5 x 26.5 cms. Fully signed Shun’ei ga. Sold “as is” with all imperfections. Drawings of this period are rare.

                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1787-1858)



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                                                      An original Hiroshige brush drawing of an aji ( also muroaji ), horse-mackerel; awabi, abalone, and two ginger roots. On thin Japanese paper, 9 x 6.75 in, 22.9 x 17 cms. Beautifully signed Hiroshige hitsu. Probably a small present for a friend. Ex collections Hayashi ( seal bottom right ) and Oeder. Very good condition.

                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                        Shibata ZESHIN (1807-1891)



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                                                        Two ehon complete with title on red slips: Shibata Zeshin gafu, “Picture Book by Shibata Zeshin, Shohan.” Original stippled yellow covers. Inside page: Ehon yamato nishiki no uchi, Shibata Zeshin sensei gafu. Toto Kikado zo. Twenty designs by Zeshin from the collection of Kikado of Tokyo. This appears to be the first edition and the designs were reprinted many times and some also incorporated into compilations with other contemporary artists. No date. Opening out to 9 x 11.5 in, 22 x 29.5 cms.

                                                        All, apart from two, fine early impressions. Fine colour. Slight edge soil on two sheets. Residue glue on fold of last design and slight edge crease on two sheets but otherwise very good condition. Most sheets signed Zeshin.

                                                        Status: Sold




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                                                          Ittosai MASANOBU (active c1849-1853)




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                                                          The actor Kataoka Gado II as Honchomaru Tsunagoro in the play Honcho itoya no musume performed at the Chikugo theatre in 8/1849. From the set: Date kurabe kyokaku den, “A Comparison of the Stylishness of Famous Gallants”.

                                                           

                                                          Fine deluxe surimono-style impression and colour. Margin trimmed to black line at left, otherwise fine condition on deluxe hosho. Signed Kunimasa monjin Masuharu ga ( “Masanobu pupil of Kunimasu” ).

                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                            MASUHARU (active c1840-1850)




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                                                            The actor Arashi Rikan III as Ukiyo Tohei in the kabuki play Sendai Hagi performed at the Onishi theatre in 3/1848. From the set: Date kurabe kyokaku den, “A Comparison of the Stylishness of Famous Gallants”.

                                                             

                                                            Fine deluxe surimono-style impression and colour. Margin trimmed a little at top, otherwise fine condition on deluxe hosho. Signed Kunimasa monjin Masuharu ga ( “Masuharu pupil of Kunimasu” )

                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                              Mushashino no tsuki, “The Moon on Musashi Plain ” from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1892 ) by Akiyama Buemon. One of the three best designs from the set and the one that relies most on the printer’s art – using extensive bokashi. The fox was capable of transmogrifying into human form and vice versa and was popular in Japanese folklore.

                                                              Very fine impression with beautiful gradation of the earliest printings on the grasses around the fox. ( See Beauty & Violence, 1992, 54.97, p. 75 for an example of the more prosaic later printing. ) Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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                                                                Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino on the roof of the pavilion Horyukaku fighting Kenpachi. A fine set based on Bakin’s Hakkenden, entitled “A Parody of the Hakkenden” published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1883. A rare series that shows, even at this late date, there are flashes of brilliance.

                                                                Very fine impression of the first de-luxe edition with silver and beautiful bokashi. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu.

                                                                Status: Sold

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                                                                  Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)



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                                                                  Nakamura Shikan II as Inuyama Dosetsu battling with Inukai Kenpachi. A fine set based on Bakin’s Hakkenden entitled “A Parody of the Hakkenden” published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1883. A rare series that shows, even at this late date, there are flashes of brilliance.

                                                                  Very fine impression of the first de-luxe edition with extensive burnishing and silver. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu.

                                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                                    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                    The best design from Rien kyokaku-den, ” The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Shows the actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro as Danshichi, a fishmonger and otokodate ( “chivalrous commoner” ) in the play Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami. “Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka.” He is shown washing off the mud from his heavily tattooed body after killing Giheiji. Published 1863 by Hiranoya Shinzo.

                                                                    Superb impression of the first de-luxe edition with every embellishment: mica, embossing and the finest pigments. Fine colour. Very slight trimming and light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Nanajuhachi sai ( “78 year old” ) Toyokuni hitsu.

                                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                                      Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                      Arashi Kichisaburo III as the bandit Akatsuki Hoshigoro, the son of of Nitta Yoshisada. Originally performed as Yotuya kaidan Chushingura. One of the best designs from Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” A night scene showing the bandit seated on the back of a giant bat, a large spider’s web above and holding a lantern in his right hand. Published by Hirayano Shinzo, 1863.

                                                                      Superb impression, colour and condition. The deluxe first edition on thick hosho and every refinement of printing using the finest pigments, burnishing, mica and gofun. Signed The 78 year old Toyokuni hitsu.

                                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                                        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                        The best design from Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” Shows the actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Mo’un Kokushi. The story is based on the Takizawa Bakin and Hokusai Chinsetsu yumiharizuki. The magician is seated on a rocky promontory with exploding rocks emanating from behind his head. A stunning design. Published by Hirayano Shinzo, 1863.

                                                                        Superb impression, colour and condition. The deluxe first edition on thick hosho and every refinement of printing using the finest pigments, burnishing, mica and gofun. Extra paper at left and top. Signed The 79 year old Toyokuni hitsu.

                                                                        Status: Sold

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                                                                          Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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                                                                          The best design from Kenjo reppuden, “Stories of Wise and Virtuous Women.” Shows Hatsuhana doing penance under the Tonozawa waterfall fulfilling a vow made on behalf of her sick husband, Katsugoro. She dies from the experience but Katsugoro is cured and kills his brother’s murderer near the waterfall observed by Hatsuhana’s ghost. Published c 1842 by Ibaya Sensaburo.

                                                                          Very good impression, colour and condition. Completely untrimmed with extra paper showing all round. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

                                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                                            Teisai HOKUBA (1771-1844)



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                                                                            Three courtesans watching clients leaving in light rain. One of Hokusai’s best pupils; a fine painter and illustrator of kyoka books.

                                                                            Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hokuba ga.

                                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                                              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                              The actor Bando Mitsugoro III as Washi no Osaburo disguised as Yamagatsu Kumao in Kawaranu hana Genji no kaomise performed at the Ichikawa Theatre in 11/1827. The left sheet of a surimono triptych probably issued for the new year of 1828. The complete set is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London ( E.3909-1916 ). A variant of the Kabujki play Seki no to in which two actors battle with giant axes.

                                                                              Fine impression with gold and silver. Slight fading, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)



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                                                                                A beauty holding a fan. Dated and signed top right: Taisho jusannen shichigatsu Shinsui saku, “Taisho 13 [ 1924 ], July, work of Shinsui.” Published by Watanabe Shozaburo. Mica ground.

                                                                                Fine impression and colour. Minor soil extreme left bottom corner, otherwise very good condition.

                                                                                Status: Sold

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