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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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Washing the Hair ( aka Tresses ). A large print ( 49.3 x 35 cms; 19.5 x 13.75 inches ) published in 1953 to celebrate the artist’s being made an “Intangible Cultural Property” in 1952. Shinsui supervised the printing and a mica ground was used, the usual symbol of a special edition. The figure closely follows the right-hand figure on his painted two-fold screen called Tresses ( 1949 ). The quality and simplicity harks back to his finest early work. Number 28 of a limited edition published by the Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties, Tokyo and cut and printed by the Japanese Association for Publishing Woodblock Prints.
Fine impression and colour. Very slight discolouration on bottom right edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shinsui ga.
Status: Sold
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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The Cotton Kimono from the series “New Twelve Images of Beauties”. See The female image, no 32, p.54. Published by Watanabe (seal lower left) in 1922. Limited edition of 200 seal au verso.
Perfect impression and colour. Signed Shinsui with dater Taisho 11.
Status: Sold
Torii KOTONDO (1900-1976)
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Obi, the “Sash”. See The female image, nos 168-2 – p.126. Yellow mica ground. Published by Kawaguchi, Showa 4 (1929). Limited edition of 350 seal au verso.
Perfect impression and colour. Signed Showa yonen go gatsu Kotondo ga.
Status: Sold
Charles W BARTLETT (1860-1940)
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A wet evening in Kobe. A rare print of Bartlett’s and probably his best design. Published by Watanabe (seal lower left) 1916.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed in red pencil in lower margin Charles W Bartlett.
Status: Sold
Ito SHINSUI (1898-1972)
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Cutting the nails from the Second Series of Modern Beauties. See The female image, no.79, p.74. Published by Watanabe (seals left and right) Showa 11 (1936). Limited edition seal au verso no.235 from 250.
Perfect impression, colour and, apart from a minor crease, perfect condition. Mica ground. Signed Showa juichinen hachigatsu Shinsui ga with Shinsui seal.
Status: Sold
Hirano HAKUHO (1879-1957)
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After a bath. See The female image, no.210, p.153. Published by Watanabe (his seal lower left) Showa 7 (1932). Limited edition seal au verso no.9 from 100.
Perfect impression, colour and condition. Signed Showa schichinen ichigetsu Hakuho ga with seal.
Status: Sold
Hirano HAKUHO (1879-1957)
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Woman before a mirror. See The female image, no.209, p.153. Published by Watanabe Showa 7 (1932).
Status: Sold
Kishi CHIKUDO (1826-1897)
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A large painting, 57 x 28 in; 144 x 71 cms ( image size ) showing a peregrine falcon dislodging snow from a heavily snow-laden pine tree. The bird was closely associated with the New Year. Chikudo was the fourth generation head of the Kishi school which was founded by Ganku. An artist with great talent, he participated in the decoration of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1854. Signed Kishi Chikudo. Very good condition. Original mount and wooden rollers. Ink, colour and gofun on silk. With box.
Status: Sold
Jokei RYUKOSAI (Fl. 1772-1816)
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The most important Osaka artist in the last quarter of the 18th century. His prints are rare and, apart from being an influence on Shunei and possibly Sharaku, he spawned a line of fine pupils. His actor prints are trenchant and full of character. A delightful painting showing a geisha parading and looking askance at a client ( ? ). Full colour on silk, 27 x 13 in., 68 x 32 cms. Good condition. Old mount. Lacquer ends. Signed Ryukosai with kakihan.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An original painting on grey silk of an actor in a female role ( Segawa Kikunojo III ? ). Executed in fine detail – almost as a surimono with gold, silver and heightened gofun. Probably one of a set tipped into an album and commissioned by a wealthy patron of his favourite actors. Pin-ups of their day. 8.5 x 7 inches, 22 x 18 cms. Minor damage. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni hitsu, c. 1852.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861 )
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An original and unrecorded painting of a young beauty reading a letter. She looks to be around 18 or 19 years old and this was most likely a commission from the girl’s family. ( The flower on her bodice is probably the family crest. ) Only 32 paintings are currently known by Kuniyoshi and this appears to date from c.1848-54. Sumi and full colour on paper. Minor loss of pigment, otherwise good condition. 100 x 30.5 cms; 39.5 x 12 inches ( image size ). New mount and box. Signed and sealed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi. ( For other examples of these seals see Appendix 1, p. 261, Heroes & Ghosts, Robert Schaap, Hotei, 1998.)
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A fine and important original painting by Hiroshige in the Shijo style, sumi and light colour on paper, showing a beauty beneath a tree. This manner of painting seems to have appealed to Hiroshige and some of his best work employs it. ( See Kobijutsu, Special Issue, Number 3, March 1983, Hiroshige, colour illustrations 5 and 18. ) Ex collection Takeoka Toyota with lid of box signed and dated ( 1920 ) by him. Extremely good condition with new mount and boxes ( but retaining original lid ). 112.4 x 51.6 cms; 44 x 20.25 inches. Signed, sealed and dated 3rd year Ka’ei era, 1850, Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original painting; sumi and colour on silk showing sunrise on New Year’s day at Suzaki. This painting illustrated in The Memorial Exhibition, Hiroshige’s Two Hundred Anniversary, Dr Kobayashi Tadashi, 1996, no. 313. Image size 14.25 x 22 inches, 36 x 56 cms. Mounted as a scroll with box guaranteed by Dr Narazaki. Good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A large painting on silk, 54 x 34.5 inches ( 137 x 87.5 cms ) showing a side view of a huge Okame mask. Okame ( or Ofuku ) was the Goddess of Mirth, Ama no Uzume no Mikoto. She is known for helping Amaterasu out of the cave, into which she had retired, by performing a dance. At the bottom of the painting are the jingling bells used in her dance.
Minor wormage, otherwise good condition. Mounted with rollers and box. Signed oju Seisei Kyosai, “ By request, Seisei Kyosai “ with red kakihan of tengu mask
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Sumi and colour on silk, 17 x 21.5 in., showing a view of a bay with boats moored in the background. In the foreground figures wading in shallow water looking at fish and getting ready for a picnic. Yoshitoshi paintings are rare and this is an unusual and early subject for him in the style of Kuniyoshi. Signature c 1864-6. The seal was used on various sets ( eg Ikkai zuihitsu and Keisei Suikoden ). Rare.
The painting has been professionally cleaned and mounted but still shows signs of browning. Loss of gofun. Signed Yoshitoshi with seal Go Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An important unrecorded painting by Kuniyoshi. Sumi and colour on silk, 145 cms x 82cms. Shows the courtesan Jigoku Reigan of Takasu who was adopted and patronized by the priest Ikkyu. Her voluminous ceremonial attire is covered with designs of demons and the tortures of hell. This was a popular subject for Kuniyoshi and there are at least three self-portraits ( from the back ) showing him wearing a kimono adorned with these designs of hell ( see Heroes and Ghosts, Robert Schaap, 1998, figs 12, 13 and 14 ). Thirty one paintings are currently known by Kuniyoshi but this is probably his masterpiece. The painting has been professionally restored. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original painting on paper of an ai or ayu, river trout, (Plecoglossus altivelis) swimming in a stream. Sumi and light colour, 11 x 18 inches: 28 x 46cms. Painting comes from the collection of the Hiroshige collector Mr Oda Kakukiti and is sold with box guaranteed by the museum curator (and teacher of Narazaki) Fugikaku Shizuya, dated Dec.25th, 1954. There is also a letter from him to Mr Kakukiti telling him he is happy to guarantee the painting. Rare: It is now extremely difficult to find genuine Hiroshige paintings. (See also Flora & Fauna on this website for the print version of this painting.)
Very good condition. Fully mounted with box. Signed Ichiryusai with seal.
Status: Sold
Ono BAKUFU (1888-1976)
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An important two-fold screen in sumi and colour showing various Japanese fish and aquatic plants. Size of each panel 32 x 63 inches; 81 x 160 cms. Overall size double this. Bakufu is best known for his fish prints and paintings. Extremely decorative. Original mounting. Ex Spink & Sons.
Very good condition with only one small light stain. Signed Bakufu with seal.
Status: Sold
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Ogata GEKKO (1859-1920)
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A set of five tanzaku paintings on silk mounted onto card. Each painting is 14.25 x 2.25 inches; 36 x 5.75 cms.
Very good conditions. Each signed Gekko and sealed.
Status: Sold
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Yurakusai NAGAHIDE (fl. c. 1804-1848)
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A hosoban kappazuri print (stencil print) showing the actors Ichikawa Danzo IV, Yoshizawa Iroha I, and Arashi Kichisaburo II as Shurinosuke, his wife, and Toshihiro. Exceptionally rare: Seemingly the only other impression known is illustrated in 200 Years of Kamigata Ukiyo-e, 1975, no. 39. Published 1803. Publisher unread.
Very good impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Nagahide.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOHIRO (1773-1828)
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A girl offering a fruit (?) to a pet monkey. Hanging scroll. Sumi and colour on silk; 52 x 38 cms. Signed Toyohiro ga, seal Ichiryusai.
Status: Sold
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Kinoshita HIRONOBU I (Active c1851-1870)
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A large head oban print of the actor Onoe Shogyoku in an unknown role from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed Hironobu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyosai YOSHITAKI (1841-1899. Active c1854-1885)
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A large head oban print of the actor Nakamura Kanjaku II as Takeda Katsuyori (?) from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed Yoshitaki hitsu.
Status: Sold
Kinoshita HIRONOBU I (Active c1851-1870)
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A large head oban print of the actor Otani Tomomatsu I as Yaegaki hime from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed Hironobu ga.
Status: Sold
Kinoshita HIRONOBU I (Active c1851-1870)
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A large head oban print of the actor Arashi Tokusaburo II ( or III [?] ) as Hangari on’na from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed Hironobu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyosai YOSHITAKI (1841-1899. Active c1854-1885)
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A large head oban print of the actor Sancho Daisho (?) as the pirate Watonai ( Kokusenya, Coxinga ) from a rare set: Zen (?) kurabe nishiki utsushie, “A Comparison of Virtuous Pictures.” Published c1859. This is the first deluxe edition with extensive burnishing, gold and silver. The set was reissued without these embellishments.
Very fine impression and colour. Some soil, offsetting and slight trimming. Signed Yoshitaki hitsu.
Status: Sold
Shunkosai HOKUSHU (Active 1809-1832)
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Bando Mitsugoro III as Daihanji Kiyozumi and Arashi Koroku IV as the son Koganosuke in the play Imoseyama Onna Teikin. In fact a diptych ( see Keyes, The Theatrical World of Osaka Prints, no. 16, p. 72-73 ). The child Koganosoke resolves on a suicide pact with Hinadori ( shown on the other sheet ) after Soga no Iruka orders the children to be sent to his court to insure the family’s loyalty. Published 1821 by Wataki. ( There are two states known: With and without publisher’s seal. Some embellishments are added and some removed on the two states.)
Fine impression. Particularly well preserved colour. De-luxe impression. Gum and polishing on Koganosuke’s hair; blind printing on the blossom above. Some loss of brass. Signed Shunkosai Hokushu ga.
Status: Sold
Shunkosai HOKUEI (Active 1824-1837)
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Iwai Shijaku I as Kowagi Atsumori and Nakamura Utaemon III as Kumagai Jiro Naozane in Gempei Tsutsuji, performed 2/1832 at the Kado Theatre. Published by Honya Seishichi. This is the second state of three: The first edition also has carver’s seal and various de-luxe embellishments. The third state lacks seals and has the actors’ names in blue top left ( one changed ) for a performance the following year 3/1833.
Fine impression and colour. One flattened crease, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shunkosai Hokuei ga.
Status: Sold
Ryusai SHEGEHARU (1803-1853)
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A surimono diptych of actors. Shigeharu, according to contemporary accounts, was the only professional full-time actor/print designer. True shikishi-ban Osaka surimono are extremely rare: Anecdotally there are supposed to be some others in the vaults of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Fine impression with burnishing, silver and gold. Fine colour. Light backing with slight offsetting au verso, otherwise good condition. Signed Ryusai Shigeharu.
Status: Sold
Shunkosai HOKUSHU (active 1810-1832)
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Yellow-ground bust portrait of Nakamura Utaemon III ( Inanoya Hanbei ). Published 3/1820. Rare: Another chirimen ( creped ) version is illustrated in Kamigata Prints in the former period: part 1, Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum of Waseda University, no. 129, p. 33
Very good impression and colour. Slight creases and soil. Signed Shunkosai Hokushu ga.
Status: Sold
Yamaguchi SHIGEHARU (1803-1853)
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The complete oban diptych showing ( right ) a bust portrait of Onoe Kikugoro III as Shizuka no Mae and ( left ) a bust portrait of Nakamura Utaemon III as Kitsune Tadanobu in the play Yoshitsune senbon zakura, “The Thousand Cherries of Yoshitsune” performed 10/1830. Illustrated complete in colour in Dean Schwaab, Osaka Prints, 1989, no.141, p.150 and also on back jacket.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Gyokuryutei Shigeharu ga.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Shiojiri Pass, View of Lake Suwa, from the Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido. The set was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseiri ( Kinjudo ). A view from the pass over the frozen lake towards Takashima Castle, with Mount Fuji in the distance. A short cut over the ice was available in the winter mornings after the ice had frozen during the night. This is the earliest state. Extremely rare.
Very fine early impression. The first state of a number of variants with Take [ nouchi Magohachi ] on the girth of the horse; signature and seals, and gradation on the banks on the right of the print. Combined Take and kiwame seal in left margin. Signed Eisen ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A view over the Naruto Strait of the whirlpools at Awa, Awa no naruto no fukei. Although no series title this is from a trinity of triptychs depicting Snow, Moon and Flowers, this being the last ( because the eddies and whirls were reminiscent of flowers [ nami no hana, “flowers of the waves” ] ). These were the last three great prints Hiroshige designed. All are rare, especially Snow and Moon. Published 1857 by Okasawaya Taheiji.
Fine impression. It is claimed that the first printings have a sliver of land on the far right horizon which is removed on later editions. However, there seems to be no discernable difference in quality between that state and very good impressions without. So, if true, this must have happened early on. Almost all impressions are without. Indeed, late impressions of this set of three triptychs are not known. Fine colour. Virtually untrimmed: These prints are extremely difficult to find without trimming, often well into the title cartouche. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
