Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A triptych showing the Shinto Storm God Susanoo about to slay the eight-headed dragon, Yamata no Orochi, at the head of the Hi River in pouring rain. The dragon devoured virgins and had eaten the seven daughters of two earthly deities, seen top right. The eighth, Kushi-inada-hime, also on the right, is saved by Susanoo who encourages the dragon to drink eight-times brewed sake from eight vats which intoxicates it enough to be killed. Rare: Chikanobu is not known for this type of subject. Published c 1870s.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Mica applied to sky and the rain printed in silver. Full size. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Available
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A triptych Ryogoku hanabi zu, “Fireworks at Ryogoku.” Chikanobu designed a number of triptychs on this subject and boating on the Sumida River, but this is the best and rarest. The government in 1733 had a display of fireworks over the bridge called the Ryogoku kawabiraki hanabi, “Ryogoku River-opening Fireworks” as part of a memorial service for the victims of starvation due to crop failures and an epidemic of cholera. This became an annual event.
Fine impression and colour. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyohara Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size.
A triptych showing the Shinto Storm God Susanoo about to slay the eight-headed dragon, Yamata no Orochi, at the head of the Hi river in pouring rain. The dragon devoured virgins and had eaten the seven daughters of two earthly deities, seen top right. The eighth, Kushi-inada-hime, also on right, is saved by Susanoo who encourages the dragon to drink eight times brewed sake from eight vats which intoxicates it enough to be killed. Rare: Chikanobu is not known for this type of subject. Published c 1870s.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Mica applied to sky, rain printed in silver. Full size. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size.
An apparition of a nine-tailed fox. These foxes could turn themselves into beautiful women when a hundred years old. From a set of 50 prints: Azuma nishiki chuya karabe, “Eastern Brocades, Day and Night, Compared.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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Princess Toyotama, the daughter of the Dragon King of the sea, gives birth to Ugayafuki Aezu by turning herself into a dragon. From a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The series published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886.
Fine impression with extensive mica. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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O’ai-no-kata of Okazaki dispatches a man who spied on her while taking a bath. From a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The series published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A fine triptych showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX (1838-1903) as the priest Mongaku Shonin. The priest is shown, with Buddhist bell in hand, beneath the freezing waters of the Nachi Waterfall doing penance for inadvertently killing his cousin and lover, Kesa Gozen. Eventually the deity Fudo Myo-o takes pity on him and helps him through the ordeal. Danjuro also played the role of Fudo Myo-o in this performance of the play Hashi kuyo bonji no Mongaku, “The Austerities of Mongaku” at the Ichimuraza Theatre, May 1883. The Danjuro family worshipped the deity Fudo Myo-o. Published by Morimoto Junzaburo, 1883. This must have been a particularly successful performance as there are a number of prints commemorating it and it is listed as one of the great roles of his canon.
Fine impression and colour. One careful area of restoration, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu fude.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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Kusunoki Masatsura killing the magical tanuki from a set of 50 prints Azuma nishiki chuya kurabe, “Edo Embroidery Pictures.” The set published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1886.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A fine set of diptychs showing beauties compared to scenic places in Japan. Meisho bijin awase, “Comparison of Famous Places and True Beauties.” In this instance Sozumegaura in Musashi Province. The unusual backgrounds are printed in blue with touches of pink. The set published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1897-8.
Fine impression, color and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A fine set of diptychs showing beauties compared to scenic places in Japan. Meisho bijin awase, “Comparison of Famous Places and True Beauties.” In this instance Matsushima in Rikuzen Province. The unusual backgrounds are printed in blue with touches of pink. The set published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1897-8.
Fine impression, color and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
Click here to view image full size.
A fine set of diptychs showing beauties compared to scenic places in Japan. Meisho bijin awase, “Comparison of Famous Places and True Beauties.” In this instance the Kirifuri waterfall in Nikko Province. The unusual backgrounds are printed in blue with touches of pink. The set published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1897-8.
Fine impression, color and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu.
Status: Sold