Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)
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A vertical diptych of Shoki, the Demon Queller. The character originates from China being a deity from China’s Taoist pantheon. He is always shown with his scholar’s hat, large robe and boots, and usually carrying a sword with which he attacks oni. Images of Shoki were hung outside houses to ward off evil during the Boys’ Day Festival on May 5th. Published by Yamamoto Kyubei, c 1820. Prints by Toyoshige are often misattributed to Toyokuni I and vice versa because late Toyokuni I signatures and those of Toyoshige are similar. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Some edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gosotei Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE ) ( 1777-1835 )
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Evening Glow ( Sunset ) at Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture. From a set Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places” ( based on the Eight Views of Omi theme ). Published 1830s by Iseri. The town is famous for the Onsen hot springs and the area is known for its past volcanic activity. Across Sagami Bay can be seen smoke coming from the volcanic island of Oshima ( the epicentre of the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 ).
Fine impression and colour.There are two states of this set: one with square and one with cursive script ( as here ) in the oblong cartouche at top. It is unclear which is the earliest. This purple cartouche is often faded out to a puce colour. Slight centre fold otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)
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Clearing weather over the Enoshima Island from a Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places” ( based on the Eight Views of Omi theme ) set published 1830s by Iseri. A view of the island from Shichiri Beach in Sagami Province. The island was dedicated to Benten ( one of the seven gods of good luck ).
Fine impression. There are two states of this set: one with square and one with cursive script ( as here ) in the oblong cartouche at top. It is unclear which is the earliest. Fine impression. Small expert restoration to two upper corners, otherwise fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II ( TOYOSHIGE ) (1777-1835)
Click here to view image full size.
A courtesan with a toothpick and playing with a cat compared to the actor Iwai Hanshiro V ( inset in a sake cup top right ). From a series Imayo bijin awase, shinsei sugatami sakazuki, “A Comparison of Modern Beauties – A New Mirror of Sake Cups.” Published by Imariya Ushizo, c 1820-24.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Extensive mica added to the coat of the courtesan. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold