Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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“Flood” from a series Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” Shows Nakamura Shikan III as Abe Bungo no Kami riding his horse through waves. Published by Okura Magobei 1876-77 (this being 1876). A rare set with some striking designs comparing actors in theatrical roles with meteorological phenomena.

Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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    A vertical diptych Seigen daraku no zu showing the priest Seigen of the Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto and the beautiful Sakura-hime (Princess Sakura). Several versions of the story exist. In one, Sakura-hime is Seigen’s long-deceased lover reincarnated as a young priest called Shiragiku. In another, Shiragiku is the dead lover reborn as Sakura-hime. The main thrust of the tale is that Seigen’s lust gets the better of him resulting in his removal from the temple. It was the basis of the play Sakura Hime azuma bunsho premiered 3/1817. This is the rare first state of the first edition published by Matsui Eikichi, 1889. It was republished by Hasegawa Tsunejiro in 1889 with the publisher and date in left border and on most impressions a seal at top left reading “Reproduction not allowed.”

     

     

    Very fine impression with hand-applied colour to the eyes, teeth and nails with gum overlay to eyes on Seigen. Fine colour. Minor edge wear to right, otherwise fine condition. Ample room for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi.

     

     

    Status: Sold

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      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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      A heavily tattooed fishmonger, Danshichi Kurobei, slaughtering his father-in-law, Mikawaya Giheiji, in a swamp. From a set Eimei nijuhasshuku, “Twenty-eight Famous Murders with Verse.” A series produced with Yoshiiku, each designing 14 prints. Published by Kinseido between 1866 and 1869, this being 1866. The story relates how Kurobei is instrumental in the release of the mistress of Lord Tamashimas’s son who was kidnapped by Giheiji. Outraged because he had previously supported Kurobei’s wife and child while he was in prison, he demands payment. The fight ensues.

      Very good impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

      Status: Sold

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        Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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        Tanaka Kanhachi falling backwards into a sea of mud from a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1869. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) A wonderful design from this excellent set.

        Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.

        Status: Sold

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          Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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          The boy warrior Sakai Kuzo hurling a te-yari spear from a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1868. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) A wonderful design from this excellent set.

          Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.

          Status: Sold

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            New Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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            A triptych , Shinyo rokkaisen, “Six New Monsters” showing Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181) and his lover on the engawa of the palace confronted by a multitude of snow covered skulls and skeletons in the garden. Towards the end of his life, Kiyomori, the head of the Taira Clan, was obsessed with and hallucinated that his vanquished enemies – on his quest for power and authority – had come back for retribution. Published by Funazu, 1882.

             

             

            Very fine impression. Fine colour. Sheets attached, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.

             

             

            Status: Sold

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              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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              Abe no Hirafu fighting a giant bear in the snow from a set of 51 prints Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “A Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The set was published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (the first 11 prints) and Funazu Chujiro between 1878-1882. Hirafu was a general for the Empress Saimei. On his return from a mission to the Emishi in northeastern Japan, where he signed a peace agreement , he presented the Empress with two live bears and seventy bear hides. Published by Funazu Chujiro in 1880.

               

               

              Fine, early impression with splashed gofun (only on the earliest states). Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.

               

               

              Status: Sold

               

               

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                Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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                Yatsunada attacking Saohime’s brother’s castle from a set of 51 prints Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “A Mirror of Famous Commanders of Great Japan.” The set was published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (the first 11 prints) and Funazu Chujiro between 1878-1882. Saohime had conspired with her elder brother Saohikoto to murder the emperor but she abandoned their plan at the last moment. She is seen escaping the conflagration. Published by Funazu Chujiro in 1880.

                 

                 

                Fine, early impression. Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                 

                 

                Status: Sold

                 

                 

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                  Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1812-1866)



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                  The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Torii Matasuke clenching a sword between his teeth in pouring rain. From the play Kagamiyama gonichi no Iwafuji performed at the Ichimura Theatre, 3/1860. The plot centres around Lord Taga who is disloyal to his wife Lady Ume with Oryu. One of Taga’s retainers, Motome, advises him against his actions and is dismissed. Meanwhile Oryu and her husband plan to take over Taga’s domain so a plot is hatched to kill her. However, Motome’s faithful servant, Matasuke, murders Lady Ume by mistake. The design shows Matasuke just prior to his mistake. Published by Kaku-Kin (Kakumotoya Kinjiro), 1860.

                  Fine impression and colour. Some minute restored binding holes and very slight trimming on right, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.

                  Status: Sold

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                    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1812-1866)



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                    A diptych showing the strong woman Oiko of Takashima. The story tells how the wrestler Saeki Urinaga spies her one day fetching water from the river. He lecherously reaches for her only to have his arm pinned down by her as she nonchalantly carries on walking. She leads him home for a wrestling match. From a set Shinsen azuma nishikie, published by Tsunashima between 1885 and 1889 (this being 1889).

                    Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                    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 by holding up his string of prayer beads.

                       

                       

                      Fine impression. (A good guide to the quality of impression is to look at the outline of Benkei’s face: This fine line started to break down early on. The set was popular and many editions were printed and many late impressions exist. Great care was taken with the cutting of the blocks on this set and only early impressions do them justice. There should be subtle gradation in the sky and the title cartouche has hardly any colour.) Fine colour and condition. An impression that has not been in an album. Full margins. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                       

                       

                      Status: Sold

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                        Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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                        The Monkey King: One of the best designs from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon.” The set published between 1885 and 1892 (this being 1886) by Akiyama Buemon. Based on the Chinese fable, the Monkey King achieved immortality by stealing peaches from the Garden of Immortal Peaches. He is seen with his fighting stave and the Jade Hare that lived on the moon and was constantly pounding herbs for immortals.

                         

                         

                        Fine impression from a very early edition. The set was popular and many editions were printed and many late impressions exist. . Great care was taken with the cutting of the blocks on this set and only early impressions do them justice. Fine colour and condition. An impression that has not been in an album. Full margins. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                         

                         

                        Status: Sold

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                          Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                          The samurai Shigeno Yozaemon looking up at an exploding houroku-hiya “hand grenade.” (As with so much in Japan, the grenade originated in China from early times.) From a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1869. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) An excellent set.

                           

                          Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.

                           

                          Status: Sold

                           

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                            Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                            Shigetsugu Munakata Kamon warming his hands in a snowstorm: Large flakes float down. From a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1869. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) An excellent set.

                             

                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.

                             

                            Status: Sold

                             

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                              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                              The warrior Jingu Samanosuke Masanaga holding a sword and wearing a mino (straw cape) in heavy rain. From a set Kaidai hyaku, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi between 1868 and 1869, this being 1869. The text in the square cartouches in this set refer to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers. (Those that held out against the imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868.) An excellent set.

                               

                              Fine impression and colour. The rain printed in silver. Fine condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi htsu.

                               

                              Status: Sold

                               

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                                Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Here, the wounded and blood-smeared chief of the Edo otokodate, Banzuin Chobei, is seen drinking water in a bathhouse where he is treacherously murdered by Mizuno Jurozaemon. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Sekiguchi Gyokumeido, 10/1867.

                                Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                Status: Sold

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                                  Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                  A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Shows Lady Masao from Osasahara surrounded by curling snakes who force her to reveal her true identity – the Fox Spirit. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Omiya Kyojiro, 11/1867.

                                  Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                  Status: Sold

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                                    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                    A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Shows Azekura Jushiro slashing Hinotama no Sangoro who is covered in blood. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Sanoya Tomigoro, 9/1867.

                                    Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion.

                                    Status: Sold

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                                      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                      A design from the set Azuma no nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Tales of the Floating World on Eastern Brocade.” Kodan (traditional storytelling) raconteurs narrated Japanese folk stories, sometimes accompanying themselves with wooden blocks clapped together or a fan giving rhythm. The Kodan text is shown above. Having been popular from around 1700 (and known as Koshaku), these performances gained renewed popularity in the 1850s with the classic standards augmented by contemporary stories of heroes and villains. Shows Mukokizu Yosa stabbing Komori Yasu (Yasu the Bat); so-called because of the bat-like birthmark on his cheek. A gruesome scene with Yasu covered in blood. Various publishers from 1867-68, here Omiya Kyojiro, 11/1867.

                                      Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condtion. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                      Status: Sold

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                                        Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                        One volume Shuzo suiko meimei den, Shohen, “ Portraits of the Characters in the Suikoden, First Series.” Original embossed orange covers with yellow title slip. Inside front cover title and signature within a western-style surround. Preface 6 pp. including two double-page colour illustrations, last sheet dated Keio 3 ( 1867 ). And 18 numbered pages with 36 illustrations of Suikoden warriors on yellow grounds. Inside back cover advertisements. Published by Odawaraya Yashichi, Edo. In extremely good condition. Superb engraving ( by Egawa Ichigoro ). Presumably a response to the copper plate books and prints being circulated at the time. There is a two volume variant of this book printed in just sumi and blue. However, judging from the impressions in this one volume version with woodgrain showing and blind printing, this must be a very early printing.

                                         

                                        Status: Sold

                                         




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                                          Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                          An original painting showing what is probably the most famous encounter in Japanese mythology: The scene is evening on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto where the twenty year old Benkei ambushes samurai to steal their swords. He is shown approaching the flute-playing Yoshitsune. A fight ensues which Yoshitsune wins due to his leaping ability taught to him by the mountain tengu. Yoshitsune pardons Benkei and they become loyal friends. This painting, in shades of sumi, beautifully evokes the crepuscular gloom. On silk, 7 x 9.5 in; 17.75 x 24.1 cms. Painted c late 1870s. Signed Yoshitoshi with Taiso seal.

                                          Status: Sold




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                                            Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                            A vertical diptych showing Cho Jun, the white stripe in the waves, wrestling in the river with Ri Ki, the black whirlwind. Ronhakucho Chojun kokusempu Riki kochu ni tatakau no zu. The story concerns the river pirate, Ri Ki, who is caught stealing fish by Cho Jun and the ensuing underwater battle. Initially, Ri Ki has the upper hand but Cho Jun challenges him again and they fight until Ri Ki’s compatriots stop the engagement and invite Cho Jun to join their gang. Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1887. This is the extremely rare first state before the publisher and date in left margin. See my blog.

                                            Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight discolouration to top margins, otherwise fine condition. Full margins all round with ample room for joining. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                            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 by holding up his string of prayer beads.

                                              Fine impression, colour and condition. (A good guide to the quality of the impression is to look at the outline of Benkei’s face: This fine line started to break down early on.) An impression that has not been in an album: Full margins with very extensive mica. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                                              Status: Sold

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                                                Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI ( 1839-1892 )



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                                                An original painting showing Fukurokugu – the God of Happiness, Wealth and Longevity and one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck, Shichi-fuku-ji, teasing a cat with the tassle on his fan.  The Seven Gods theme  comes from China, and possibly India as well, apart from Ebisu. Sumi on paper. Light creasing and rubbing at top otherwise good condition. Image size  47.75 x 22.5 in; 121.5 x 57 cms. Painted c 1880s.

                                                Signed Yoshitoshi with seals Taiso Yoshitoshi.

                                                Status: Sold




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                                                  Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892 )



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                                                  Taira no Masakado ( 901-940 ) from an extremely rare and early set: Honcho hyaku yuden, “One Hundred Warriors of Japan.” Masakado was an interloper who attempted to set up a rival court at Ishii in Shimosa to that of Regent Tadahira in Kyoto. He was subsequently killed by Hidesato on the orders of the Regent. Masakado was guarded by a number of ghostly doubles who impersonated him making killing him difficult. These ghostly doppelgangers are seen here in the background. Published 1862 by Enshu-ya Hikobei although it is not known how many prints there are in the set and Keys  ( Courage and Silence, Yoshitoshi, 1982 ) only knew of the set from the Netto list.

                                                  Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI ( 1839-1892 )



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                                                    Arguably Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece in the triptych format. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c.1120-1200 ) subjecting himself to three year’s penance as a Buddhist monk beneath the waterfall of Mount Nachi in Kii Province. Morito inflicted this punishment on himself because he had inadvertently cut off the head of Kesa Gozen, the wife of the palace guard Watanabe Wataru, with whom he was in love. Published 1859 ( centre sheet ) and 1860 ( outside panels ) by Kadokin. Extremely rare: Another impression in the Baur collection, Geneve, Switzerland.

                                                    Fine impression, very good colour. Minor soil bottom left corners of last two sheets, otherwise very good condition. Extensive splashed gofun. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                      Shows the crucifiction of Torii Tsuneemon Katsutaka. The finest design from Kaidai hyaku senso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” The set depicts warriors from the sixteenth century although based on Yoshitoshi’s record of the battle of Ueno in 1868. Torii Tsuneemon was a retainer of Okudaira Sadamasa and a member of the Nagashino Castle garrison when it came under siege by Takeda Katsuyori in 1575. He bravely volunteered to sneak through enemy lines to get help. However, he was captured on his return and ordered to shout to his compatriots that no help was coming. Instead he shouted encouragement and was crucified. Published by Ohashi, 1868.

                                                      Fine impression with mica and gum applied to spear. Fine colour. Slight soil at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.

                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                        Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                        Flowers from a set of three triptychs showing half-length portraits of actors based on the Snow, Moon, Flowers theme. Shows the actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozo, the main character in the play Soga moyo tateshi no goshozome, “The Story of Gorozo, the Chivalrous Commoner.” A complex story which ends with Gorozo killing his old master’s lover, the courtesan Oshu. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890.

                                                         

                                                        Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                                                         

                                                        Status: Sold

                                                         

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                                                          Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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                                                          A triptych showing from left to right the actors: Seki Sanjuro III as Nippon Daemon (above) and Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Benten Kozo Kikunosuke. Centre: Nakamura Shikan IV as Nango Rikimaru. Right: Iwai Kumesaburo III as Akaboshi Juzaburo (above) and Kawarasaki Gonjuro I as Tadanobu Rihei. The group of five dandy-thieves in Aoto zoshi hana no nishiki-e or Shiranami gonin otoko. A famous play written by Kawatake Mokuami, this being the first performance at the Ichimura-za Theatre in 3/1862. Published 3/1862 by Seibundo (Gifuya Seishichi). An extremely rare and early work: Not listed in Keyes.

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Fine impression and colour. Slightly trimmed around, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Status: Sold

                                                           

                                                           

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                                                            Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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                                                            Strange Wind from a set of actor prints Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” A fine set published by Okura Magobei 1876-7. Shows Onoe Kikugoro V as the ghost of the cormorant fisherman Kansaku. He had poached fish from the sacred waters of the Isawa River and was caught and executed. His restless spirit caused Nichiren to pray for him and pacify the ghost. It was the subject of a famous play: Nichiren shonin minori no umi. Kikugoro was a personal friend of Yoshitoshi. One of Yoshitoshi’s best actor prints.

                                                             

                                                             

                                                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed (in kana) Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                                             

                                                             

                                                            Status: Sold

                                                             

                                                             

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                                                              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                              Hana, “Flowers” from the set Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon, and Flowers.” Shows the actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozo. The main character in the play Soga moyo tateshi no goshozome, “The Story of Gorozo, the Chivalrous Commoner.” A convoluted plot (as usual) with the samurai Gorozu becoming an otokodate upon being expelled by his family because of an undesirable love affair. Gorozu ends up killing his old master’s lover, Oshu. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890. A fine set of bust portraits.

                                                               

                                                              Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                                                               

                                                              Status: Sold

                                                               

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                                                                Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)


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                                                                A complete diptych showing the huge figure of the actor Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as Kozo Kikunosuke , a young thief, fighting the police on the roof of the Gokuraku-ji Temple. This is the culmination and Act V of the play Benten Kozo performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, March 1862. Published by Shobundo, 3/1862. Rare: not listed in Keyes.

                                                                 

                                                                Fine impression and colour. Very lightly backed, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.

                                                                 

                                                                Status: Sold

                                                                 

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                                                                  Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                  Snow from the set Setsugekka no uchi, “Snow, Moon and Flowers” published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890. Shows half-length portraits of famous actors, in this case Onoe Baiko V ( Onoe Kikugoro V, 1844-1903 ) as the priest Iwakura Sogen. Various versions of the story and play exist concerning Sogen’s infatuation with Irokotohime. First edition ( the second state titled “Iwakura Sogen in the Hermitage Scene from Hanafubuki” ). And with variegated cartouche.

                                                                  Fine impression and colour. Very small corner repair, otherwise very good condition. Ample room for joining of sheets. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                                    Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                    A diptych showing the actor Otani Tomoemon V as the loyal servant Gakuzo (aka Inukawa Sosuke Yoshito, one of the eight Dog half-brothers), brush in hand, having just hung the decapitated head of the evil Aboshi on a tree and written beside it: Kore ha akuto Aboshi Samojiro nari. Aruiwa hizo tachi, “This is the villain Aboshi Samojiro… He [stole] a treasured sword [Murasame – the treasured sword of the Ashikaga family].” Shows a scene from an episode in Part III, volume 5 of the Satomi Hakkenden no uchi, “Tales of the Eight Dogs of the Satomi Clan.” The macabre tale, written by Kyokutei Bakin (1767-1848) in 98 chapters and 106 booklets, revolves around the eight offspring of a supernatural marriage between a princess and her father’s dog and their commitment to restore the fortunes of the samurai house of Satomi. Published by Tamaya Sosuke 1868. Very rare: Keyes in his dissertation on Yoshitoshi lists just the right sheet from an oban series, presumably the print in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ART568220, and another impression of just the right sheet is owned by Tateyama City in Chiba Prefecture.

                                                                    Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. (Keyes attributes this print to Yoshitoshi as he hadn’t seen the left sheet.)

                                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                                      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)




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                                                                      An original preparatory drawing (hanshita-e) for an unpublished set. Shows a busy street scene with a doctor’s surgery on the right. Probably c early 1870s. Signed on a painter’s palette Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi fude. Two small areas of pentimenti. Sumi on thin Japanese paper, image size 13.5 x 9.25 in; 34.5 x 23.5 cms. In good condition.

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                      Status: Sold

                                                                       

                                                                       

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                                                                        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

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                                                                          Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                          A triptych showing koi, “carp” swimming beneath hanging wisteria. One of Yoshitoshi’s finest and most popular designs. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 5/1889. See Beauty and Violence, Society for Japanese Arts, 1992, no. 66, p. 144 for another impression plus the original drawing by Yoshitoshi ( from the British Museum ). Also see this website in Brush Drawings and Hanshita-e for another two original drawings of koi by Yoshitoshi, possibly preliminary working ideas for the British Museum drawing. Yoshitoshi only produced one other carp print, a large surimono. Common carp were first bred for colour in Japan in the 1820s. Their name is a homophone for another word meaning “love” or “fidelity” and they are symbols of love and friendship in Japan.

                                                                          Very fine impression and colour. Slight oxidation although not as much as is usually found on this design. Slight signs of mounting au verso, otherwise very good condition.

                                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                                            Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                            The ghost of Genta Yoshihira, having been executed by Taira no Kiyomori, springs into the air causing a thunderstorm and exacting revenge. The best design from Shingata sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts.” Published 1889 by Sasaki.

                                                                            Very fine impression, colour and condition. The first edition. Signed Yoshitoshi.

                                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                                              Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                              Saito Oniwakamaru, “Young Devil Child” ( Benkei ) fighting the giant carp in the waterfall of Bishamon ga taki. The best design from a fine set: Ikkai zuihitsu, “Essays by Yoshitoshi.” A set of 13 prints published by Masadaya in 1872. There are numerous variations in seals in this fine set but, as yet, no research has been done into their significance. However, this appears to be the first edition. There are versions with publisher’s seals right margin in red and in black and missing altogether. The earliest impressions, as here, have no gradation below the top two currents. Also, the slightly later editions use stronger aniline colours. One of Yoshitoshi’s great designs.

                                                                              Fine impression with strong woodgrain. Fine colour. Retains original album backing. Slight trimming top margin. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                                                                A vertical diptych of Kato Kiyomasa ( 1562-1611 ). A famous general best known for his participation in the invasion of Korea. Shows him seated before his personal banner inscribed Nan myo no rengekyo, “Hail Lotus Sutra.” On his breast is his mon, a large ring. Published by Maruya Jimpachi, 1867. Rare.

                                                                                Fine impression and colour. Slight offsetting of blue on banner, otherwise extremely good condition. Full size so that the two sheets fit perfectly. Signed Oju kaisai Yoshitoshi.

                                                                                Status: Sold

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