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Shows a scene during the siege of Nagashino Castle by Takeda Katsuyori. Torii Suneemon Katsutaka was sent to get help and managed to evade the guards. He insists on returning to his comrades but meanwhile Takeda had fastened bells to the cables on the castle’s exit which gave the alarm and frightens a flock of herons. Katsutaka was captured and died a samurai’s death shouting hold fast to his comrades. Takeda’s troops were subsequently massacred. Published by Kinseido, 1862. From a series Bidan musha hakkei, “Eight Views from Fine Tales of Warriors.”

Fine impression and colour. The rain burnished and the birds’ plumage gauffraged. Slight edge restoration, otherwise very good condition. Signed Tsukioka Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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Roba kiwan o mochisaru zu from Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts.” The best design from the set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889. This famous story recounts how Watanabe no Tsuna cuts off the arm of the demon Ibaraki at the Rashomon Gate, Kyoto in 976. He secretes the arm away in a box. Subsequently he is visited by his wet-nurse ( or aunt – depending on which version you read ) who convinces him to show it to her. Instantly she snatches the arm and flies off revealing herself to be Ibaraki in disguise. The story became the famous no play Ibaraki. Ex John Stevenson collection.

Fine impression and colour. The first edition. Slight edge crease on left border, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.

Status: Sold

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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.

Fine impression, colour and condition. An impression that has not been in an album: Full margins with very extensive mica. Signed Yoshitoshi.

Status: Sold

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The old hag of the Lonely House. A gruesome subject: The evil witch is intent on cutting open the pregnant woman’s belly to get at the unborn child whose blood she needs for a magic potion. From 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.

Very fine impression and colour. Trimmed close on the left but retaining black border. Retains original album backing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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Yamauba and Kaidomaru from Ikkai zuihitsu, “Essays by Yoshitoshi.” A set of 13 prints published by Masadaya in 1872 ( this design being 1873 ). Shows the mother and son ( also known as Kintaro ). He of the enormous strength is often shown acting as umpire at a wrestling match between a hare and a monkey. The Madonna-like figure here is one of the few Yoshitoshi designs to borrow heavily from western art. There are numerous variations in seals in this fine set but, as yet, no research has been done into their significance.

Very fine impression and colour. There is an alternate version of this print with Kintaro printed in a light brown. Trimmed close on the left but retaining black border. Retains original album backing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles Kinkaku Daio on a sea cliff. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.

Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles a warrior ( Rakijo ? ) on a precipitous cliff over a choppy sea. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.

Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles Kofuo, the wind demon who had captured Genjosanzo. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.

Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles an enormous polka dot shishi lion. Shidado no roma. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.

Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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A rare triptych Toyotomi shoshinroku, “A Record of the Advancement of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.” Shows the young Hideyoshi ( 1537 – 1598 ) demanding an apology from Hachisuka Koroku on Yahagi Bridge. Published c. 1869 by Yorozumago.

Fine impression and colour. Gauffrage and extensive burnishing. The paulownia border intact which is often trimmed. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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Arguably Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece in the triptych format. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c.1120-1200 ) subjecting himself to three years 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 marks and small expertly restored wormage. Slight trimming. Extensive splashed gofun. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.

Status: Sold

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A fox priest from Tsuki hyakushi, “One Hundred Phases of the Moon.” Based on the Kyogen farce Konkai, “A Fox’s Cry” which tells of a hunter who is lectured on trapping foxes by his uncle, a priest. On his way home his uncle turns into his true form, a fox, and is snared in a trap. Yoshitoshi’s design shows the uncle transmogrifying into a fox. The set published by Akiyama Buemon between 1885 – 92, this design issued 1/1886. One of the best designs from the set.

Very good impression and colour. Retains original light album backing. Signed Yoshitoshi

Status: Sold

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Mariko from the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road. The set designed by several artists and various publishers to commemorate the journey of the Shogun from Edo to Kyoto in 2/1863. The best Yoshitoshi design from this set. Shows a battle fleet outside Mariko. Published by Yamaguchi 5/1865.

Very good impression and colour. Small fibre loss at extreme left edge. Very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi fude.

Status: Sold

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Abe no Hirafu slaying a giant bear from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1880. ) Probably the best design from the set.

Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.

Status: Sold

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Amaterasu Omikami appearing from the cave from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1882. ) One of the best designs from the set showing the famous story of Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess who had enclosed herself in a grotto with a large rock blocking the entrance causing darkness in the universe. She was tempted to peep out from the cave by the raucous activities of the other gods and goddesses whereupon she glimpsed herself in a mirror and the stone door was quickly fastened back by Ame no Tajikara.

Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.

Status: Sold

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Kamitsukeno Yatsunada attacking Saohime’s castle from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1880. ) One of the best designs from the set showing Saohime perishing in the flames of her brother’s castle – Saohiko – who had conspired with his sister to seize the throne.

Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.

Status: Sold

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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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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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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