Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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An early warrior print showing Rokuson Okeigi (Minamoto no Tsunemoto [894-961]) battling a giant dragon. From a set Honcho komei kagami, “A Mirror of Our Country’s Renown Heroes” published by Joshuya Kinzo, c. 1835.

 

 

Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kocho Kunisada ga.

 

 

Status: Sold

 

 

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    Utagawa KUNISADA (1785-1865)


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    A surimono showing the actors Ichikawa Monnosuke III (right) and Ichikawa Danjuro VII walking in the emado of Asakusa Temple in Edo. This was a pavilion at the Shinto shrine used for displaying votive tablets. This seems to be part of a three or five sheet set showing a continuous procession of Ichikawa actors at the shrine. Provenance: From my Catalogue 15, 1975, no. 67.

     

    Fine impression with extensive gold and silver. Fine colour and condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

     

    Status: Sold

     

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      Utagawa KUNISADA (1785-1865)


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      A surimono showing Ichikawa Danjuro VII and Bando Mitsugoro III as Soga no Goro and Asahina no Saburo in the armour-pulling (kusazuri-biki) scene from the play Tsukisenzu haru gohiki Soga. Issued 1827. The story relates how Soga no Goro was feasting at a banquet when he learns of a plot to assassinate his brother, Juro. He rushes off to don his armour. Asahina, the liege of his enemy, tries to prevent him by pulling at his armour. Poems by Yukinoya Takane and Hoshitei Masunari. Rare.

       

      Fine impression with extensive silver and gold. A gold ground. Fine colour. Some loss of the gold ground as is the case with other known impressions of this surimono. This appears to be the best preserved copy. Very good condition. Signed Oju Gototei Kunisada ga.

       

      Status: Sold

       

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        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



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        A surimono showing the strong woman of Omi, Okane, stopping a runaway horse from a temple by holding its tether down with her geta. Published for the year of the Horse, 1834.

         

        Fine impression and colour. Areas of gold and silver. Some slight crinkling, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

         

        Status: Sold

         

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          Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)


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          A triptych showing Prince Genji (far right) on a stone terrace looking out at Suma Beach, Akashi, thronged with visitors enjoying themselves. Two of his party look as though they are going to collect shells. A mitate of Chapter XIII of the Genji Monogatari where Genji is exiled at Akashi, Akashi no ura shiogari no zu. There was a proliferation of sets based on the original Genji Monogatari and the Ryutei Tenehiko (1783-1842) update at this time. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, 1/1855.

           

          Fine impression and colour. Bokashi on the edge of the bay at top (missing on later editions). Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.

           

          Status: Sold

           

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            Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)


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            An extremely rare and unusual surimono: I have only seen two impressions – both of which have passed through my hands, and one of which was gifted to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Shows the most famous playwright of his age – Tsuruya Nanboku IV (1755-1829). His crest is clearly visible on his shoulder. He died on the 27th of the 11th month, 1829 and this surimono must date from shortly after that: A sort of shini-e – very unusual in surimono form. He wrote the most famous Kabuki ghost story: Yotsuya kaidan, “Yotsuya Ghost Story” (1825) as well as the quick-change play Osome no nanayuki (1813).

             

            Fine impression and colour. The poems above printed in gold. Slight soil. Very small restored binding holes at left edge, and slight trimming at bottom. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

             

            Status: Sold

             

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              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)


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              A rare diptych, Kansho Tempaizan mangan. This famous tale (with different versions) is the basis for the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy” which was performed at the Kawarazaki Theatre, Edo, 9/1832. This Mt. Tempai scene shows Kan Shojo (Sugawara no Michizane), a Heian politician and poet, transforming himself into a demon and invoking a storm. Umeomaru , a former retainer of Kan Shojo is seen climbing the mountain on the left sheet. There is also a fine vertical surimono diptych of this subject issued by Kunisada in 1832. Published by Yamaguchi Tobei. A fine design I have not catalogued before.

               

              Fine impression and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

               

              Status: Sold

               

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                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)


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                Winter from a set of the four seasons showing Prince Genji and attendants in the snow-covered grounds of a palace. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, c 1849-50.

                 

                Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Toyokuni ga.

                 

                Status: Sold

                 

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                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)


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                  A triptych showing Mitsuuji, the romantic hero of the Inaka Genji (“A Rustic Genji”) accompanied by a beauty looking out across a snow-covered garden where a group of girls are building a giant snow rabbit. Hiroshige and Kunisada collaborated on a number of these Genji triptychs in the 1850s and this is one of the most charming. Published by Moriya Jihei of Kinshodo, 12/1854 (and therefore probably in anticipation of the following year, which was a Year of the Rabbit).

                   

                  Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga and Yuki no kei oju, “Snow landscape by request” Hiroshige hitsu.

                   

                  Status: Sold

                   

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                    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                    A very early and extremely rare diptych showing Hakamadare Yasusuke and Hirai no Yasumasa. A famous story depicted many times by other artists during the following century. The story relates how Yasumasa, an accomplished flautist, is playing his flute one evening on Ichihara moor. Unknown to him, the villain Hakamadare Yasusuke is creeping up to steal his sumptuous robe. At the last minute Yasusuke is so captivated by the beauty of the music that he abandons his plan. It turns out he is Yasumasa’s brother and is given a fine set of robes. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c. 1815.

                     

                    Very good impression and colour. Trimmed round. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

                     

                    Status: Sold

                     

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                      Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                      Shows the monk Mongaku Shonin doing repentance under the Nachi waterfall in winter. The story relates how Endo Morito (the secular name of Mongaku) falls in love with Kesa Gozen, the beautiful wife of his colleague Watanabe Wataru. Eventually she conspires to allow him into their bedroom at night where he can kill her sleeping husband. However, unknown to Morito, he kills Kesa who has substituted herself to save her honour. Morito becomes a monk taking the name Mongaku and, as a penance, prays under the freezing waterfall for three weeks reciting incantations to the deity Fudo Myoo. He is often depicted with the attendants of Fudo Myoo, Seitaku and Kongaru, above him. From a set Honcho komei kagami, “Mirror of Famous People of our Country.” Published by Joshuya Kinzo, c. 1835. This subject lends itself to some marvellous designs by various artists.

                      Very fine impression. Fine colour. Some trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                      Status: Sold

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                        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                        A triptych showing the great wrestling match between Matano Goro Kagehisa and Kawazu Saburo Sukeyasu. The match was refereed by Ebina Gempachi and occurred during a hunting expedition organised by the general Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1176 near Mt. Akazawa. Kawazu was the eventual victor after a rematch, throwing Matano by twisting his foot behind him – a throw still known as the kawazu in his honour. Kawazu was later found murdered – his death being avenged by his sons Juro and Goro. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, 1838-40. An earlier version was designed by Kunisada as well as there being an excellent example by Kuniyoshi.

                        Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing and wear, otherwise good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                        Status: Sold

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                          Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                          Kan Zhang Liang (below) and Huang Shigong from the set Kan-So gundan, “Battle Tales of the Han and Chu.” The success of the Chinese warrior tales retold by Takizawa Bakin (1767-1848) in his novel “The Water Margin: New Illustrated Edition” published in 1805 resulted in the commissioning of Kuniyoshi to produce his famous series based on the heroes of the “Water Margin” in the late 1820s. Likewise for this set by Kunisada from around the same date. The story relates how Zhang Liang was walking near the Yishui Bridge one day when he met an old man who threw his shoe from the bridge and ordered Zhang Liang to return it and place it on his foot. Without thanking him the old man walked off but with the instruction to meet him five days later. Zhang Liang duly returned at dawn five days later to find the old man already there. Annoyed, the old man reiterates his command but with the same result. The third time Zhang Liang arrives at midnight so impressing the old man with his punctuality, fortitude and humility that he presents him with a book the knowledge from which will bring peace and prosperity to the empire during troubled times. He also tells him to meet again in thirteen years when he will be the yellow rock at the foot of Mount Gucheng. The old man was Huang Shigong. Zhang Liang visits after thirteen years, finds the rock, builds a shrine and is buried with it. Kunisada’s design shows the moment that the shoe is presented back to Huang Shigong. Published by Eijudo c 1827 (although this impression does not have publisher’s mark). The set was reissued by Joshuya Juzo.

                           

                          Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Gototei Kunisada ga.

                           

                          Status: Sold

                           

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                            Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)




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                            A diptych showing Musashi-bo Benkei, renowned for his herculean strength, battling with the young Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru (Yoshitsune) on Gojo Bridge. The story relates how Benkei (1155-1189) wandered around Kyoto with the intention of relieving 1000 samurai of their swords. One night with one more sword to go he saw Yoshitsune playing a flute and wearing a golden sword at the Gojotenjin Shrine. They agreed to fight on Gojo Bridge in southern Kyoto. However, Yoshitsune was too agile for Benkei and had been educated in the secrets of fighting by the mountain tengu. Following Yoshitsune’s victory Benkei became Yoshitsune’s retainer. Published by Hei, c. early 1830s. (This publisher produced many of Kunisada’s prints in the early 1830s.) Very rare.

                             

                             

                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                             

                             

                            Status: Sold

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                              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                              Shows Musashibo Benkei carrying the stolen giant Mii Temple bell up Mount Hiei to the Enryaku-ji, the Tendai-sect temple of the San-mon, “Mountain Order.” He is usually depicted dragging the half-ton bell, but here he is shown carrying it with the help of his kanabo, iron war club. Published by Daikokuya, c 1830-39. Another impression is in the British Museum, 1906,1220,0,1054. Rare.

                               

                              Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

                               

                              Status: Sold

                               

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                                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                Two volumes complete Yakusha sugao natsu no Fuji, “Portraits of Actors Compared to Fuji in the Summer.” (In other words, without white makeup.) Vol. one: Preface signed Santoan Kyozan. Frontispiece illustration showing Mt. Fuji and nine double-page illustrations of actors and their acolytes in a variety of pursuits offstage. Postscript dated Bunsei 11 (1828). Vol: two: Preface by Tsuruya Namboku IV dated 9/1827. Frontispiece illustration showing a washbowl and fan and nine double-page illustrations of actors from Edo, Kyoto and Osaka. Postscript signed Kochoro Utagawa Kunisada ga with seal Gotokan to tekichoku ko and the publishers: Tsuruya Kiemon; Yamamoto Kyubei; Eijudo (Nishimuraya Yohachi); Kansendo (Izumiya Ichibei); Kinrindo (Moriya Jihei). This fascinating book shows actors in and around their residencies. Replaced title slips and covers. Fine impressions and very good colour. Minor marks and thumbing. Rare.

                                 

                                 

                                Status: Sold

                                 

                                 




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                                  Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                  Matsumoto Koshiro V as the evil retainer Nikki Danjo who plots to overthrow his lord in the play Meiboku sendai hagi, “Precious Incense and the Bush Clover of Sendai.” From the last great actor set which was planned as a monument to his career and only used the most expensive materials. An untitled set with seventy-two prints completed on his death. ( One hundred and fifty were intended and some are in fact by Yoshitora. ) This is one of the best designs from the set showing a fine profile of an actor who was nicknamed Hanataka Koshiro, “Big-nosed Koshiro.” He made this role very much his own and to this day many actors still wear a mole on their foreheads in his honour. Published 1863 by Kinshodo.

                                  Very fine impression. Fine colour with extensive burnishing to the hair. On thick hosho and with the extra large margins of the first issues before being bound into albums. Slight soil at edge of margins, top and bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Nanajuhassai ( “At the age of seventy-eight” ) Toyokuni ga.

                                  Status: Sold

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                                    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



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                                    An untrimmed aiban fan print showing the actor Nakamura Shikan II on an outing to view the summer fireflies. Ukiyo hotarugari, “Firefly Viewing in the Floating World.” Published by Ibaya Kyubei, 1831.

                                     

                                    Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                                     

                                    Status: Sold

                                     

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                                      Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                      An original woodblock for printing the centre sheet of a triptych showing Ame no Tajikarao pulling the giant stone away from the Ama-no-Iwato cave where Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess) had ensconced herself thereby depriving the world of light. The block cut by the publisher Moriya Jihei, 6/1857. The block in very good condition. On the reverse side is the yellow block. Sold with a modern pull from the block. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                                       

                                      Status: Sold

                                       




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                                        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)


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                                        A dai-oban print showing the actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro I (Ichikawa Danjuro IX) in the role of Hanakawado no Sukeroku, an otokodate (chivalrous commoner) in the play Sukeroku yukari no Edo zakura, “Sukeroku, the Flower of Edo.” This play was performed at the Ichimura Theatre, Edo in 3/1862 and this print was published by Ebisuya Shoshichi the previous month to advertise the play. The storyline is based after the exploits of Soga no Goro and was one of the Kabuki juhachiban compiled by Ichikawa Danjuro VII for the family repertoire.

                                         

                                        Fine impression with burnishing on the costume. Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Untrimmed. Signed Ki-o Toyokuni ga.

                                         

                                        Status: Sold

                                         

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                                          Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                          An okubi-e showing the actor Arashi Hinasuke I as Fujiwara no Shihei. This was the Minister of the Left, the antagonist, in Sugawara denju tenarai kagami, “Sugawara’s Secrets of Calligraphy.” The set of “surimono-style” prints were published by Ebisuya Shoshichi between 1860 and 1869, the last 12 being by Yoshitora, and only 60 being completed by Kunisada before he died. The set is technically of the highest order and a fitting tribute to his life.

                                           

                                           

                                          Fine impression with extensive burnishing. Very good colour and condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni ga, “At the age of seventy-eight.”

                                           

                                           

                                          Status: Sold

                                           

                                           

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                                            Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                            A vertical diptych showing the actor Onoe Baiko III in the role of the vengeful and disfigured spirit of Kasane above Sawamura Tossho I as her husband Kinoshitagawa Yoemon. From the play Kuruwa kruwa date no ooyose performed at the Ichimura-za theatre 1836. Published by Kawaguchiya Chozo, 1836. Extremely rare.

                                             

                                             

                                            Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

                                             

                                             

                                            Status: Sold

                                             

                                             

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                                              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                              The actor Danjuro VIII as the ghost of Seigen from a set of prints Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets” published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1852. The relevant poet in this case is Ariwara no Narihira. The corrupt priest Seigen broke his vows of chastity when he fell in love with Sakurahime. Danjuro played this role in the play Yami no ume yume no tamakura, in the New Year’s programme at the Kawarazaki theatre, Edo, in 1/1853.

                                               

                                               

                                              Very fine early impression with glue applied to the eyes. Fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                                               

                                               

                                              Status: Sold

                                               

                                               

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                                                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                                The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV in the role of the vengeful and disfigured spirit of Kasane (Kasane no Bokon) from a set of prints Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets” published by Iseya Kanekichi in 1852. The relevant poet in this case is Fujiwara Toshiyuki no Ason.

                                                 

                                                 

                                                Very fine early impression with glue applied to the eyes. Fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                                                 

                                                 

                                                Status: Sold

                                                 

                                                 

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                                                  Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                  The actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as the ghost of Kasane from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Fujiwara no Toshiyuki Ason. Shows Kasane’s vengeful ghost appearing to her husband who had murdered her. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.

                                                   

                                                  Very fine early impression showing overall strong woodgrain and glue applied to the ghost’s right eye. Fine colour. Very small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                                                   

                                                  Status: Sold

                                                   

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                                                    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                    The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as the ghost of Seigen from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Ariwara no Narihira.The ghost is of the depraved priest Seigen who broke his vows of chastity by falling in love with Sakurahime (Princess Cherry Blossom), hence the cherry trees behind Seigen. He is expelled from the monastery and starves to death. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.

                                                    Very fine early impression with glue applied to the ghost’s eyes. Fine colour. Very small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                      Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



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                                                      Onoe Baiko III (Kikugoro III) as the vengeful ghost of Kasane appearing to haunt her husband Yagoro who had murdered her after getting tired of her ugliness. From the play Kuruwa kuruwa date no oyose performed at the Ichimura Theatre 2/1836. Title: Kokon misou kufu no yurei, “Famous Ghosts of the Past and Present.”

                                                       

                                                      Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

                                                       

                                                      Status: Sold

                                                       

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                                                        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                                        The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII in the drama Shibaraku. He is seen in his voluminous robe with the large Sansho (three square) motif which was the symbol of the Danjuro acting clan. The origins of the drama go back to Danjuro I in 1697 although there have been changes over the centuries. It is not a play as such but a scene which lasts about 50 minutes and is inserted during interludes. Evidently Shibaraku, which translates as “Wait a minute” or “Stop a moment,” was first dramatically shouted by Danjuri I when his fellow thespians forgot or refused his cue to enter and take to the hanamichi, “flower path” set at right angles to the stage. It became so popular that it was included in the kaomise, “face-showing” performances every year. Published by Kawaguchiya Shozo, c. 1830.

                                                         

                                                         

                                                        Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

                                                         

                                                         

                                                        Status: Sold

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                                                          Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)





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                                                          A rare 6-sheet design: Odori keiyo gakuya no zu, Odori keiyo nikai-iri no zu, “View of the Backstage and Dressing Rooms, Backstage at a Newly Opened Theatre.” The 1855 earthquake and resulting fire destroyed the Edo theatre district. Only five months later the first theatre – the Ichimura Theatre – was reopened. This print, issued the previous month, was an advertisement for the opening. A number of actors are recognisable by their mons. Published by Izumiya Ichibei, 1856, 2nd month.

                                                           

                                                          Very good impression and colour. Some trimming, otherwise very good condition. This design is invariably trimmed as the designs that have survived are from albums where the top triptych had to fold down into the album. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                                                           

                                                          Status: Sold

                                                           

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                                                            Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                            The actor Sawamura Tossho II as Sasaki Gennosuke from the play Hana ayame katami ezoshi. From the last great actor set which was planned as a monument to his career and used only the most expensive materials. An untitled set (but known as Konjaku kabuki meiyo, “Actors Portraits Past and Present.”) Seventy-two prints were completed from an intended one hundred and fifty, with twelve of them being by Yoshitora. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (Kinshodo) between 1860 and 1869 (this being 1863).

                                                             

                                                            Very fine impression on thick hosho. Very fine colour with burnishing and blind-printing. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “By the ninety year old Toyokuni.”

                                                             

                                                            Status: Sold

                                                             

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                                                              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                              A bust portrait of the actor Bando Hikosaburo V as Samezaya Shiroza compared to Lin Chong (from the famed Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, “Outlaws of the Marsh”) retold by Takizawa Bakin (1767-1848) in his novel “The Water Margin: New Illustrated Edition” published in 1805. There are three groups of three prints with background motifs of Pine, Bamboo (as here) and Plum, being the symbols of longevity. He is shown with a heavily tattooed arm of plum blossom and his coat is decorated with a design of a large eagle enveloping his shoulders. Published by Hayashiya Shogoro, 1859.

                                                               

                                                              Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ni Konomi Toyokuni ga.

                                                               

                                                              Status: Sold

                                                               

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                                                                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII as the half-Chinese, half-Japanese hero Watonai in a production of the play Kokusen’ya kassen staged at the Nakamura-za Theatre, 8/1816. Shows a popular scene from the play where Watonai overcomes a man-eating tiger in China by using a charm from the Ise Shrine. He holds a post with the characters reading Daijinga, “Grand Shrine” used in the inner and outer shrines at Ise. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi 1816. Extremely early and rare.

                                                                 

                                                                Fine impression and colour. Trimmed at left, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

                                                                 

                                                                Status: Sold

                                                                 

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                                                                  Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                  A preparatory drawing sold together with the published print showing the actor Sawamura Sojuro III as Oboshi Yuranosuke from the play Kanadehon Chushingura. [Yakusha mitate] Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi: Nihonbashi Shinagawa no aide, Takanawa, Yuranosuke, “Actors at the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido: Takanawa between Nihonbashi and Shinagawa, Yuranosuke.” The drawing is from a group of 43 that were sold by a Milanese gallery in 1981. The set was published by Takadaya Takezo in 1852. Seal bottom right of the collector Kaoen. Three other drawings from this group are illustrated in Kunisada, Robert Schaap, Hotei Publishing, 2016, nos 103-105.

                                                                   

                                                                  The drawing is laid down (as all were), sumi with light red and blue to the face. There are numerous annotations indicating the colours to be used. There are some differences between the drawing and the published print, mainly in the background landscape. The print is in good condition. The drawing is signed Toyokuni ga.

                                                                   

                                                                  Status: Sold

                                                                   




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                                                                    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                    A fine original shunga drawing showing a couple copulating. Probably a preliminary design for an obon illustrated book. Sumi on thin Japanese paper, 7.5 x 10.5 in, 19 x 26.5 cms. A nice example unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.

                                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                                      Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                                      An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing a couple having sexual congress. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet. A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.

                                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                                        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



                                                                         Click here to view image full size.

                                                                        An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet. A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.

                                                                        Status: Sold

                                                                          Tags: , , ,

                                                                           

                                                                          Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



                                                                           Click here to view image full size.

                                                                          An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.

                                                                          Status: Sold

                                                                            Tags: , , ,

                                                                             

                                                                            Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



                                                                             Click here to view image full size.

                                                                            An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet. A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.

                                                                            Status: Sold

                                                                              Tags: , ,

                                                                               

                                                                              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                                                              An original preliminary oban sumi drawing for an unpublished set. Shows a young woman teaching a child to play the shamisen and how to use the plectrum (bachi). With intended series title: Osana musume keiko awase, “Teaching the Arts to a Young Girl.” And sub-title: Imouto e oshieru no zu, “Picture of Teaching a Younger Sister.” A particularly interesting drawing as it shows the spontaneity of the initial concept. Kunisada may have made a further more detailed sketch but a final very detailed drawing was needed for the block-cutter to follow accurately and this would have been given to a pupil to undertake. For obvious reasons, these drawings did not survive.

                                                                               

                                                                               

                                                                              In very good condition.

                                                                               

                                                                               

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



                                                                                 Click here to view image full size.

                                                                                An uncut fan print with title: Furyu yami no kaori, “A Refined Date in the Dark.” Shows a beauty holding a pipe and contemplating a dusky garden and her hidden lover. From a set published by Kojimaya Jubei, with date seal 3/1852.

                                                                                Fine impression and colour. Small paper fibre on woman’s cheek, otherwise fine condition. Signed Konomi ni ujite ( “With my taste” ) Toyokuni ga.

                                                                                Status: Sold

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