Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The poetess Kikaku from the set Chuko meiyo kijin den, “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation.” Published by Iseya Ichiemon or Enshuya Matabei (this design) 1845. Robinson S35.6. Shows the Tokugawa poetess sheltering beneath an umbrella in heavy rain in a boat floating under a bridge. A fine design.
Superb impression and colour. Very slight crinkling and trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The samurai Yamamoto Kansuke from the set Chuko meiyo kijin den, “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation.” Published by Iseya Ichiemon (this design) or Enshuya Matabei 1845. Robinson S35.16. One of Takeda Shingen’s most trusted 24 Generals. He is shown fighting a wild boar in deep snow. A fine design.
Very fine impression and colour. Very slight crinkling and trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Miyamoto Musashi fencing with Tsukahara Bokuden from the set Chuko meiyo kijin den, “Stories of Remarkable Persons of Loyalty and High Reputation.” Published by Iseya Ichiemon (this design) or Enshuya Matabei 1845. Robinson S35.8. Tsukahara Bokuden was a famous swordsman (1489-1571). He is shown here parrying Musashi’s wooden swords with pot lids. Actually, Bokuden died 13 years before Musashi was born, so this is anecdotal.
Superb impression and colour. Very slight crinkling and trimmed close, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A complete diptych showing Inuyama Dosetsu Tadatomo with smoke curling around him and his hand on one of his swords facing Inugawa Sosuke Yoshito on one knee grasping his sword beside a wood fire from which the billowing smoke is emanating. Two of the heroes from Kyokutei Bakin’s famous book, Nanso Satomi hakkenden, “The Chronicles of the Eight Dog Heroes of the Satomi Clan of Nanso.” From a set of prints Kendo ryaku den “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmamship.” Published by Kadzusa-ya Iwazo, c. 1845-6. The complete diptych is rare. Robinson S37.9.7.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Chinzei Hachiro Tametomo battling a large wild boar in the snowy mountains of Mashiki in the province of Higo, watched from above by Takama Harutsugu. A rare print from a rare unfinished (?) series Buyu hyaku den, “A Hundred Stories of Military Valour.” Published by Fujioka-ya Hikotaro, c. 1836.
Fine impression and colour. Slight fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Mongaku Shonin doing thirty-seven days’penance under the freezing Nachi waterfall near Kyoto. He is helped by Fudo Myo-o’s two attendants Seitaki and Kongara seen here top right. This act of self-mortification is because he accidentally killed his beloved cousin Kesa. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 1860. A fine design.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Nichiren praying for rain from the set Koso goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” The set published by Iseya Rihei, c. 1835. The event is supposed to have taken place at the Reizan Promontory, Kamakura in 1271. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizangasake uki. Nichiren was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect of which Kuniyoshi was a follower. This is the very rare first edition without the break in the black border on the left near the small boat. Another first edition impression is in the Baur Collection, Geneva. See Matthi Forrer, 1994, G366. Most impressions show the break. For example: Kuniyoshi, Juzo Suzuki, 1992, no. 179. There are also variant later impressions with differences in the gradation of the sea and the promontory.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Imperceptible centre fold and trimming at top, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A surimono from a series: Fuzoku onna Suikoden hyakuhachiban no uchi, “Modern Women as the One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Suikoden.” Shows a beauty leaning on a fulling block beside a stream. She gazes at a flowering cherry tree with a village in the distance beneath a full moon. Each design is based on one of the characters from the Suikoden; in this case Shinkigunshi Shubu (Zhu Wu), the “Resourceful Strategist.” The series was inspired by a new translation of the 12th century Chinese novel Shui huchuan, “All Men are Brothers” which relates the deeds of a group of outlaws. Commissioned by the Hisakatayaren Club for the New Dragon Year 1832. Surimono were usually issued by these poetry clubs or for specific occasions, although individuals also commissioned them. They could employ every artifice available to the printers and engravers: metal powders, mica, blind-printing and burnishing, and were printed on the best, thick hosho. They were not issued in large numbers as conventional Ukiyo-e and are usually of a smaller format. Presumably ambitiously planned as 108 prints but never completed. Rare.
Very fine impression and colour with silver and gold. Slightly trimmed top and bottom, otherwise very god condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga with the red seal of the printer Suriko Shinzo (which is removed on some impressions).
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The ghost of Hayano Kampei Tsuneyo lunging forward with his spear. From the set Seichu gishi den, “Biographies of Loyal and Righteous Samurai” in other words, The forty-Seven Ronin. Published by Ebiya Rinnosuke, c 1847-8. Robinson S53.47.
Very good impression, colour and condition. This design is beautifully printed, the blue and sumi graded off to indicate the ghostly status of Tsuneyo. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Soshiko Raio (Chinese: Lei Heng) gripping the throat of Lady Hakushuyei and about to strike her. A design from the fine set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi’Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2.67.
Fine impression and colour. Full size (unusual as these prints are overlarge obans and usually trimmed down to the common denominator in albums). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Mongaku Shonin doing thirty-seven days penance under the freezing Nachi waterfall near Kyoto. He is helped by Fudo Myo-o’s two attendants Seitaka and Kongara seen here top right. This act of self-mortification is because he accidentally killed his beloved cousin Kesa. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 1860. A fine design.
Superb impression of the first state with splashed gofun over Mongaku’s head. Fine colour. Lightly backed and imperceptible centrefold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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I no Hayata Hironao killing the nue from a set Honcho Suikoden goyu happyakunin no hitori, “One of the Eight Hundred Heroes of the Water Margin of Japan.” In the year 1154 the Emperor Konoe was having trouble sleeping due to weird shrieks and scratchings coming from the roof of his castle. He called for the famed archer Minamoto no Yorimasa (1106-80) to solve the problem. Yorimasa shoots an arrow at a black cloud surrounding the roof and the beast nue falls to earth being finished off by his servant I no Hayata Hironao. The composit creature was said to have the head of a monkey, back of a badger, legs of a tiger, scales of a dragon, and tail of a snake, but accounts vary. Published by Kagaya Kichiemon c 1831. One of the great early designs. Robinson S4a.6. Rare.
Fine impression and colour. In exceptional condition with extra paper on three sides which is extremely unusual. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Wada Heita Tanenaga (1182-1213) battling a giant python (uwabami) near a waterfall.He was a renowned archer and retainer of Minamoto no Yoriie. Various stories tell how he came across the python in a cave or saved a village from its carnivorous attacks. A popular subject that gave rise to some excellent designs by Kuniyoshi and his pupils. From an untitled early set published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, c 1834-5. Robinson S1c.10.
Fine impression and colour.Slightly trimmed at top, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych of the night attack on Yoshitsune’s palace on the Hirikawa, Kyoto -hence called the Horikawa Palace – by the troops of Yoshitsune’s brother (Yoritomo) led by Tosaba Shoshun in 1185. Horikawa yo-uchi no zue. Yoshitsune is seen on the raised wooden platform with Benkei. Below is his mistress, Lady Shizuka, with a halberd. Yoshitsune’s brother’s mind was poisoned against him and he was thought of as a threat. Published by Sanoya Kihei, 1851.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing a figure in the centre painting Otsu-e pictures which float up and materialise as the actual characters. Toki ni Otsu-e kitai no maremono, “Popular Otsu-e Paintings for the Times: A long-awaited Rarity.” In fact, this is a self-portrait of Kuniyoshi. He is shown with one of his many cats watching him and his kiri seal fan to his left. Tantalizingly, Kuniyoshi partially covers his face with a painting. There are few images of Kuniyoshi. Published by Minatoya Kohei, c 1848.
Very good impression and colour. Slight crinckling of paper, otherwise very good condition. Signed ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The warrior Kojoso Jisen in a tree by moonlight shining his lantern towards the ground. From the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2. 33.
Fine impression and colour. Fine condition. Full size (unusual as this set are overlarge obans and often trimmed). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The warrior Hitentaisei Rikon in armour, holding a long-handled axe and scanning the horizon from a craggy outcrop. From the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, 1827-30. Robinson S2. 21.
Extremely fine impression and colour. Fine condition. Full size (unusual as this set are overlarge obans and often trimmed). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The ronin Nakamura Kansuke Masatatsu dodging a brazier of hot ash. The best design from a fine set of twelve half length portraits of the forty-seven ronin: Seicho gishi shozo, “Portraits of Faithful Samurai of True Loyalty.” The depictions borrow strongly from western portraiture including imitation western script in the green border of the title cartouche. It is not necessary to repeat the story here as it is the best known Japanese tale. Published by Sumiyoshiya Masagoro, 12/1852.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. The printing on this set is exceptional with details such as the sword blades and title cartouches burnished. Signed Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A famous triptych: The ghosts of the Taira warriors attacking Yoshitsune’s ship in Daimotsu bay. Shows Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-89) aboard his ship Tsukimaru sailing along the coast of Settsu Province at Daimotsu. It was here that the Minamoto and Taira clans clashed and many Taira warriors perished. It is the ghosts of these that rise from the waves to attack Yoshitsune. His men struggle to lower the sail while Yoshitsune’s loyal retainer, Benkei, rubs his prayer beads and offers prayers to the gods of the sea and to Kannon, the Bodhisattva of mercy and the storm abates. Published 1849-51 by Enshuya Hikobei.
A very nice example of this rare print: A number of states exist, the earliest having white lines in the waves lower right. The main differences are with the ghosts. The horns and eyes are removed but the printing and gradation of these varies as well. This impression has the lines but the eyes and horns removed so seems to be an intermediate state between first and second editions. There is no great variation in impression between these states. Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed. otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Tsukudajima from the series Toto meisho, “Famous Places in Edo.” Shows two women and a boatman being rowed beneath Eitai bridge. In the distance is Tsukudajima Island. It was here that large vessels would anchor at the mouth of the Sumida river to transfer their cargos to smaller boats. Devotional prayer slips float down during the Bon Odori festival, 13-15 July, commemorating those that have drowned in the river. A set of ten prints with western influences published by Kagaya Kichiemon, c 1832-3. Ex Kessler collection. Rare.
Very good impression: Early states have a grey tone on the bottom of the bridge supports (as here). A late edition has recut clouds. Slight fading and centre fold, otherwise good condition. The green border intact (so often trimmed off). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A complete diptych showing Inukai Kempachi wielding an iron truncheon against Inudzuka Shino who stands, sword drawn, with one foot on a fallen follower of Kempachi during the fight on the Horyukaku roof of Koga Castle. A well-known episode from Kyokutei Bakin’s famous book, Nanso Satomi hakkenden, “The Chronicles of the Eight Dog Heroes of the Satomi Clan of Nanso.” From a set of prints Kendo ryaku den “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmamship.” Published by Kadzusa-ya Iwazo, c. 1845-6. Robinson S37.6.5. The complete diptych is rare.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A night scene illuminated by a band of light from a hand-lantern. Shows Ushiwaka-maru (Yoshitsune) battling with the outlaw priest Kumasada Chohan and his band of thieves who were attempting to rob the inn where Yoshitsune was staying. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c. 1839-41. A fine design.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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“Goat” from a set Mitate junishi, “Selection for the Twelve Signs.” Shows the beauty Okoma looking through a curtain. Briefly the story relates how she is to be married off to a rich man by her mother but Okoma is in love with another man called Chushichi. A visiting barber cuts Chushichi’s hair and concocts a scheme with him to have her kidnaped and for Chushichi to rescue her. Published by Kojima c 1845. Robinson S38.8.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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“Hare” from a set Mitate junishi, “Selection for the Twelve Signs.” Shows Yama-uba with a rattle and a dancing white hare on Mount Ashigora. She is famous for bringing up Kintaro who played with the mountain animals. Published by Yenshuya Matabei, c 1845. Robinson S38.4.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the night attack in pouring rain by the brothers Juro Soga and Goro Soga on their father’s murderer Kudo Suketsune. They had waited 18 years for the opportunity which came in 1193 when there was a hunting party held at the base of Mount Fuji by the Shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. Soga kyodai chichi no ada-uchi no zu. In the centre is Goro and on the left Juro. Above, the cloth panels with the paulownia crest of the Minamoto clan. Published by Sanoya Kihei, 1851-3.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming at top and residual glue at edge of centre sheet, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Saito Toshimoto nyudo Ryuhon (actually Saito Toshimitsu nyudo Ryuhon) in armour struggling with a Chinese brigand underwater. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the 14th century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this numbered 48) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. There are a number of different states of this design, the preferable one, as here, has a light blue printed over the whole image to better depict the water. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold and slight trimming at bottom. Light album backing. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A poem by the celebrated poet Gonchunagon Sadayori from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teiki (1162-1241). Shows a fisherman catching fish in a fish trap. One of the best designs from the set with fine chiaroscuro printing of the background. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 prints are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:
In the early dawn
When the mists on Uji River
Slowly lift and clear
From the shallows to the deep
The stakes of fishing nets appear
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling of top right margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A print from the set Mitate junishi, “Selection for the Twelve Signs [of the Zodiac].” This being Dog. Shows the wrestler Inuda (Inu, “Dog”) Kobungo umpiring a match between two crabs. Published c. 1845 by Iba-ya Sensaburo. Robinson S38.11.
Fine impression and colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Oho ( Wang P’ou ) visiting his mother’s tomb to comfort her during a thunderstorm. Shows peasants fleeing the zigzag lightning bolts. From a set of fourteen prints: Nijushi-ko doji kagami, “Mirror of the Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety.” Published by Wakasa-ya Yoichi, c 1840. Each print shows an example of a child’s exemplary behaviour in looking after their aged parents There is a strong western influence in this set. Robinson S13.14.
Very good impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Saginoike Heikuro from Honcho Suikoden goyu happyaku-nin no hitori, “Eight Hundred Heroes of our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” Shows the brigand wrestling with a huge serpent at the Lake of Sayama (or Hazama) at Tondabayashi in the Province of Kawachi. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c 1845. (First issued by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1831, his seal just visible lower right corner.) Robinson S4b.4. A fine design.
Very good impression and colour. Full size. Slightly soiled bottom left, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Kyusempo Sakucho (Chin: Suo Chao) at the battle of Peking from Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi’Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Shows the warrior wielding a huge axe and plunging through deep snow on his horse. He was renowned for being seven chi tall (just over seven and a half feet) and impetuous in battle, often charging ahead of his men – hence his nickname “Impatient Vanguard.” Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1827-30. Provenance: Ex B.W. Robinson collection. Robinson S2.44.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size (rare with designs from this set). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The warrior Hitentaisei Rikon (Chin: Li Gun) in armour and holding a hand spear (nage-yari) the use of which he excelled at. He scans the horizon from a craggy outcrop. From the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi’Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1827-30. Robinson S2.21.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size (rare with designs from this set). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows the warrior Chinsanzan Koshin (Chin: Huang Xin) holding the “Sword of Death.” His nickname was the “Guardian of the Three Mountains” because of his boast that he could easily eradicate the bandits from the three mountains in the Qingzhou region. . From the set Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Based on the Chinese novel Shui Hu Zhuan, attributed to Shi’Nai’an, which tells of a band of 108 brigands who operated from Liangshan Marsh. Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1827-30. Robinson S2.10.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size (rare with designs from this set). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows the fearsome female warrior, Fujinoye, defending Takadachi Castle in 1189. In a rain of arrows she attacks Yemoto Juro and Nagasawa Uyemon-taro on the castle steps. From the set Honcho Suikoden goyu happyaku-nin no hitori, “Eight Hundred Heroes of our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1831. Robinson S4a.1.
Fine impression and colour. Slight trimming at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows Sasaki Saburo Moritsuna, holding a dirk in his mouth, and strangling the fisherman Fujidayu. From an untitled set published by Kawaguchi-ya Uhei, c 1825-30. The story revolves around Moritsuna bribing the fisherman to reveal the whereabouts of the shallows at Fujito, a strait separating Kojima from the mainland, and being 500 yards wide impossible for the troops to cross without boats to attack the Taira forces. The version depicted here shows Fujidayu being killed, rather than just bribed. Robinson Sia.6.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The best design from a set of half-length otokodate figures: Kuniyoshi moyo shofuda tsuketari genkin otoko, “Men of Ready Money with True Labels Attached, Kuniyoshi Fashion.” Here showing Danshichi Kurobei emptying a bucket of water over himself. Danshichi was a fishmonger in the city of Sakai who murdered somebody in the mid-winterof 1697, the body only being discovered when the snow melted. He is often depicted pouring water over his head, although there are also versions where he commits the crime in a swamp. Published by Ibaya Kyubedi, 1845. Poem by Hoshitei.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Nichiren standing on a rocky promontory at Reizen in Kamakura and having his prayers for rain answered. The event occurred in 1271. His disciples surround him and protect him from the deluge with a large umbrella. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizan-ga-saki uki. The second best design from Koso [Nichiren] goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren (1222-1282) was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect (Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a follower) and indeed the set of ten prints may have been commissioned to mark the 550th anniversary of his death. Published by Iseya Rihei c. 1831.
Fine impression. This example has an orange-red colour used on Nichiren’s robe and umbrella rather than the brighter red of other impressions. Very good colour and condition. Full size with ample room on top border for the umbrella which protrudes beyond the border and is notorious for being trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing Fujiwara no Hidesato being accompanied by a retinue of fish, octopuses and lobsters as he leaves the Dragon King’s Palace with the presents of inexhaustible rice, bolts of cloth, and a bell in gratitude for killing the centipede of Mount Mikami. Ryugujo Tawara Toda Hidesato ni sanshu no tosan o okura. Published by Maruya Kyushiro, 1858.
Very good impression. Good colour. Some light toning and soil. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Sasai Kyuzo Masayasu enveloped in smoke and avoiding musketry at the battle of Anegawa. The best design from the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the 14th century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.36.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows Hatsuhana’s long penance under the Tonozawa waterfall to aid her crippled husband “Hazari” Katsugoro who is intent on revenging his brother’s murder. Hatsuhana dies, Katsugoro is cured and kills his arch enemy near the waterfall. From the set Kenjo reppuden, “Stories of Wise and Virtuous Women.” Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, 1841-2.
Very fine impression and colour. Several small expertly repaired wormholes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold