Utagawa YOSHIFUJI ( 1828-1887 )
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The head of the cat-witch of Okabe from the Fifty-three Stations. The head is composed of convoluted cats’ bodies; the eyes being two bells that are usually found round cats’ necks and the mouth a thick ribbon as worn by cats. Any young girl visiting the temple was at risk of being greeted by an old woman who would offer her accommodation for the night, only to transmogrify into a cat-witch and devour them. The print was published c 1847 by ( appropriately ) Kita. Extremely rare and a great 19th century design.
Fine impression and colour. Small corner repair bottom right and slight strengthening au verso of weak lines. But generally good condition. Full size. Signed Ipposai Yoshifuji ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIFUJI (1828-1887)
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An exceptionally rare print with inscription which reads: Koneko yoriatsumatte oya ni naru, “The kittens gather together and become a mother cat”. The cat’s body is formed by the convoluted forms of nineteen kittens, it’s eye is a cat’s bell and the whiskers are the spines of a fan. Another ( faded ) impression is illustrated in Edo no Asobi-e, Shinichi Inagaki, 1988, no 24, p 29. I have never seen another impression since I started dealing. No publisher given, c 1847-52.
Fine impression and colour. Very slight trimming at left, otherwise fine. Signed Ichihosai Yoshifuji ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIFUJI (1828 – 1887)
Click here to view image full size.
The head of the cat-witch of Okabe from the Fifty-Three Stations. The head is composed of convoluted cats’ bodies; the eyes being two bells and the mouth a thick ribbon as worn by cats. The print was published circa 1847 by (appropriately) Kita. Excessively rare and a great 19th century design.
Very good impression and colour. Some small expertly repaired wormholes, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Ipposai Yoshifuji ga.
Status: Sold