Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c. 1840-1880)
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An oban with title: Furyu saya-e: oiran, “Elegant Sheath-Pictures: Oiran.”A catoptric (mirror as opposed to an oblique) anamorphic print showing a parading courtesan. These prints were meant to be viewed in conical or cylindrical mirrors placed at the bottom of the image. The flat distorted image was then seen undistorted. However, in Japan the image was viewed in the curved surface of a sword sheath. Anamorphosis was known in Europe in the early 15th century and also in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Published by Enshuya Matabei, c. 1845. Another impression is illustrated in Edo no asobi-e, Shinichi Inagaki, Tokyo Shoseki, 1988, plate 6. Very rare.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Ichimosai Yoshitora ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1850-1880)
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The Dragon Princess rising from the sea to the amazement of Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181) and his court. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, 1861.
Fine impression and colour. Very slightly trimmed, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active 1836-87)
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Uji Joetsu killing a huge monster with a long-haired albino coat and giant claws. From a set: Honcho kendo tatsujin hyakunin no uchi hitori, “A Hundred Great Swordsmen of Our Country.” Published by Itoya Fukujiro, 1859.
Fine impression. The monster’s coat completely blind-printed. Fine colour. Slightly trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1850-1880)
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A triptych showing Sato Masakiyo, having invaded Shikoku and overthrowing the castle of Shosokabe Motochika, entering deep into the mountains where he battles an army of huge toads, lizards, bats, spiders, cats and dogs. Sato Masakiyo Shikoku seibatsu no toki Shosokabe Motochika no honjo o semeotosu ori kara hakarazu shinzan ni tachiiri kebutsu taiji no zu. Published by Kinseido (Sanoya Tomigoro), 1862.
Very good impression and colour. Album backing, otherwise good condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa YOSHITORA (active c. 1850-1880)
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One volume complete Kyoka chakizai gazoshu, “Tea Ceremony Utensils, a Kyoka Collection.” Published Ansei 2, 1855 by Seiryuteizo. Inside front cover artists given as Ichiryusai Hiroshige and Ichimosai Yoshitora. Three pages preface; three pages decorative labels; four pages landscapes by Hiroshige (including the Uji River – a prime tea growing area); twelve pages of portraits by Yoshitora; twenty-one pages kyoka poems. Original covers with a hand inscribed title slip. Ex collection Edmond de Goncourt with his brocade binding and imitation wood slipcase. In very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1845-1880)
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A triptych, Shichimen Daimyojin yurai. Shows Nichiren summoning up the Seven-faced dragon to attack a hoard of warriors bottom right. Yoshitora, a pupil of Kuniyoshi, is best known for his Yokohama prints. Published c 1870. A fine design and rare.
Very fine impression with carefully graded gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c. 1850-1880)
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The actor Bando Mitsuguro V as Yushide, a daughter of Shindo Saemon from the play Karukaya doshin tsukushi no iezuto. From an untitled set of prints designed in conjunction with Kunisada. It was intended to represent the culmination of Kunisada’s career using only the finest materials, engravers and printers. Published by Kinshodo between 1860-1864. 150 designs were envisioned but only 72 were published, with 12 being by Yoshitora who joined the project in 1862. The plot concerns the machinations of rival Daimyo to possess a rare gem stone. Yushide is caught up in the shenanigans, the outcome being that she stabs herself in the throat with the white arrow she wears as a hair pin.
Superb impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Fl. c. 1850-1880)
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An original hanshita-e triptych drawing for an unpublished print: Okehazama daikassen no zue, “The Great Battle of Okehazama.” Shows Imagawa Yoshimoto being attacked by Hattori Koheita and Mori Shinsuke and killed. The battle was in June 1560. The intended print was to be published by Kiya Sojiro and has the publisher’s mark on the drawing as well as the censor seal for 1866.
Sumi on thin paper with extensive pentimenti. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Sold