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A triptych showing Prince Genji in a boat with attendant page and a lady watching female awabi (abalone) divers called ama. These women were a great curiosity for the public and seen as rather risqué characters. Prince Genji was the protagonist of Murasaki Shikibu’s Heian-era novel The Tale of Genji. He was the second son of the emperor, and relegated to civilian life. Published 1865 by Maruya Kyushiro.
Very good impression and colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kunisada hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,280
Tags: Available, Beauties, Utagawa KUNISADA II
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A triptych showing the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (centre) battling Shirakura Dengoemon (left) and his henchmen. The story usually relates how a jealous Dengoemon plots to kill Musashi by inebriating him and locking him in a bath house without his sword. However, Musashi, wielding a huge broken beam, slays Dengoemon and his followers aided by Dengoemon’s daughter Itohagi (right) who has fallen in love with Musashi. Kuniyoshi, however, depicts the event beside a mill-stream and a large waterwheel. Seiran, “Clearing Weather” from a set Mitate hakkei, “Selection for the Eight Views.” Published by Joshuya Juzo, 1846.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Tags: Available, Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI, Warriors and Legends
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An orihon with 13 brush drawings, sumi and light colour on paper mounted into an album. Image size 10.75 x 13.75; 27.25 x 35 cm. Painted in the Shijo style which employs the rapid and dexterous use of a brush loaded with pigment to achieve tonality without initial drawing or outline. While the results can be detailed, they often capture the essence of a subject in an abbreviated manner. (Zeshin studied under the Shijo artists Suzuki Nanrei and Okamoto Toyohiko.) A prodigious talent famous for his lacquer work, introducing original techniques as well as reviving old ones.
Signed Zeshin on last sheet with Zeshin seal. Other sheets with seals Koman and Shin. Comes with original paulownia box. In very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £4,500
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Tags: Available, Books, Shibata ZESHIN
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Etchu Tateyama, “Tateyama in Etchu [Province]” from a set Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Seas.” The title is in a traditional sumo umpire’s fan (the gunbai) top right. A set of 20 prints: 10 of mountains, 10 of sea harbours. Published by Yamadaya Shojiro (Kinkyodo) in 1858. A mountainous region famous for its hiking trails and hot steam vents and sulfurous streams. The smoke from some seen here rising in juxtaposition to the mountain peaks.
Fine impression and colour. This is the first edition with variegated cartouche. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
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The Yoro Waterfall, Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The 32 meters fall cascades down from Mount Tado. Legend has it that the water had rejuvenating properties with the Empress Gensho (A.D.683-748) having visited and likening the taste to that of sake. A cider, Yoro Sanroku, is produced here. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke (Kohei), 1853-56, this being 1853. Numerous states exist of this design with colour variations and differences in gradation. Primarily the colouring of the fall changes: Some impressions have the waterfall completely blue, which obscures the blind-printing, while others, as here, have edge gradation only.
Fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Slight fading and toning in margins, otherwise very good condition. Very large borders. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa HIROSHIGE
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Meisho hakkei: Kamakura bansho, “Eight Celebrated Views: Evening Bell at Kamakura” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Tsurugaoka yori Boshu yama no kei, “View of the Mountains of Awa Province from Tsurugaoka.” Shows the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). Is in unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche perfectly retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
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Meisho hakkei: Enoshima seiran “Eight Celebrated Views: Clearing Weather at Enoshima” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Koyurugi no iso Morokoshi ga hara “Koyurugi Strand and Morokoshi Plain.” Shows a view of the famous island from Shichiri Beach and Mount Fuji in the distance. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche (as here), the other with cursive script. It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £4,200
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
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Meisho hakkei: Fuji bosetsu, “Eight Celebrated Views: Evening Snow on Mount Fuji” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Shimo Sengen atomiya nakamiya zenzu, “Complete View of the Inner and Middle Shrines at Shimo Sengen.” A majestic Fuji towers over the shrines. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £6,800
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
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Meisho hakkei: Miho rakugan “Eight Celebrated Views: Returning Geese at Miho” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Suruga Kiyomidera Yoshiwara enkei, “Distant View of Yoshiwara Station and Kiyomi Temple in Suruga Province.” A blind-printed Mount Fuji is seen on the horizon. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point.
Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £5,500
Tags: Available, Landscapes, TOYOSHIGE, Utagawa TOYOKUNI II
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“Flood” from a set Seiu kandankei, “A Barometer of Emotions.” Shows the actor Nakamura Shikan IV as the hero Abe Bungo no Kami battling the flooded Sumida River to ascertain the damage done. Sometimes the scene depicts Hirata Danemon, his retainer, fording the river or accompanying Abe Bungo. Published by Yorozuya Magobei (Kineido), 1876. A fine design.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,580
Tags: Available, Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI, Warriors and Legends
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The actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro I as Danshichi Kurobei from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. He is depicted, heavily tattooed, washing off the blood after killing his father-in-law Mikawaya Giheiji. This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression with mokume-zuri on the bucket. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £1,280
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA
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The actor Bando Hikosaburo V as Kenkaya Gorokichi from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £1,280
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA
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The actor Matsumoto Koshiro V as Hige no Ikyu from a set: Rien kyokaku den, “The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Kabuki actors playing legendary chivalrous outlaws – otokodate. Ikyu was known as the “Whiskered Ikyu” because of his exaggerated facial hair. He was the rival of Sukeroku and owned a sword tomokirimaru which Sukeroku covoted This and some other Kunisada sets around this date represent the ultimate in block cutting and precision keying with sophisticated printing techniques employing every embellishment: blind-printing, splashed pigment, burnishing, refined bokashi and mokume-zuri, while using the best quality pigments and paper. Published by Yorozucho Hiranoya (Akindo), 1863.
Extremely fine de-luxe impression with fine blind-printing on the hair. (There is a later edition lacking all the refinements.) Very fine colour. Slight soil on the hair, otherwise fine condition. Signed Nanajuhassai Toyokuni hitsu, “Seventy-eight-year-old Toyokuni drew.”
Status: Available
Price: £980
Tags: Actors, Available, Utagawa KUNISADA
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Two beauties getting ready for bed. One is seen behind a bamboo screen while the other approaches holding a bunch of tapers, one of which is lit. From a set: Mutamagawa tsuki mayuzumi, “Six Jewel Rivers: Blackened Eyebrows.” This refers to the practice of geisha to shave their eyebrows and paint new ones higher up on the forehead. This contrasted with the traditional white face makeup they wore. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), c 1810s. Probably Utamaro II’s best set.
Very good impression. Slight fading and minor soil and creasing, otherwise good condition. Full size. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £3,500
Tags: Available, Beauties, Kitagawa UTAMARO II
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A beauty from a set Bijin gosekku, “Fashionable Beauties Associated with the Five Festivals.” This being the Chrysanthemum Festival on the 9th September. Unidentified publisher, c late 1820s.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight creasing and signs of mounting au verso, otherwise good condition. Signed Eizan hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,480
Tags: Available, Beauties, Kikugawa EIZAN
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A triptych: Bunji yonen Minamoto Yoshitsune Sesshu Daimotsu no ura nanpu no zu. Shows the vengeful drowned spirits of the Taira clan, defeated in the battle of Dan-no-ura, seeking retribution. The ghoulish samurai rise from the sea led by Taira no Tomomori (far left) and attack the ship carrying their old adversary Minamoto no Yoshitsune (seen in the centre of the first sheet). The reprisal happens during a storm in Daimotsu Bay in Settsu Province in 1188. The ship is saved and the aquatic army repelled by the intervention of Saito Musashito Benkei, the warrior-monk, who is seen on the prow of the vessel chanting incantations while holding his prayer beads. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), 1847-48.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichimosai Yoshitora ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
Tags: Available, Utagawa YOSHITORA, Warriors and Legends
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A triptych showing three of the prominent samurai commanders in the Taira army in the battle of Ishibashiyama on September 14th1180: Oba (Mataro) Kagehisa (far left), Oba Kagechika (centre), Kajiwara Kagetoki (far right, who in fact defected and spied for Yoritomo). The Taira crushed the Minamoto under the command of Minamoto no Yoritomo because of superior numbers although Yoritomo survived. The battle took place on the slopes of Mount Ishibashi near present day Odawara. Published by Yamamoto Kyubei (Eikyudo), who became Yamamoto Heikichi, c 1810-14. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Album backing and several very small backed pin holes. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Tags: Available, Utagawa TOYOKUNI I, Warriors and Legends
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A triptych Harugeshiki musume dochu sanmai Tsuzuki, “A Young Lady and her Maids Being Transported Across the River in Spring.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Enjudo), c 1814.
Fine impression and colour. Lightly toned. Extremely large margins. Signed Kuninao ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,000
Tags: Available, Landscapes, Utagawa KUNINAO
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A triptych of a legendary revenge story: Kiyomori nyudo Nunobiki no taki yuran Akugenta Yoshihira no nei Nanba Jiro o utsu. Shows the ghost of Akugenta Yoshihira, on the centre sheet, appearing in a thundercloud and sending down a lightning bolt to kill Nanba Jiro. Eight years previously Akugenta had been executed by Nanba Jiro after a military defeat in 1160. However, before he dies, he swears that he will come back and kill Nanba Jiro with a lightning bolt. This comes true when Nanba Jiro and Taira no Kiyomori are visiting the Nunobiki Waterfall. Kiyomori is seen on the left sheet witnessing the event. Published by Moriya Jihei (Kinshodo), 1861.
Very fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Kunichika ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Tags: Available, Toyohara KUNICHIKA, Warriors and Legends
