Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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A beauty with a child on her back. Amagoi Komachi from a set Furyu nana Komachi, “Fashionable Seven Komachi.” Events from the life of Ono no Komachi, one of the six best waka poets of the Heian period. Published by Iseya Soemon, c. 1805.
Very good impression. Fine colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
Suzuki Jun NANREI (1775-1844)
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An original painting, sumi and very light colour on paper, 39.5 x 11.5 in; 99.5 x 29 cm. Nanrei was the consummate Shijo artist, much admired by J. Hillier who stated: “… if one wishes to study the Shijo artist par excellence with the gifts and the limitations that that title infers, it is Nanrei one turns to …..”(The Uninhibited Brush, J. Hillier, 1974, p. 306.) Born in Edo, he was a pupil of Watanabe Nangaku. He later travelled to Kyoto to best study under Azuma Toyo and Okamoto Toyohiko. Shows an Ise ebi, a spiny lobster from Ise Bay in Mie Prefecture which was a popular place to fish for them during the winter months. The kanji for ebi translates as “old man [of the sea]” because the bent back resembles an old man. Ebi is a symbol of longevity and is often served for special occasions.
Signed Nanrei with large unread seal. Poem above. Very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £2900
Onishi CHINNEN (1792-1851)
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An original brush drawing, sumi on paper, 8.75 x 12.25 in; 22.2 x 31 cm. Another consummate Shijo artist. A samurai who studied painting under Watanabe Nangaku and Tani Buncho. He not only produced makimono and painting albums of great facility but also ehon such as Azuma no teburi, 1829 and Sonan gafu, 1834. Talking about this painting, J. Hillier in Japanese Drawings of the 18th and 19th centuries, exhibition catalogue, Washington D.C., 1980, cat. No. 105, p. 122 states that: “But it is under such duress that the innate skills of an artist like Chinnen is pushed to its limit: and the result can be breathtaking.” This is in fact an album leaf that has been expertly mounted by Paul Maruyama/Wills. Shows a reclining ox: a subject often tackled by artists to show their skill. Provenance: Ex Nathan Chaikin collection. Exhibited and illustrated in Jack Hillier, The Uninhibited Brush: Japanese Art in the Shijo Style, London, Hugh Moss, 1974, p. 321; Jack Hillier, Japanese Drawings of the 18th and 19th centuries, exhibition catalogue, Washington, D.C., 1980 and as above.
Large signature Chinnen hitsu with seal Sonan. In fine condition apart from the obvious fold associated with the album it has come from.
Status: Available
Price: £2800
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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An extremely unusual tall and narrow painting, sumi and light colour on paper, 55.5 x 4 in; 141 x 10 cm. Kiyochika was much influenced by imported Western lithographs and etchings and was an associate of Charles Wirgman (the English creator of the Japan Punch) and Shimooka Renjo (the early Japanese photographer). This is reflected in his woodcut views of Tokyo during a period of transition under the impact of Western influences. Shows the rear view of a lady walking, holding a large umbrella, under a snow-laden tree. The painting’s mount is made from momigami (kneaded paper) and has porcelain jikusaki (roller ends). Kiyochika concentrated on painting in his later years. Provenance: Sold by me in 1986.
Signed Kiyochika with Shin seal. Very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £3200
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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The ill-fated couple Ianoya Hanbei and Ochiya: the subjects of a famous double suicide in 1722 in Osaka. From a set Jitsu kurabe iro no minakami, “An Array of Passionate Lovers.” Ochiya was banished from the family home by Hanbei’s stepmother, Okuma. However, not able to live apart, they decide on their fate. Edoites were fascinated by these true-life dramas which were transformed into novels, Kabuki plays and, of course, ukiyo-e. Pubished by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1798. Provenance: Ex collection Walter Amstutz, sold Sotheby’s 15/4/1991, lot 137, page 240 of the sale catalogue. Rare: not listed in Yoshida, Shibui or the British Museum exhibition catalogue The Passionate Art of Kitagawa Utamaro, BM and Chiba City Museum, 1995.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slightly trimmed around, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £7500
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Fujikawa sanchu no sato kyumei Miyakoyama Fujikawa, “Fujikawa: Mountain Village, Formerly called Mount Miyako” from Gojusan tsugi meisho zue, “Famous Places on the Fifty-three Stations.” The so-called “Upright Tokaido.” Shows travellers in heavy snow entering Fujikawa village down a steep slope. Published by Kichizo (Koeido Tsutaya), 1855. There are many late editions of this set with the skies on the two snow scenes printed black. A fine snow design.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition. Full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shoheibashi Seido Kandagawa, “Seido Shrine and Kanda River seen from Shohei Bridge” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Summer rain over the Kanda River with the Confucian temple on the hill to the right which was founded in the 17th century. The set was published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1858, this being 1857. There are many late editions of this set. Unidentified collector’s seal au verso. This is the rare first edition.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Slight toning and two pinholes in left margin, otherwise fine condition. Full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £14000
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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Taishu kaigan, a Dutch ship off the seashore of Tsushima Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” The Japanese island is located off the west coast of the island of Kyushu north of Nagasaki. Published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861, this being 1860.
Fine impression of the first edition with variegated cartouche and burnishing on the boat. Fine colour. Album backing, otherwise fine condition. Full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2200
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original drawing showing a study of a seated woman holding a rosary in front of an incense burner. Sumi and pentimenti on thin paper, 13 x 9.5 in; 33 x 24.5 cm. Sold “as is.”
Status: Available
Price: £1200
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Misuji no Tsunagoro confronted by Seitaka top left, one of the attendants of Fudo Myo-o. From a set Mitate junishi no uchi, “Comparisons with the Twelve Signs,” this being Tori, “Cock.” Published by Kakumotoya Kinjiro, 1852.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £800
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Shows Lord Hojo Tokimasa, Governor of Totomi Province, praying for good fortune to Benzaiten in the famous Shinto shrine on the island of Enoshima. She explains that his family will flourish for seven generations before she turns into a giant serpent and disappears. Published by Iwatoya Kisaburo (Eirindo), c late 1820s.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1500
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Jiraiya from Kijutsu junishi no uchi, “Magic in the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac.” This design representing Rooster although what the connection the huge eagle has to this sign of the zodiac is not known (apart from the fact that roosters often fight off eagles to protect hens). Jiraiya and his wife Tsunade were experienced in the art of the shape-shifting magic of the toad and slug. Published by Ueki Rinnosuke, 1877. A fine and little known set.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Price: £480
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Bando Hikosaburo V as Inugami Hyobu from Kijutsu junishi no uchi, “Magic in the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac.” This design representing Dog. Hikosaburo represents a mythical dog spirit – a canine yokai. Dogs can be seen beautifully graded in the background. Published by Ueki Rinnosuke, 1877. A fine and little-known set.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Price: £480
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Ichikawa Sadanji as the monk Raigo Ajari at the Mii-dera temple from Kijutsu junishi no uchi, “Magic in the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac.” This design representing Rat. Raigo transforms into a giant rat because of a grudge against the Emperor Shirakawa and ate the sacred manuscripts in the Enryaku -ji temple. Published by Ueki Rinnosuke, 1877. A fine and little-known set.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Price: £480
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 Omiya Heihachi (Hei), c early 1830s. (This publisher produced many of Kunisada’s prints in the early 1830s.) Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. A wonderful example of kimetsubishi (enhancing the natural woodgrain) printing on the wooden bridge. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3200
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Dai ichidai Jimmu tenno, the first Emperor of Japan, from a set Dai Nihon shiryaku zue, “Short Illustrated History of Great Japan.” Jimmu (711-585 BC), the founder of the Imperial dynasty, launched his military expedition from Hyuga and captured Yamato. He is shown holding his yumi bow with the golden kite (kinshikyu) perched on it emanating a blinding light which astounds his followers. The bird was sent by the sun goddess Amaterasu to assist Jimmu on his eastern campaign. The designs in the set are on partially unrolled scrolls (makimono). Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei (Kinkodo), 1880-84. This is the first edition with variegated title cartouche. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi.
Status: Available
Price: £2200
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Fukuhara densha kaii no zu, “Strange Apparitions.”A triptych showing Taira no Kiyomori, leader of the Taira clan, on the terrace of his palace in Fukuhara haunted by the apparition of the skulls of past enemies in his snowy garden – primarily the Minamoto clan – that he has killed. Based on a scene from the Heike Monogatari, “The Tale of Heiki.” The title label: Shinyo rokkaisen, “New Selection of Six Ghosts.” Kiyomori was made Dajo-daijin, “Chancellor of the Realm” from 1167 until his death and was the power behind the Imperial throne. Published by Funazu Chujiro, 1882. This is the first edition with brown title label (later green).
Fine impression and colour. Several small wormholes and light album backing, otherwise good condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3800
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Fl. 1850-70)
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Triptych showing an American steamship. Amerika jokisen, nagasa yonjuken, haba rokken, “American Steamship: Measuring Two Hundred and Sixty Feet long and Forty Feet wide.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Enjudo), 1861. A fine depiction.
Very fine impression and colour; light burnishing on boat. Album backing; two sheets connected, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichikawa Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5800
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych of Yokohama Honcho no zue, “Honcho [Main Street] in Yokohama.” Shows the busy street one year after the port opened to foreign trade on 2nd June 1859. The Mitsui store is seen at left and the street is thronged with tradesmen and Japanese and foreign visitors. Originally the fishing village was chosen to protect foreign residents from the hostile marauding samurai on the nearby Tokaido road. The town expanded rapidly speaking a fusion language of Japanese, Dutch and English. Photographs by Kusakabe Kinbei around 1880 show the street tree-lined. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), 1860.
Fine impression and colour. Album backing; two sheets connected, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2800
Ichiryusai YOSHITOYO (1830-1866)
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A dramatic triptych showing the samurai Nitta no Shiro Tadatsune, having crawled into a cave on Mt. Fuji, brandishing a firebrand that reveals the Deity of Mt. Fuji (Shinto); or the Goddess Kannon (Buddhist) surrounded by a dragon. Tadatsune is surrounded by bats. Yoshitoyo was a pupil of Kunisada and then Kuniyoshi. Published 1862. Seal unread.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Yoshitoyo ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4200
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
The complete 6-sheet Kanagawa: Noge Yokohama, an evening scene showing an aerial view of Yokohama with an American ship entering the port on the far left. The two triptychs were published separately: the left 2/1861 and 6/1861 on the right but form a complete design. Very rare complete.
Fine impression and colour. Album backing; two sheets connected on each triptych and small pin holes on borders of two sheets, but otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4200