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Takehara SHUNCHOSAI (Fl. c 1772-1801)
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An original wood block for printing four pages for one of his books of famous places published in the 1780s and 1790s. Shows Yamashira Village. Shunchosai, of Osaka, was one of the leading topographical illustrators. Original pictorial blocks as opposed to pure calligraphy are rare. Interestingly, some of the descriptive text has been corrected with new plugs dropped in showing that during the lifetime of the blocks facts needed changing. Sold “as is” with damage, signs of old woodworm, etc. Size: 33.25 x 9 in.; 84.5 x 22.75 cms. A fine addition to a collection of illustrated books.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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One volume complete: Shinkoku hyakushoden, “New Edition of the Lives of a Hundred Generals.” N.d. ( but 1848 ). Five double pages of colour illustrations and one hundred b.&w. illustrations of generals. Three page preface signed Kuniyoshi ga. The Pulverer copy ( illustrated, no.253, p.222, Heroes & Ghosts, Hotei Publishing, 1998 ) appears to be a later edition lacking the signature and with only 49 b.&w. illustrations of heroes. Rare.
Original covers and title slip in near perfect condition.
Status: Sold
Aoigaoka HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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One volume, black & white, Kyoka suikoden shu, “Picture Book of the Water Margins with Kyoka Poems”. Presumably this is based on the 1829 Kyoka suikoden gazo shu . There were a number of variant editions after it.
Original covers and title slip. Slight wormage, otherwise good condition. Although pages start at 6 ( and go to 23 ) there is no indication of any pages being removed.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)
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3 volume complete : Ehon yachiyogusa, “The Plant of Eight Thousand Ages”. Sumi images illustrating old poems with the Sumida River as a central theme. Published Meiwa 5, 1768 by Yamazaki Kinbei.
Original covers but later title slips. One page with sumi marks, otherwise good impressions and condition.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Volume 1 only of Ehon Sumidagawa ryogan ichiran, “Panoramic Views Along the Bank of the Sumida River”. Published by Senkakudo c1805/6. Minor marks and wormage, otherwise a fine copy, with perfect colour, of the first edition. Original covers and title slip.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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Ehon kukuri-zome, “Tie-Dyed Work”. Two volumes complete. Original covers and one title slip. Published by Izumiya Ichibei, 1794. Shows bijin at famous spots around Edo. Some backed wormage on vol. 2 and some damage to covers, but otherwise good condition with exceptional, pristine colour. Extremely rare. Ex Haviland and Duret collections.
Status: Sold
Kitao MASAYOSHI (1764-1824)
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Choju Ryakugashiki, “Simplified Forms of Drawing Birds and Animals”. Published by Suharaya Ichibei, Kwansei 9 ( 1797 ). One volume complete. First edition. Original covers and title slip. Beautiful condition with perfect colour: The best copy of one of these “simplified” books of Masayoshi’s I have seen. Ex collection Dr E.F.
Status: Sold
Kitao SHIGEMASA (1739-1820) and Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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Seiro bijin awase sugata kagami, Mirror of Beautiful Women of the Green Houses, published by Tsutaya Juzaburo, Anei 5, 1776. Complete in three volumes divided into Spring and Summer in volume 1 and Autumn and Winter in volume 2. Considered to be one of the great “choice” colour printed books. Very rare complete.
Lacking title slips. Light sumi affecting 2,5 designs. Minor fading and marks and repaired wormage but generally a very good example of this fine book.
Status: Sold
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Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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Other examples are known with alternative titles which appear to be slightly later. The sequence of the illustrations varies from copy to copy. Of the utmost rarity there appearing to be around thirteen extant copies and considered to be one of the great Japanese illustrated books. Original covers with one original title slip. Covers and title as per B.M. copy.
Covers slightly worn with slight wormage to one cover. Contents very clean with minimal soil, marks, etc. Lacks one of the two identical colophons, but a fine example of this great rarity.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOHIRO (1773-1828)
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Two volumes complete of the excessively rare book: Ehon Azuma Warawa, “Picture Book: Children of the East”. Shows popular life in Edo during the 12 months and every image is a success. Published by Izumiya Ichibei, Bunkwa 1, 1804. There appear to be only a few complete copies extant of this book and they are in bad condition., Original covers and title slips., Ex Bing collection.
Covers worn. Slight wormage and some thumbing but very fine colour and impression.
Status: Sold
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Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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A beauty being aided by her assistant to dress her hair. Published by Wakasaya Yoichi, c 1803-4.
Fine impression. Very well retained colour. Minor marks and soil, but otherwise very good condition. On thick hosho. Signed Utamaro fude.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Oishi from a set Kenyu fujo kagami, “A Mirror of Wise and Courageous Women.” She evidently was famous for having used her strength to deliver irrigation water into her own fields. Published c 1843-45 by Takahashiya.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An aizuri-e print showing the courtesan Nanahito of the Sugata-ebi house, 1 chome, Kyomachi, parading in front of rooftops. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, c. 1835-40. In fact, the left sheet of a triptych. Apparently, no known copy of the complete triptych is known, only this design and the first sheet. Nanahito was a popular courtesan also appearing on prints by Kunisada and Eisen.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed “Restraining tears”, Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Mariko, Station 21, from the Bijin Tokaido which compares beauties to the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. This Station was famous for tororojiru, a dish of yams and white bean paste. An inn behind is advertising this meal.The set was published by Tsutaya, c early 1830s but only 40 designs are known as the government considered them a little risqué. The set was reissued without the Station numbers and censor seal for 1846.
Fine impression and colour. Nice oxidation. Very good condition. Full size. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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A high-ranking courtesan ( oiran ) looking over her shoulder. From a set of six prints: Bijin kaichu kagami – Jisei rokkassen: Ariwara no Narihira, “ A Pocket Mirror of Beauties – Six Immortal Poets of the Era: Ariwara no Narihira.” The set compares the beauties to the six “immortal” waka poets of the 9th/10th centuries. The maple leaves on the oiran’s collar identify the subject as compared to the poet Ariwara no Narihira ( 825-880 A.D. ). The set published by Senichi, c 1826-28.
Fine early impression. Fine colour. Very slight soil and trimming bottom right, otherwise fine condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows dried bonito from Tosa Province, Tosa katsuobushi. The set published 1852 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Superb impression, very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows sea cucumber being collected in Mikawa Province, Mikawa-namako. The set published 1852 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Superb impression, very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kikugawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
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A fine kakemono of a standing beauty reading. The perfectly preserved colours on this print allow us to fully appreciate her elaborate garments.
Fine impression. Very fine colour. Fine condition. Full size. Signed Toshinobu Eizan hitsu.
Status: Sold
Shikyusai EIRI (Fl c 1790-1800)
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The courtesan Bando Oume of the Hasegawa-cho with the boy No Shiomatsu and O-tsui of Fujiya from a set Furyu juni-gatsu geisha meimyo awase, “Elegant Twelve Months Showing Various Famous Geisha.” Possibly New Year on the way to Niwaka festivities. Published by Yama-cho, c 1790-1800. A rare design by a rare artist. Possibly a pupil of Eishi.
Fine impression and colour. Exceptional retention of the pigments. Trimmed at the top, otherwise very good condition. Signed Rekisentei Eiri ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A fine set of diptychs showing beauties compared to scenic places in Japan. Meisho bijin awase, “Comparison of Famous Places and True Beauties.” In this instance Sozumegaura in Musashi Province. The unusual backgrounds are printed in blue with touches of pink. The set published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1897-8.
Fine impression, color and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A fine set of diptychs showing beauties compared to scenic places in Japan. Meisho bijin awase, “Comparison of Famous Places and True Beauties.” In this instance Matsushima in Rikuzen Province. The unusual backgrounds are printed in blue with touches of pink. The set published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1897-8.
Fine impression, color and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A fine set of diptychs showing beauties compared to scenic places in Japan. Meisho bijin awase, “Comparison of Famous Places and True Beauties.” In this instance showing Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. The unusual backgrounds are printed in blue with touches of pink. The set published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1897-8.
Fine impression, color and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)
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A fine set of diptychs showing beauties compared to scenic places in Japan. Meisho bijin awase, “Comparison of Famous Places and True Beauties.” In this instance the Kirifuri waterfall in Nikko Province. The unusual backgrounds are printed in blue with touches of pink. The set published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1897-8.
Fine impression, color and condition. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows woven silk from Bungo Province, Bungo shiborizone. The set published 1852 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Superb impression, very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyosh
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A beauty in sumptuous clothing from a fine set of seventy numbered prints with title: Sankai medetai zu, “Excellences of Mountain and Sea.” The set compares busts of beautiful women with various products and occupations from the provinces of Japan. The inset view here shows octopus from Iyo Province, Iyo nagahama no tako. The set published 1852 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Superb impression, very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyosh
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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Shows Tamagiku of the House of Tama from the extremely rare set of seven prints Bijin nanakomachi, “Beauties of the Seven Komachi” from Toyokuni’s best period ( c.1793-7 ). A parody of the Noh play Sekidera Komachi showing the courtesan writing a letter to her client. To her left is Komachi’s poem about aging. Ono no Komachi, the beautiful ninth century poetess, was inspiration for many prints. Ex Matsuki collection.
Fine impression and colour with extensive embossing. Yellow ground. Full size. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Isoda KORYUSAI (c 1764-1788)
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A chuban print showing the high-ranking courtesan Nanakoshi sitting beside a brazier reading a book. Her loose kimono has a design of fans (ogi – referring to her house, Ogi-ya). Koryusai was born a samurai in the service of the Lord of Tsuchiya but became an ukiyo-e artist producing many fine prints – especially kachoga – books and specialised in painting after c 1780. Three collectors’ seals: M. & C. Forrer and au verso McCabe and unread.
Fine impression and colour. Small thinned area, otherwise fine condition. Signed Koryusai dzu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)
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Six beauties representing the Six Tama Rivers: Kimuta, Noji, Ide, Chofu, Koya and Noda. They are shown fulling, washing and drying cloth. The streams were noted for their purity – an attribute being bestowed on the girls. A beautiful composition published by Omiya Yohei, c 1804.
Fine impression. Apart from the slight turning of the elusive blue, the colour is extremely well preserved. Very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Kitagawa HIDEMARO (Active c. early 19th century)
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A pupil of Utamaro who produced some fine work at the turn of the century. An aiban design showing a portrait of the courtesan Sodenoura of the Tamaya House and her kamuro. Published c. 1810s.
Fine impression. Extremely good fresh colour. One paper flaw, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Hidemaro ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
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Tsuki, “Moon” from a set of three prints, San bijin, “Three Beauties.” Based on the Snow, Moon, Flower theme. Shows a koto player adjusting the finger picks in order to start playing. Published by Kamaya Matabei, c 1810s.
Fine impression and colour. Slight creasing, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold