Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

 Click here to view image full size.

Sei Shonagon ( lady of honour to the empress at the court of Ichijo-tenno [ 10th century ]. Rival of Murasaki Shikibu ) from a rare set of ten nagaban prints with title: Shiika shashin-kyo, “A Mirror of Chinese/Japanese Verse.” The set published 1833-4 by Moriya Jihei. The print depicts a story from Chinese lore whereby a loyal follower of a prince who is pursued to the closed frontier gate of Kankoku climbs a tree to imitate the early morning cock-crow, the signal to have the gate opened. Chinese soldiers are at the gate and a cockerel sits nearby.

Fine impression, colour and condition. Completely untrimmed: A rarity with these designs for obvious reasons. Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.

Status: Sold