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Ipposai YOSHIFUSA ( 1837-1860 )
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The ghost of Yoshihira striking down Nama Jiro with a thunderbolt. The scene is witnessed by Kiyomori who was sight-seeing at the the Nunobiki Waterfall. Akugenda Yoshihira ( 1141-1160 ), a Minamoto, had made an attempt on Kiyomori’s life, for which Kiyomori had him beheaded by Namba, hence the revenge. Yoshifusa was a pupil of Kuniyoshi who also designed a version of this story. Published 2/1856. A fine design.
Very fine impression with extensive sprayed orange gofun and splashed gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ipposai Yoshifusa ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
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Hidesato ( Fujiwara no ) commonly called Tawara Toda. Having killed the giant centipede for Ryujin, the Dragon King, he is shown accompanied by a host of fishy retainers riding the back of a giant turtle and with the gifts which were his reward: The giant bell ( subsequently given to the monastery of Miidera where it was stolen by Benkei ); a bag of rice which could not be exhausted; a cooking pot which didn’t need fire ( sometimes omitted ), and a roll of silk which could not be shortened by cutting. Above the waves in the distance can be seen the entrance to the Dragon King’s palace. Published 1858 by Maruya Kyoshiro.
Very fine impression showing wood grain. Perfect gradation. Fine colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
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Minamoto Tametomo decapitating Yamaotoko – a creature descended from a devil. From a set of ten prints: Tametomo homare no jikketsu, “Ten Famous Glories of Tametomo.” Published by Aritaya Seiemon 1847-50.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI ( 1764-1820s )
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A rare surimono showing a carp and water-weeds. The carp was a symbol of achievement against adversity in Japan and had a connotation with the new year. Issued c 1822.
Very good impression with the water blind-printed. Some loss of gold. Very good condition. Signed Shinsai.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI ( 1790-1869 )
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A rare chuban yoko-e surimono from a series Kinki shoga or the Four Accomplishments. These pursuits were popular amongst Chinese and Japanese literati: Playing a musical instrument; playing go; calligraphy, and ( as here ) painting. The composition shows a Heian courtier and two court ladies admiring a painting. A poem by Mado no Muratake ( whose pupils probably commissioned this set ) gives his age as 74, and since he died in 1824 at 82, the surimono must have been issued in 1816.
Fine impression and colour. Minimal edge soil, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gakutei Harunobu.
Status: Sold
UNSIGNED
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A ( possibly unique ) new year surimono showing a geisha leaving the Bandaikan, a bathhouse called Bandai, “Eternity.” She is biting on a hand towel which had sexual connotations – the anticipation of a sexual encounter perhaps. This surimono is attributed to Yanagawa Shigenobu ( 1787-1833 ). Issued c 1820.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Extensive use of silver.
Status: Sold
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU II ( active 1824-1860 )
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A sumptuously attired princess admiring two bonsai trees. ( Her rank is determined by the elaborate tsuzumi [ hand drum ] hair ornament. ) Number six from a set Hana awase, “A Flower Competition.” This title usually referred to a poetry contest in which teams competed to produce the best poems about different flowers, although in this case the “flowers” were terms in common usage. Issued c 1834. A pupil of Shigenobu, he assumed his teacher’s name in the Spring of 1833 after he died.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Extensive use of gold and silver. Signed Yanagawa Shigenobu with seal Yanagawa.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows the crucifiction of Torii Tsuneemon Katsutaka. The finest design from Kaidai hyaku senso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” The set depicts warriors from the sixteenth century although based on Yoshitoshi’s record of the battle of Ueno in 1868. Torii Tsuneemon was a retainer of Okudaira Sadamasa and a member of the Nagashino Castle garrison when it came under siege by Takeda Katsuyori in 1575. He bravely volunteered to sneak through enemy lines to get help. However, he was captured on his return and ordered to shout to his compatriots that no help was coming. Instead he shouted encouragement and was crucified. Published by Ohashi, 1868.
Fine impression with mica and gum applied to spear. Fine colour. Slight soil at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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A complete diptych showing Inuzuka Shino and Inukai Kempachi on the Horyukaku roof from Satomi Hakkenden, the eight heroes of Bakin’s novel Hakkenden. Published by Mikawa-ya Tetsugoro, c 1849-51. See the Kunichika triptych of the same subject on this current selection. Rare complete.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A fine original Hiroshige painting showing ayu or ai, river trout, swimming in a stream or lake. The rocky bank overhangs and is reflected in the water. The ayu ( Plecoglossus altivelis ), or Japanese sweet fish, is synonymous with Gunma Prefecture. Although Hiroshige made other paintings of ayu, this is a rare subject. Also the subject of the best print from the first fish series published by Eijudo c 1832-4. Sumi and light colour on the ubiquitous grey silk Hiroshige liked to use, 15.25 x 21 in; 38.75 x 53.25 cms. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An important and fine original Hiroshige painting showing a view of Mount Fuji from Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture. Minimalist and very subtle, this is one of the best Hiroshige paintings I have had. The near trees float above bands of mist and clouds hang at the base of Fuji. This is the same view that he used for the design Kazusa Kuroto no ura from the Thirty-Six Views of Fuji published 1858. There is also a drawing in a Hiroshige sketch book in the British Museum. Sumi and very light colour on paper, 49 x 17.75 in; 124.5 x 45 cms. Newly remounted and in fine condition. New box and futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). Signed: Kamiusa Kurotonoura no zu Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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An oban diptych showing the two heroes, Inuyama Dosetsu Tadatomo ( seated ) and Inukawa Sosuke Yoshito. Chapter 22 from Bakin’s famous book of the Eight Dog Warriors. From a yellow-ground set: Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” Published by Kadzusa-ya Iwazo, c 1845-6. Robinson S37.7 & 9. Rare as the design is seldom found complete.
Very fine impression, fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Yoshitsune and Joruri-hime from a set of ten prints: Yoshitsune ichi dai zue, “Illustrated Biography of Yoshitsune.” Shows Yoshitsune inspecting the great book of war strategy ( Rikuto Sanryaku ) belonging to Ki-ichi Hogan. Some stories give Katsura-hime as the one to reveal the hiding place of the book. This set is extremely rare. There was a complete set in the Happer sale, Sotheby Wilkinson & Hodge, 26/4/1909, lot 202. Published by Senkakudo, c 1834.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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An early design of a famous episode depicting Raigo Ajari ( the priest Jitsusobo ) breathing out his curses and tearing up the Buddhist scrolls of Miidera Temple. His curses are directed at the Emperor Shirakawa who had refused the granting of a favour to build a praying platform at his temple in return for Raigo praying successfully for a son for the Emperor. Published by Jo-Yasu, c 1843. Robinson S1f.5. A fine and rare design.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
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
Ichiosai KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A triptych showing Inuzuka Shino at bay on the Horyukaku roof against Inukai Gempachi and his men. A famous episode from the Hakkenden written by Takizawa Bakin ( 1767 – 1848 ): Nanso Satomi Hakkenden no uchi Horyukaku no zu. The Daimyo, the Lord of Satomi, ordered Kenpachi to kill Shino – a strong man and great fighter who had killed some twenty retainers of the Lord. The pair fought on the roof only to fall into a boat on the river which broke loose and floated out to sea. The pair were discovered unconscious. Another, earlier triptych was designed by Kuniyoshi c 1836. Published c 1860 by Izutsuya.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiosai Kunichika ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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The super-strong small boy Kintaro ( Kaido-maru ) wielding a giant axe and with his forest companions a bear-cub and a monkey. One of Kuniyoshi’s finest designs from Rokuyosei Kuniyoshi jiman, “Six Conditions of Nature.” This design: Tai-an: A good day for travelling. Published by Uoya Eikichi, year of the monkey, 1860. Robinson S93.3.
Superb impression of the first edition with polishing and gauffrage on the bear-cub. Fine colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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One of Kuniyoshi’s finest designs from Rokuyosei Kuniyoshi jiman, “Six Conditions of Nature.” This design: Sembu: Not a very lucky day. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c. 1120 – 1200 ) subjecting himself to three years penance as a Buddhist monk beneath the waterfall of Mount Nachi in Kii Province. Morito inflicted this punishment on himself because he had inadvertently cut off the head of Kesa Gozen, the wife of the palace guard Watanabe Wataru, with whom he was in love. This subject lends itself to some wonderful designs: See this website for a rare horizontal triptych by Yoshitoshi and a vertical triptych by Kuniyoshi, and there are many single sheets by various artists. Published by Uoya Eikichi, year of the monkey, 1860. Robinson S93.4 and illustrated in colour, pl. 29, Kuniyoshi: The Warrior-Prints, Phaidon, 1982. Rare.
Superb impression of the first edition with splashed gofun. Fine colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A woman ( Tomoe Gozen ? ) being poled down a river. From an extremely rare and early set of prints published by Marusei, c 1832-34. For three other designs from this set see Tamba, The Art of Hiroshige, nos. 131, 137, 138.
Fine impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)
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Clearing weather over the Enoshima Island from a Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places” ( based on the Eight Views of Omi theme ) set published 1830s by Iseri. A view of the island from Shichiri Beach in Sagami Province. The island was dedicated to Benten ( one of the seven gods of good luck ).
Fine impression. There are two states of this set: one with square and one with cursive script ( as here ) in the oblong cartouche at top. It is unclear which is the earliest. Fine impression. Small expert restoration to two upper corners, otherwise fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Soto Sakurada Benkeibori sakura no i, “ The Cherry Tree Well in Snow at Benkei Moat, Sakurada” from a Toto meisho set published by Maruya Seijiro c 1843-45. The outer moat of Edo castle is named after Benkei Shozaeman who undertook the construction during the Kan’ei period ( 1624-1643 ).
Fine impression of the first edition with the Watari censor seal bottom left overprinted in blue and careful gradation above and below on the moat. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Hatta KOSHU (1760-1822)
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One volume complete, Koshu gafu, “The Drawing Book of Koshu.” Original covers and title slip: 35 sheets ( numbered ex last sheet ); 5pp. preface dated Bunka 9 ( 1812 ), signed Kamo Suetaka, 30 double-page colour-printed illustrations, 1 p. signature Koshu, seal Fujizane and Koshu, 2pp. closing note, dated Bunka 9, signed Fuminoya Shigetaka; sheets numbered 1/2 advertisements of publisher Yoshida Shimbei, Kyoto. Colophon dated Bunka 9 with publishers Kawachiya Kihei, Osaka and Yoshidaya Shimbei, Kyoto. A fine artist who came under the influence of Okyo. Jack Hillier in The uninhibited brush, Hugh M. Moss ltd, 1974, p. 162, speaks of the Koshu gafu: “This is a perfect exposition of his quite personal style and shows his competence in handling widely varied subject matter.” A two-volume edition without date is known and probably constitutes a second edition ( Brown, p. 100; Gonse III, No. 520 ). Ex collections Hayashi Tadamasa and H.M.Kaempfer. Slight soil and staining. One page with a blue pigment mark and small ink inscription on front cover, otherwise very good condition.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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Tamatori-hime stealing the sacred jewel from the Dragon King’s Palace, Ryugu Tamatori-hime no zu. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, Ox 6, 1853. The ama is shown being pursued by the Dragon King and his various fishy retainers. This was a favourite subject of Kuniyoshi’s and he designed a number of triptychs and single sheets. A wonderful and rare design.
Fine impression and colour. Extensive splashed gofun. Trimmed round, otherwise very good condition. Signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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Saginoike Heikuro from Honcho Suikoden goyu happyaku-nin no hitori, “Eight Hundred Heroes of our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” Shows the brigand wrestling with a huge serpent at the Lake of Sayama ( or Hazama ) at Tondabayashi in the Province of Kawachi. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, c 1845. Robinson S4b.4. Fine design.
Very good impression and colour. Full size. Slightly soiled bottom left, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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Tenjiku Tokubei ( 1619-1686 ) from an untitled series of warrior prints published by Kawaguchi Uhei, 1826-27. Tokubei was celebrated for his travels to India, Macao and Siam, and subsequently wrote about his exploits. He is usually represented surrounded by frogs and making magic with his fingers ( as here – Gama Yojutsu ) which enabled him to change into a frog. He is shown astride an enormous frog in a thunderstorm. Fine design.
Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kochoro KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An aizurie fan print of the Husband and Wife rocks, Futami beach, Ise Province. A favourite beauty spot and a Shinto site showing the tasselled rope hanging between the two formations. From a series of extremely rare aizurie fan prints published 5/1830 by Daikokuya. Indeed, this may be the only known impression of this design.
Very good impression and colour. Restored and laid onto stable Japanese paper.
Signed Oju Kunisada ga ( “By special request” ).
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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A vertical diptych of a carp leaping a waterfall. Published by Kansendo, c 1830 – 44. Illustrated Keisai Eisen: Artist of the Floating World, Chiba City Museum of Art, 2012, p. 240, pl. 313.
Very good impression, colour and condition. This was a popular design and later impressions are common. Signed Keisai hitsu with large red artist’s seal Eisen.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUGA (Fl. c 1820s to 1830)
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An original fan painting showing a seated beauty holding a fan. Full colour on mica- covered paper. 6.5 x 18.5 in; 16.5 x 47 cms. Hokuga was a pupil of Hokusai and produced paintings and surimono. Good condition. Laid onto Japanese paper. Signed Hokuga hitsu.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNCHO (Fl. c 1780-1801)
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An original painting showing a standing beauty inserting a hairpin. An important print artist who produced many fine diptychs and triptychs. Paintings by him are rare. Studied under Shunsho, then Kiyonaga and Shumman. Full colour on silk, 30.75 x 10.5 in; 78 x 26.5 cms. Signed Shien Shuncho with unread seals.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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Matsumoto Koshiro V as the evil retainer Nikki Danjo who plots to overthrow his lord in the play Meiboku sendai hagi, “Precious Incense and the Bush Clover of Sendai.” From the last great actor set which was planned as a monument to his career and only used the most expensive materials. An untitled set with seventy-two prints completed on his death. ( One hundred and fifty were intended and some are in fact by Yoshitora. ) This is one of the best designs from the set showing a fine profile of an actor who was nicknamed Hanataka Koshiro, “Big-nosed Koshiro.” He made this role very much his own and to this day many actors still wear a mole on their foreheads in his honour. Published 1863 by Kinshodo.
Very fine impression. Fine colour with extensive burnishing to the hair. On thick hosho and with the extra large margins of the first issues before being bound into albums. Slight soil at edge of margins, top and bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Nanajuhassai ( “At the age of seventy-eight” ) Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Flowers from a set of three triptychs showing half-length portraits of actors based on the Snow, Moon, Flowers theme. Shows the actor Ichikawa Sadanji as Gosho no Gorozo, the main character in the play Soga moyo tateshi no goshozome, “The Story of Gorozo, the Chivalrous Commoner.” A complex story which ends with Gorozo killing his old master’s lover, the courtesan Oshu. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1890.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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A hosoban of the actor Otani Hiroji III in the role of a samurai, one sword drawn with the scabbard lying at his feet. Published c 1776.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Nakamura Shikan IV as Daizen from a fine set of prints showing actors glimpsed through their dressing room sliding doors, prior to going on stage. Their figures partly silhouetted as are their assistants, here aiding the actor with his headpiece. From a set Gakuya nikai kage no hyoban, “Popularity of the Upstairs Dressing Room.” The set published by Takagawa Fusajiro, 1883.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1729-1792)
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A hosoban showing the actor Arashi Sangoro II in the role of Ito Kuro disguised as Banta in the play Izu-goyomi shibai no ganjitsu performed at the Morita Theatre, 11/1772. He holds a brazier aloft and stands in deep snow.
Fine impression. Pristine colour. Small thinned area at top, otherwise fine condition. Full size. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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An untrimmed aiban fan print showing the actor Nakamura Shikan II on an outing to view the summer fireflies. Ukiyo hotarugari, “Firefly Viewing in the Floating World.” Published by Ibaya Kyubei, 1831.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Ippitsusai BUNCHO (Fl. c 1755-1790)
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A hosoban showing the actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II standing before a torii and looking down at a snake. Not listed in the Riccar Art Museum Exhibition Of Ukiyo-e By Ippitsusai Buncho, 1978. Published c 1769.
Very good impression. Extremely well preserved colour. Probably slightly trimmed on right and slight soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Buncho ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI (1769-1825)
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A print from the series Mitate Kofukujin, “ A Parody of Children’s Gods.” Featured are two of the seven gods of good fortune compared to famous heroes. Top left: Bishamonten no mitate, Tawara Toda Hidesato (Tawara Toda Hidesato defeating the giant centipede, compared to the god Bishamon). Bottom right: Daikoku no mitate, Otokonosuke, Hakuen (Ichikawa Hakuen I in the role of Arajishi Otokonosuke, compared to the god Daikoku). Hakuen (formerly Danjuro V) had already retired by this date so this does not depict an actual performance. However, the hero Otokonosuke is famous from the play Meiboku Sendai Hagi. Published 1804 by Nishimuraya Yohachi.
Very good impression and color. Small corner repair and slight edge soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A fine set of prints showing actors preparing backstage for their performances. Haiyu gakuya no omokage, “Images of Actors in the Green Rooms.” Here Ichikawa Danjuro IX is shown in dressing gown being fanned by an attendant (off picture). Published 1888 by Sasaki Toyokichi.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A fine set of prints showing actors preparing backstage for their performances. Haiyu gakuya no omokage , “Images of Actors in the Green Rooms.” Here Nakamura Fukusuke IV is shown preparing to put on makeup while an attendant (off picture) holds up what is presumably a supporter’s banner. Published 1888 by Sasaki Toyokichi.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Sold
Anonymous
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An early Osaka kappazuri-e hosoban diptych (printed with woodblock outline and stencilled colours) showing, on the left sheet, Ichikawa Danzo V in the role of Genta Kagesue, and on the right sheet Arashi Kitsusaburo II in the role of Kajiwara Heiji Kagetaka in the “Genta Kando” act of Hirakana seisuiki, performed at the Kitagawa no Shibai, Osaka, 7/1827. Unidentified publisher’s seal. Complete diptychs are very rare.
Fine impression: Beautifully printed for a kappazuri print. Fine colour and condition.
Status: Sold