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Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A poem by Sanji Takamura from Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, the “Hundred Poems Explained by the Wet Nurse.” Published by Eijudo and Iseri, c.1835-6. Although obviously intended to be a set of 100 prints, only 27 are known plus drawings for others. The poem is a farewell on his exile to the Eighty Islands ( the Oki Islands, far out to sea, north of Honshu ). Hokusai shows his boat at the top of the design between the small islands. He instead concentrates on ama diving for awabi. These colourful girls were regarded as highly erotic as they dived bare-breasted. One of Hokusai’s most beautiful prints and, together with Minamoto no Muneyuki Ason, the best design in the set. Rare. Ex Le Veel collection , sold Paris 24/10/1980, lot 82. This impression exhibited and illustrated 10/1980 – 1/1981, Paris, Centre Culturel du Marais, Hokusai et son temps, p. 211, pl. 246.
Exceptionally early impression with beautiful gradation. Fine colour. Full size. ( The signature is often trimmed off because it is near right edge. ) Very slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Zen Hokusai manji.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A hand painted fan showing an Onna Daruma, a female Bodhidharma. Legend has it that Daruma reached Japan by crossing the sea on a stalk of millet and many prints depict this event but often substituting a courtesan for Daruma. Otherwise he is shown, bearded, with beetle brows and huge earrings. During the Edo period the word daruma was a slang expression for a prostitute and a darumaya was a brothel, hence the number of prints showing Daruma with courtesans. The fan has survived by being mounted onto Japanese paper. Sumi and red on a mica surface, 5.5 x 18.25 in; 14 x 46 cms. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga with kiri seal. Sold “as is” with all defects of a used fan. A rare item.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Arguably Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece in the triptych format. 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. Published 1859 ( centre sheet ) and 1860 ( outside panels ) by Kadokin. Extremely rare: Another impression in the Baur collection, Geneve, Switzerland.
Fine impression, very good colour. Minor marks and small expertly restored wormage. Slight trimming. Extensive splashed gofun. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
NAGASAKI SCHOOL
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A fine dai oban ( 17.25 x 12.5 in ) print showing a Russian ship in Nagasaki harbour. The Dutch title: Vreemde Groote Schip, “A Large Foreign Ship” top right. An envoy is being rowed ashore in a dinghy accompanied by musicians. The first Russian envoy to Japan, Rezanov, visited in the Nadezhda in 1804. He was imprisoned for several months and asked not to return. Interestingly, two blocks were used to make this print and the join shows on all impressions running up the centre of the boat. One of the best Nagasaki prints and rare.
Very good impression. Fine colour and exceptional condition for such a print.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A poem by Bunya no Asayasu from Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, the “Hundred Poems Explained by the Wet Nurse.” Published by Eijudo and Iseri, c.1835-6. Although obviously intended to be a set of 100 prints, only 27 are known plus drawings for others. The poem likens dewdrops to jewels spread across fields. Hokusai’s design shows five temple boys gathering lotus leaves. Scattered across the leaves are white drops of dew or water. A beautiful design. Ex collections Hayashi ( seal bottom left ) and Le Veel, sold Paris 5/11/1981, lot 85.
Fine impression and colour. Two small expertly restored wormholes near top edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Zen Hokusai manji.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A poem by Motoyoshi Shinno from Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki, the “Hundred Poems Explained by the Wet Nurse.” Published by Eijudo and Iseri, c.1835-6. Although obviously intended to be a set of 100 prints, only 27 are known plus drawings for others. The poem concerns the intention of a lover to meet his love no matter what. There are numerous puns and double meanings in the poem. Hokusai shows the shore of Naniwa Bay with a reluctant ox being dragged along.
Very good impression. Slight turning of the green and minimal soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Zen Hokusai manji.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Buyo kanazawa hassho yakei, “A Night View of Kanazawa.” This area, about 10 km south of Yokohama, was renowned for its Eight Famous Views. Although without any series title, this is from a trinity of designs depicting Snow, Moon ( as here ) and Flowers. These were the last three great prints Hiroshige designed. All are rare – especially this design. Published 1857 by Okasawaya Taheiji.
Fine impression and colour. Trimmed slightly at sides, and especially at base. Slight signs of where sheets attached au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Otsu hashirii chamise, “The Running Well Teahouse at Otsu” from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c.1833-4. Shows the teahouse with the eponymous well at far left. So-called because of the water that gushed from it. Rice cakes in Otsu borrowed the name and were called Shirii rice cakes. This is the extremely rare first state of the first edition with the mountain in the background ( missing on all later editions ) and gradation on the tea house roofs. Ukiyoe Taikei, vol. 14, no. 54 shows the first edition, but second state without gradation. Other first editions were in the Happer sale, Sothebys, 26/4/1909, lot 141 and Metzger auction, AA Galleries, NY, 13/11/1916, lot 157.
Fine impression with crisp seals and the mountain beautifully graded in grey ( some impressions being in blue ). Probably no other set went into so many reprints and there are a plethora of coarse impressions extant – proof of how popular the designs were with the public. Indeed, it is stated that the first two hundred sets sold out in a matter of hours. Fine colour. Small rubbed area bottom right and trimmed close, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Miya, atsuta shinji, “Miya, Shinto Ceremonies at Atsuta Shrine” from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido. The set published by Hoeido and Senkakudo, c.1833-4. Shows the annual festival on the 21st day of the sixth month. Two groups of men drive two horses with long ropes. On the right is the torii of the famous Atsuta Shrine, the second oldest in Japan and renowned for housing an imperial sword. This is the extremely rare first edition.
Very fine impression with strong woodgrain. This is one of the most difficult designs to find in early state. In even the earliest printings, as here, the seal beneath the signature shows damage, and on later printings the seal disintegrates even more. Fine colour. Two expertly repaired wormholes upper left and right edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A snow scene: Fukagawa kiba, “Lumberyard, Fukagawa” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856 – 58 ). This design dated Dragon 8 ( 1856 ). Wood was in strong demand in Edo as there were many fires, indeed, they were called the “flowers of Edo.”
Very good early impression. Fine colour. Lightly backed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kamata no umezono, “Plum Garden at Kamata” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856 – 58 ). This design dated Snake 2 ( 1857 ). A sedan chair is seen to the right in which visitors were carried to the gardens.
Very good early impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A snow scene: Atago shita yabukoji, “Bamboo Lane Below Atago Hill” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856 – 58 ). This design dated Dragon 12 ( 1856 ). The large building on the left housed the daimyo’s servants and retainers.
Fine early impression. Fine colour and condition with mica on roof to right and at base of print. The only discernable difference between this impression and the first state ( apart from the cartouche ) is an extremely subtle gradation on the roofs to left and right. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Bikunibashi setchu, “Bikuni [ Nun’s ] Bridge in Snow” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856 – 58 ). This design dated Horse 10 ( 1858 ). This area was popular for food stalls and the one on the right advertises baked sweet potato, and the one on the left wild boar.
Very good impression, colour and condition. This design is regarded, by some, as being by Hiroshige II. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A snow scene: Meguro taikobashi yuhi no oka, “Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, Meguro” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856 – 58 ). This design dated Snake 4 ( 1857 ).
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Satta Fuji, “Mount Fuji from Satta.” From the early set of fifteen prints Honcho meisho, “Famous Views of our Country” published by Fujiokaya Hikotaro, c.1837. ( In fact three designs were commissioned in 1832 but the set suspended, only to be resurrected after the success of the first Tokaido series. ) The steep Satta Pass gave a wonderful view of Fuji. Interestingly, the best design from the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, Suruga satta kaijo ( “The Wave” ) gives another view of how wild the sea could be here. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An untitled kakemono generally referred to as the Snow Gorge. Shows the Fuji River flowing between steep, snowy cliffs. The river eventually flows into Suruga Bay. It is known that Hiroshige visited this region in 4/1842 and he probably crossed the Fuji River. Published by Sanoya Kihei, c.1834-4. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Two unidentified ( Japanese ? ) collectors’ seals on reverse which slightly show through to front. Ample space for joining. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tosendo RIFU (Active c. 1730)
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Rifu was a member of the Kaigetsudo school, although little is known of his life. This beautiful painting shows a young woman in a voluminous robe cooling off in the summer. Full colour on paper with elements picked out in gold such as the comb, fan and robe. Lacquered hair. Image size 46 x 18.75in; 117 x 47.5 cms. Two other Rifu paintings are in the Idemitsu collection, see Ukiyo-e Paintings in the Idemitsu Collection, 1988, no 50 and 51. In very good condition for a painting of this period on paper. Mount in excellent condition. New box and presented with a futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). Fully signed Yamato e-shi Tosendo Rifu zu. Yamato meaning the pride of being a Japanese painter as opposed to one imitating Chinese painting.
Status: Sold
Uragami GYOKUDO (1745-1820)
An original painting, sumi on paper. Image: 5.5 x 8.25 in; 14 x 21 cms. Shows a hilly landscape with a coppice cut through with a stream and two bridges. Gyokudo is now considered the leading exponent of Nanga painting. An artist whose spontaneous paintings often appear as though executed under deep emotion or when partially intoxicated. Now greatly admired in Japan and the West with many fakes. His father was of samurai rank and Gyokudo initially served a nobleman, Ikeda Masake, in Bizen. However, his passion for music, painting and verse composition caused him to become a wanderer in 1794. His Bohemian life eventually leading him to Kyoto where he joined the literati circles of Mokubei and Chikuden. Most paintings done after 1794 and this example probably dates to around 1800 – 1810. Tastefully remounted with double box. Signed and faintly sealed Gyokudo. Rare.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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An extremely rare surimono: I have only seen one other impression and that was one I purchased around 20 years ago. Shows the most famous playwright of his age – Tsuruya Nanboku IV ( 1755 – 1829 ). His crest is clearly visible on his shoulders. He died on the 27th of the 11th month, 1829 and this surimono dates from shortly after that. This appears to be a sort of shini-e – very unusual in surimono form. He wrote the most famous Kabuki ghost story: Yotsuya kaidan, “Yotsuya Ghost Story” ( 1825 ) as well as the quick-change play Osome no nanayuki ( 1813 ).
Very good impression. Some creasing along laid lines and small restoration at top edge. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Soga SHOHAKU (1730-1781)
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An enigmatic and unclassifiable artist who took the name Soga from Soga Jasoku, a fifteenth-century artist. He lived in Kyoto and is known to have abhored Okyo. Although admired for his dynamic brushwork by his contemporaries, he was considered – if not mad – certainly very eccentric. Now widely admired with many copies. Shows the Dragon of the Storm. A mythological creature that dominated Chinese and Japanese art. It was a scaly four legged serpent with dorsal spines, the head having two horns, long feelers, and flame-like streamers at the shoulders and hind quarters. What could be a hackneyed subject – especially in Kishi hands – but here transformed by the sheer brilliance of the brushwork. Sumi on paper, 47.5 x 14.5 in; 120.5 x 37 cms, c 1770s. Old mount with the painting in extremely good condition. Box of considerable age with inscription on lid: Soga Shohaku: Ranzan ka un ryu, “Soga Shohaku: Ranzan Dragon in the Cloud.” Underside of lid inscription states that it is from a collector’s rare collection and there are various undecipherable Japanese ( collectors’ ? ) seals. Signed Kiyu no zu with seals Ranzan and Soga shi. A masterpiece.
Status: Sold
Suzuki HARUNOBU (c 1725–1770)
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A chuban print of a pair of oxen. One of the Junishi, Twelve Zodiacal Signs ( this being Ushi ). Complemented here by a red and white plum tree. People born in the Year of the Ox are known to be difficult but, once committed, they are loyal for life. And the plum tree symbolizes conjugal loyalty. Exceptionally rare: One other impression is illustrated in Yoshida, Harunobu zenshu, p. 112. Indeed, Harunobu designed very few kachoga, unlike Koryusai who made many a few years later. This could have been intended as one of a set of twelve prints, but the likelihood is that it is a single design. Published c 1767.
Fine impression with the outlines of the oxen heavily gauffraged. Exceptional condition: The background blue is from the dayflower ( Commelina communis L. ). One of the most fugitive pigments, here completely intact. The petals were collected at dawn, squeezed, and applied to paper which was used as a carrier. Very fine colour and condition. Signed Suzuki Harunobu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A distant view of Mount Daisen [ Oyama ] in Hoki Province. One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-Odd Provinces.” The set published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 ( this being 12/1853 ). White rain ( printed with gofun ) falls on groups of peasants planting rice. A lovely design, the edges of the paddy fields zig-zagging into the distance. This is the rare first edition with blue and yellow diagonal bands on the sub-cartouche.
Fine impression with strong woodgrain showing. Fine colour. Margins slightly trimmed and one small sumi smudge, otherwise fine. Another state of the first edition has the grey block and the mountain printed darker. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kazusa Kuroto no ura, “The Bay of Kuroto in Kazusa” from a set Shokoku meisho zukai, “Famous Views of the Provinces.” An uncut fan print published by Iseya Soyemon, c 1854. Shows women in a ferry with ships being unloaded in the background and Mount Fuji beyond. Another design from the set is illustrated in Tamba, Hiroshige shodai, 1965, pl. 176. Hiroshige designed a number of fans in collaboration with Kunisada, but these are seldom successful designs as opposed to these “pure” compositions. Rare.
Fine impression and colour and, apart from a small backed hole, in fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An important original painting either prior and for the published print Yotsugi-dori, yosui hikifune, “Hauling Canal Boats, Yotsugi Road” from the Meisho Edo hyakkei, published 1857; or painted at the same time because of particular satisfaction with the design. The canal supplied drinking water to the Fukagawa area. It also provided a regular passenger boat service heading northeast. There is some artistic license as the canal was fairly straight, which would not have provided such an interesting composition. Sumi and light blue on thin silk. ( Unique to Hiroshige as he had a penchant for rather coarse silk. ) 24.5 x 16.75 in; 62.25 x 42.5 cms. Good condition. From the collection of a leading supplier of tea ceremony utensils in Tokyo. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. ( For the same signature and seal, see Dr Timothy Clark, Ukiyo-e Paintings, B.M., no 141. )
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An iconic image from Hiroshige’s oeuvre: Mountains and Rivers on the Kiso Road, Kisoji no yamakawa. A majestic snow scene showing a rugged part of the Kisokaido Road. One of the oldest in Japan, becoming less important after the Tokaido Road was constructed, which was faster and easier. Although no series title this is from a trinity of designs depicting Snow ( as here ), Moon and Flowers. These were the last three great prints Hiroshige designed. All are rare, especially Snow and Moon. Published 1857 by Okasawaya Taheiji.
Fine impression and colour. Slight yellowing of the paper, otherwise fine condition. Completely untrimmed. Matching sheets with extra paper all round. ( These three designs are martyres to trimming. ) Signed Hiroshige hitsu.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Kyosai designed two sets of these extremely rare prints showing shadow lanterns. These popular toys threw moving images, the rotating fans activated by candles which also gave the illumination. Shows figures and demons cavorting. The series title variously translated as Silhouettes of Pandemonium and Silhouettes: A Hundred Night Demons. Puiblished by Yamamura Kinzo 5/1867. I can find no other illustration of this design.
Very good impression. Two repaired tears, otherwise good condition and colour. Kyosai seal.
Status: Sold
Manjiro HOKUGA (Fl. Early 19th Century)
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A pupil of Hokusai who specialised in Surimono and book illustration. Used Hokuga signature until 1810, then Hotei Gosei. Shows Shoki, the demon quellor, descending to earth on a vapour cloud wielding a sword in order to vanquish demons. Painted entirely in red pigment. The subject matter and use of red ink comes from China. The colour was thought to exorcise evil spirits and was used to ward off illness. Red pigment on paper. Image size: 37.5 x 10.75 in; 95.5 x 27.5 cms. Very good condition. Old box. A fine painting exhibited and published: Itabashi Kuritsu Bijyutsukan, Hokusai and his followers – the collection of the best Ukiyo-e paintings. Exhibition Catalogue, Tokyo, 2008, pl. no. 57. Signed Manjiro Hokuga ga with seal Manjiro.
Status: Sold
Ogata GEKKO (1859-1920)
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Gekko was a founding member of the Bunten and frequent prize winner. As well as designing prints, he illustrated magazines and decorated pottery. A talented artist who developed his own distinctive style. A young girl and a cuckoo. The first cuckoo traditionally heralds the arrival of summer and is usually shown flying across or near the moon – here represented by the circular window. And it might not be too fanciful to see the arrival of the cuckoo compared to the coming of age of the young girl. Sumi and colour on silk. Image size: 37 x 14 in; 94 x 35.5 cms. Very slight damage to bottom of washira mount. New box. Signed and sealed Gekko.
Status: Sold
Watanabe SEITEI (1851-1918)
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A fascinating painting by Seitei in homage or as a commission inspired by Yoshitoshi’s ghost print: The ghost of Genji’s lover, Yugao, from Tsuki hyakushi, published 3/1886. Another unusual element is that Seitei has painted the outline of the scroll and the ichimonji and gone beyond, painting a surround of wild grasses and wispy clouds on what would be the kami and chu-mawashi. Seitei was famous for his depictions of birds and flowers and this is, again, a most unusual departure for him. One of Seitei’s masterpieces. Sumi and light colour on silk. Full size: 65.5 x 13.25 in; 166.5 x 33.5 cms. Light foxing at top, otherwise good condition with ( not original ) box. Signed Seitei Watanabe ga and dated kanoe Tora ( year of the Tiger, 1890 ) chugetsu, “Moon in Daylight.” Sealed Seitei.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A fox priest from Tsuki hyakushi, “One Hundred Phases of the Moon.” Based on the Kyogen farce Konkai, “A Fox’s Cry” which tells of a hunter who is lectured on trapping foxes by his uncle, a priest. On his way home his uncle turns into his true form, a fox, and is snared in a trap. Yoshitoshi’s design shows the uncle transmogrifying into a fox. The set published by Akiyama Buemon between 1885 – 92, this design issued 1/1886. One of the best designs from the set.
Very good impression and colour. Retains original light album backing. Signed Yoshitoshi
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows Inudzuka Shino Moritaka defending himself against Inukai Kempachi Nobumichi and his men on the Horyukaku roof. From a set of four diptychs ( often split ) published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1835. Robinson S 5.6.
Very good impression. Fine colour and condition. Completely untrimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Mariko from the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road. The set designed by several artists and various publishers to commemorate the journey of the Shogun from Edo to Kyoto in 2/1863. The best Yoshitoshi design from this set. Shows a battle fleet outside Mariko. Published by Yamaguchi 5/1865.
Very good impression and colour. Small fibre loss at extreme left edge. Very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi fude.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The pilot and nobleman Yoshibei leaps from his vessel to a rock in the Chopping Block Shoals and sacrifices himself to save his ship off the coast of Buzen Province. Meisho Kyushu yori joraku no toki. Published c 1850 by Santetsu. A wonderful and rare triptych which is seldom illustrated. Robinson T251.
Extremely fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Totally untrimmed. Colours do not quite match across the three sheets – a common fault on 19th century triptychs. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Abe no Hirafu slaying a giant bear from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1880. ) Probably the best design from the set.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Amaterasu Omikami appearing from the cave from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1882. ) One of the best designs from the set showing the famous story of Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess who had enclosed herself in a grotto with a large rock blocking the entrance causing darkness in the universe. She was tempted to peep out from the cave by the raucous activities of the other gods and goddesses whereupon she glimpsed herself in a mirror and the stone door was quickly fastened back by Ame no Tajikara.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Kamitsukeno Yatsunada attacking Saohime’s castle from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1880. ) One of the best designs from the set showing Saohime perishing in the flames of her brother’s castle – Saohiko – who had conspired with his sister to seize the throne.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Toto Asakusa Honganji, “Fuji from the Roof of the Hongan Temple, Asakusa, in the Eastern Capital” from Hokusai’s most celebrated set: Fugaku sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.” The set of 46 prints published by Eijudo, c 1830-32. This appears to be a New Year view judging by the kite being flown and the drum tower being erected to the left. The workmen repairing the roof, to the right, would also appear to be preparing for the New Year.
Very good impression: Blue outline. ( Later editions have black, but these impressions are very late. ) Known with and without red Eijudo and kiwame seals. Slight centre fold and several backed pin holes at bottom and left side at base. Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kameido Umeyashiki, “The Plum Garden at Kameido.” Umeyashiki is the name of the plum garden on the bank of the Sumida River behind the Tenman Shrine at Kameido. From Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being 1857 ). A famous design because of Van Gogh’s 1887 copy. The tree was called Resting Dragon Plum and the branches grew so long that they penetrated the ground resulting in new shoots.
Good impression. Very good condition and colour. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Fukagawa Suzaki jumantsubo. The one hundred-thousand tsubo [ an area of measure ] plain, Suzaki, Fukagawa, from Meisho Edo hyakkei, the “One Hundred Views of Edo” published by Uoei between 1856 and 1858 ( this being 1857 ). An eagle hovers over the snowy coastal plain at Suzaki with Mount Tsukuba and the Chiba mountains in the distance. This and the other similar designs from the set with large foreground objects were of particular interest to the Post Impressionists, and indeed, this design was considered by many collectors at the turn of the 19th century to be the finest print from the set. It is still judged to be one of the major designs.
Very good impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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“Evening Rain at Kozumi”, Kozumi no yau from the early set Kanazawa hakkei, “Eight Views in Kanazawa” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke, c 1835-6. This is an extremely rare and fine set and examples in good condition are very difficult to find. Each print contains a classical 31-syllable waka poem above. Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan bordered by the Japan Alps. One of Hiroshige’s finest compositions.
Very good impression. ( Later states have a mountain range printed in the background and a different colour scheme. ) Fine colour and condition with large margins. The publisher’s mark and censor seal intact in right margin. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold