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An original wood block showing actors as Kuzunoha and Abe no Yasuna. Kuzunoha was the fox wife of Yasuna and is usually depicted nursing her child or appearing as a white fox giving Yasuna the key to her disappearance in a dream. Au verso is an uninteresting design by Yoshifuji entitled Toita zukushi, a “Collection of Sliding Doors.” Rare: Blocks of seasoned wood had become expensive in the 19th century and old blocks were often planed down to be reused by later artists/publishers. Important blocks seldom come onto the market, and the few that do are invariably for later copies. Most were reused and/or burnt and destroyed. Signed Toyokuni ga. Publisher’s seal not read. Censors’ seals for 1849 – 53. Sold as is with some slight edge wormage, but otherwise surprisingly good condition.

Status: Sold

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An extremely important original wood block. Shows the onnagata actor Onoe Kikugoro IV as the chinohito, ‘wet-nurse,’ Masaoka, in the play ‘Konoshita Masagono Date-zome,’ performed at the Ichimura Theatre, 9/1855. Designed for the late, fine set of deluxe bust portaits published by Ebisuya Shoshichi ( except two ) between 1860 and 1869. There are also eleven designd by Yoshitora. The culmination of Kunisada’s carrer. On the reverse of the block is a design by Utagawa Kunitoshi ( 1847 – 99 ) with title Tokyo meisho Kaiunbashi dai-ichi kokuritsu ginko, ‘First National Bank at Kaiun Bridge, Famous Views of Tokyo.’ Published Meiji 10 ( 1877 ) by Naraha Shutei. Signed Kunitoshi hitsu. Blocks of seasoned wood had become expensive in the 19th century and old blocks were often planed down to be reused by later artists/publishers. Important blocks seldom come onto the market, and the few that do are invariably for later copies. Most were reused and/or burnt and destroyed. Signature Toyokuni ga with publisher’s seal Kinshodo and Sho; carver’s seal choko Ryuzo and Aratame censor’s seal 3/1860. Sold as is with some slight edge wormage, but otherwise surprisingly good condition.

Status: Sold

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A fine view of the inside of a theatre with a performance taking place. The faces of the audience in the stalls are carefully drawn and it’s obvious that many were meant to be recognised. Published by Noshuya Yasubei, 1858. Rare.

Fine impression and colour. Offsetting on last sheet and trimmed slightly on left. Other minor marks and rubbing. Signed Ichiyosai Hinajishi Toyokuni ga.

Status: Sold