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Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A triptych with title Taiheike Yakiyama-Goye no zue, “Picture of the Slope of Burning Mountain in the Taiheiki.” Shows the Japanese Daimyo Sato Masakiyo (Kato Kiyomasa), who was a leading general in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea, far left, and his men encountering a monstrous serpent surrounded by bats, tengu and flying goblins on a haunted mountain. Published by Kagaya Kichibei, 1861.
Fine impression, colour and condition. A lovely copy of this triptych. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4,200
Miyagawa CHOSHUN (1682-1752)
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The pre-eminent painter of the first half of the eighteenth century but not better known because neither he or his pupils are known to have designed any prints. His subjects were invariably beautiful girls and women, which makes this painting especially interesting. Shows two new year manzai dancers. These performers would go from house to house in the new year dancing, singing and engaging in knock about routines. The left figure sings and plays a small drum while his companion holds a fan and dances to the beat. Behind, a typical new year pine tree decoration. Full colour on paper, image size 38.25 x 15.25 in; 97 x 38.75 cms. The costumes are exquisitely detailed with outlines in gold. In very good condition with new mount, old lacquer jiku and old box. Signed Nihon-e Miyagawa Choshun hitsu and with blurred seal but reading Choshun no in. Kyoho – Kampo eras. One of the masterpieces of the British Museum’s Ukiyo-e painting collection is a pair of Choshun handscrolls.
Status: Available
Price: £3,500
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Seki from a Tokaido set published by Maruya Seijiro, 1850-51, hence it is often referred to as the Marusei Tokaido. Also known as the Reisho Tokaido because the title “Tokaido” is written in formal script. Below is the station number 48. Seki was located where the two highways of Tokaido and Ise-ji meet. Seki means “barrier checkpoint.” Figures pass beneath a torii gate on a snowy hillside.
Fine impression and colour. Minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,500
Shunkosai HOKUEI (FL. 1829-1837)
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A dramatic diptych showing the actor Iwai Shijaku I as Lady Osuma shining her lantern on the actor Bando Jutaro as Sasaya Hanbei from the play Honobonoto ura no asagiri, “Daybreak Hidden on the Bay by Morning Fog.” A revenge drama performed at the Naka no Shibai, Osaka, 9/1832. Hanbei is an accomplice of the villain in the play, Karahashi Daisuke. The confrontation takes place immediately after he has murdered the fiancée of the play’s hero, Kowari Dennai, by throwing her off a cliff. He makes his escape by throwing shuriken (star-shaped throwing blades) at Osuma.
Very fine impression. This is a de-luxe edition of the first state “surimono-style.” The hand-stamped block cutter’s seal “surimono cut by Kasuke” bottom left of second sheet. A later edition missing seal was published by Iden. Fine colour with burnished pattern on Osuma’s costume and the poem above is written in metallic pigment. Fine condition. Signed Shunkosai Hokuei ga with seal fumoto no yuki.
Status: Available
Price: £1,500
Santo KYODEN (Kitao MASANOBU) (1761-1816)
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A pair of original paintings, full colour on silk, image size 38.5 x 15.5 in; 97.75 x 39.5 cms. Shows a courtesan on the left with a portrait of a novelist on the right. The paintings are signed “By special request” and were presumably commissioned by the novelist showing his paramour. I have not identified the novelist. Masanobu was a pupil of Shigemasa and was one of the leading authors and illustrators of kibyoshi, ehon and kyoka anthologies as well as being a painter and print artist. He illustrated the fine set of double-oban prints of courtesans in 1783-4: Yoshiwara keisai shin bijin awase jihitsu kagami. These painting must come from around this date as the pose of the courtesan is very similar to some of the figures in the above album. A controversial figure who ran foul of the authorities in 1789, subsequently ceasing to use the name Kitao Masanobu and thereafter his paintings are always spontaneous in an abbreviated style, often quite slight and signed Kyoden. Paintings fully finished like this are rare. In generally very good condition, although some loss of gofun. Signed Oju Kyoden Masanobu ga on each painting.
Status: Available
Price: £4,200
Ipposai YOSHIFUSA (1837-1860)
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A fine original drawing by Yoshitsuru who was a pupil of Kuniyoshi. Sumi and slight colour on thin paper lightly adhered to a card, 13.25 x 10 in; 33.5 x 25.5 cms. The head drawn in great detail. Probably for an unpublished set of warrior prints. Shows a bajutsu samurai attacking an enemy on horseback.
In good condition apart from minor defects associated with a drawing’s survival. Signed Isseisai Yoshitsuru ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
Kubo SHUNMAN (1757-1820)
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One of a series of surimono with title: Guncho gafu, “ Pictorial Record of a Swarm of Butterflies.” (In fact butterflies and moths.) Shunman is recognised as possibly the greatest designer of surimono and the prints from this set are amongst the most beautifully printed in this field. His family were printers and this would explain their particular excellence. In fact it is possible that Shunman engraved and printed himself which would account for his seal on other artists’ surimono. Issued c 1810s by the Kasumi-ren poetry club. (Their seal above the signature, top right, Kasumi-ren guncho gafu.) There are copies of the prints from this set which can be very misleading. Two other genuine impressions are in Harvard, 1933.4.1375 and the Met, JP2356.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight discolouration and crinkling at the corners, otherwise good condition. Signed Sho Shunman sei.
Status: Available
Price: £7,200
Sakai HOITSU (1761-1828)
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One volume complete Oson gafu, “Drawing Book of Oson.” (This being one of the artist’s names taken from the village Uguisu-mura where he lived in retirement.) The Rimpa artist Hoitsu revived the work of Ogata Korin (1658-1716). Dated on the first preface Bunka 13 (1816) and was originally published by Izumiya Shojiro, but this is an early reissue published by Tohekido (Eirakuya Toshiro in Nagoya). Another impression is in the BM, 1942,0918,0.2. Twenty-five double-page illustrations in muted tones of birds, flowers, figures, etc. Original yellow covers with title slip. Bound in Japanese brocade boards. This was a method used by the leading French collectors of Japanese books such as Javal, Duret, Haviland, Gonse, etc, hence, this will have come from one of those collectors. A very nice copy with only minimal marks.
Status: Available
Price: £1,450
Utagawa KUNISADA II (1823-1880)
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A triptych showing the fight on the roof of the Horyukaku Tower of Koga Castle beside the Tone River. A popular scene from the complex novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden, “The Diary of Eight Dogs” by Takizawa Bakin (1767-1848). The macabre tale revolves around the eight offspring of a supernatural marriage between a princess and her father’s dog and their commitment to restore the fortunes of the samurai house of Satomi. Shows Inuzuka Shino Moritaka defending himself against the chief of police Inukai Kempachi Nobumichi. Published by Tsutaya Kichizo 1854.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichijusai and Baichoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,300
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI (1764-1820)
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An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 32 x 11 in; 81.3 x 28 csms. Shows three classes in Japanese society: Farmer’s wife, Priest and a Samurai, forced to shelter together at the entrance to a Shinto shrine from a sudden downpour of rain. Above, a rooster and hen also shelter. These birds were allowed to roam freely around Shinto Temples. Shinsai was one of Hokusai’s best pupils. Known for his fine surimono and paintings. Signed Ryuryukyo Shinsai with Ryuryukyo seal. In good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Nichiren standing on the rocky promontory at Reizan in Kamakura and having his prayers for rain answered. The event occurred in 1271. His disciples surround him and protect him from the deluge with a large umbrella. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizan-ga-saki uki. The second best design from Koso [Nichiren] goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren (1222-1282) was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect (Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a follower) and indeed the set of ten prints may have been commissioned to mark the 550th anniversary of his death. Published by Iseya Rihei, c 1831.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Ample room on top border for the umbrella which protrudes beyond the border and is often trimmed off, as is the information on right border. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4,800
Kitagawa FUJIMARO (1790-1850)
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An original painting, full colour on silk, image size 35.25 x 13.5 in; 89.5 x 34.5 cms. Fujimaro was a talented late pupil of Utamaro. More than a dozen paintings are recorded by him including an example in the Portland Art Museum, acc. number 69.51. His best-known work is in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum depicting Yujyo risshi-zu and another four paintings of beauties in the four seasons is in the collection of the Ota Memorial Museum of Art, Tokyo. Shows a standing courtesan beside a vase containing peonies and cherry blossom. On her sumptuous costume are the black wheels of a hanaguruma, “flower cart.” These vehicles carried baskets with often elaborate arrangements of flowers. It seems more than coincidence that the vase is placed where the basket would have been on the cart.
Painted c 1820. Signed Fujimaro with seal Yozan. Newly remounted and in fine condition with new box and futo-maki (thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage).
Status: Available
Price: £9,500
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Kikukawa EIZAN (1787-1867)
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An original painting by Eizan, sumi and full colour on silk, 37 x 13 in; 94 x 33 cms. Eizan was the leading exponent of bijinga in the early 1800s. He founded the Kikukawa School with Eisen his best known pupil. He was left-handed which was somewhat unusual. Shows a standing geisha, her shamisen case at her feet. This musical instrument was frequently associated with the world of courtesans.
Very minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kikukawa Eizan with seals Kikukawa Toshinobu.
Status: Available
Price: £12,000
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Matsumura GOSHUN (1752-1811)
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An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 49 x 22 in; 124.5 x 56 cms. Shows a mountainous landscape in snow with figures on a narrow footpath between overhanging cliffs. Goshun was a highly influential artist, known for his geniality and mastery, not only of painting, but of poetry and calligraphy. A pupil of Yosa Buson and then much influenced by Okyo. Founded the Shijo School (named after the street on which he lived in Kyoto). His mature style dates from around 1795.
A large and excellent example of his work in very good condition. Signed Goshun utsusu with seal Goshun.
Status: Available
Price: £6,800
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Maekawa SENPAN (1888-1960); Okamoto IPPEI (1886-1948); Kondo KOICHIRO (1884-1962) et al
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A set of two handscrolls in original paulownia storage box, 30 feet x 10 in; 914.4 x 25.4 cms. Sumi and full colour on paper by 18 artists of the Tokyo Manga Association, produced in 1921: 27 paintings in scroll 1; 28 paintings in scroll 2. The scrolls are a modern manga rendering of the Tokaido Road in homage to Hiroshige, the artists following and interpreting the same route that Hiroshige walked. Satirical and comedic showing the modernisation of Japan at a time manga was gaining popularity due to publications like the Jiji Manga newspaper supplement, previously known as the Ponchi, “Punch.” 150 sets were produced (although some sources give as many as 250-300 being made). No two sets are exactly the same ; indeed, some artists changed their designs substantially. Tokaido gojusan-tsugi Manga emaki, “Manga Handscrolls of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Highway.” Inside lid inscription: Tokaido emaki, dojin juhachi mei hitsu, “Tokaido handscrolls, painted by eighteen members.” Tokyo Chuo Bijutsukai dated Taisho 10 (1921).
A fascinating historical document. Some slight separation in the scrolls, but otherwise in very good condition. Various signatures and seals.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
Eishosai CHOKI (Active c. 1781-1813)
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A yellow ground aiban showing the high-ranking courtesan Hinazuru of the Chojiya House with her two kamuro Tsuruji and Tsuruno. Little is known of his life: Probably a pupil, together with Utamaro, of the artist Toriyama Sekien. His output was limited, leaving a small corpus of work, but some acknowledged masterpieces. Signed with two go: Choki, in the style of Kiyonaga, and Shiko in the style of Utamaro. Published by Murataya Jirobei (Eiyudo) c. 1795.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Centre fold only evident au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Choki ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Station Ishiyakushi from Tokaido gojusan-tsugi no uchi, “Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” This seminal work was possible because Hiroshige was asked to accompany an official procession along the Tokaido Road from Edo to Kyoto in 1832, and he made numerous sketches to document the journey. An evening scene in late autumn showing the village with the Ishiyakushi-ji (temple) on the left. This housed a stone image of Yakushi Nyurai, the Buddha of medicine. Pilgrims came in the hope of being healed, but they seldom stayed preferring to move on to Shono, the next station, which was only 3 km away. Because of the sets popularity, it was reprinted many times and there are a plethora of late impressions. Early printings are hard to find. Published by Hoeido (Takenouchi Magohachi) and Tsuruya Kiemon (Senkakudo) 1833-34.
Fine, early impression. Beautiful blue bokashi on the distant Suzuka Mountains: Late impressions often have crude wiping of this block. Fine colur and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Ushiwakamaru (Yoshitsune) defeats the priest Tankai of Shirakawa at the Gojo Shrine under a full moon. Hachikai, Gojo no Yashiro ni Ushiwakamaru Shirakawa no Tankai o uchitori from the set Yoshitsune ichidaiki no uchi, “The Life of Yoshitsune.” Published by Tsuruya Kiemon (Senkakudo) 1832-34.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £950
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1792)
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Two sumo wrestlers from the East Side: Kurateyama Yadayu (right) and Izumigawa Rin’emon (left) from a fine set of double portraits: 5 from the West Side, 6 from the East Side. No publisher’s seal but probably published by Toyoshimaya Bunjiemon (Bunkindo) c. mid 1780s.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Available
Price: £6,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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The Yoro Waterfall. Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The 32 meters fall cascades down from Mount Tado. Legend has it that the water had rejuvenating properties with the Empress Gensho (A.D. 683-748) having visited and likening the taste to that of sake. A cider, Yoro Sanroku, is produced here. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke (Kohei), 1853-56, this being 1853. Numerous states exist of this design with colour variations and differences in gradation. Primarily the colouring of the fall changes: Some impressions have the waterfall completely blue, which obscures the blind-printing, while others, as here, have edge gradation only.
Very good impression with blind-printing on the waterfall. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Station Numazu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. An impressive view of Mount Fuji seen from the plains of Suruga. The village of Numazu is seen on the right amongst the trees.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,500
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Station Hara from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. A huge Mount Fuji towers over the landscape emphasized by the diminutive travellers in the foreground.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,900
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Station Okitsu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. The Kiyomi Barrier and Seiken Temple near Okitsu.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Station Ejiri from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Located on the west side of Suruga Bay, close to the famous beauty spot of Miho no Matsubara.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,500
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Station Fuchu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. A night scene with travellers arriving at an inn. This was the largest post town on the Tokaido and served as the castle town for Sumpu Castle, the seat of the Tokugawa clan.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2,000
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Station Kanbara from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Kanbara, Fujikawa funawatashi, “Kanbara, Ferryboat on the Fuji River.”
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A silhouetted fireman faces a conflagration; in his left hand he holds a matori, a three-dimensional standard which identifies him and his location. Enchu no tsuki, “Moon and Smoke” from Tsuki hyakushi, “One Hundred Aspects of the Moon.” Published by Akiyama Buemon (Akiyama Seikichi) 1885-1892, this being 1886. The firemen’s heavily-quilted jackets were soaked in water to better enable them to withstand the heat. They were notorious for their rowdy behaviour and rivalrous nature leading to open hostility with other groups such as sumo wrestlers. Fires were a constant threat due to the building materials used, and firefighters were not above starting fires themselves in order to be the first on the scene (especially if they were in the construction business).
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi. A gourd-shaped collector’s seal (unread) in the extreme left bottom which is found on other early impressions of this set.
Status: Available
Price: £2,400
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows Shima Sakon Tomoyuki at the battle of Sekigahara, October 21, 1600. Shima was a commander of Ishida no Mitsunari’s forces against Tokugawa Ieyasu and was shot by riflemen (although his body was not found). He is shown being hit by a hail of bullets, his juzo (rosary) swinging in the air. From a set Kaidai hyaku senso “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” Sixty-five prints published by Ohashiya Yashichi (Odawaraya Yashichi) between 1868 and 1869, this being 1868. The text in the square cartouche in this set refers to prominent warriors in the internecine wars of the 16th century, but in fact the subjects are Shogitai soldiers (those that held out against the Imperial forces and were massacred at Ueno, 4/7/1868). An excellent set.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The warrior Eda Genzo Hirotsuna avoiding a hail of arrows during the defence of Minamoto Yoshitsuna’s palace at Horikawa, Kyoto in 1185. He was killed during the night attack. Horikawa seiran, “Clearing Weather at Horikawa” from the set Yobuhakkei, “Military Brilliance for the Eight Views.” Each of the eight prints has an association, either pictorially, thematically or by place with the famous Eight Views originating from China. Published by Enshuya Hikobei (Enhiko) 1852. Unidentified collector’s seal au verso.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. There are later states lacking the subtleties of the first printings. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1,900
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Jakko Nunobiki no taki, “The Hanging Cloth Waterfall at Jakko Shrine.” So-called because it falls in seven-tiers. The shrine is seen below the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”
Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Slight fading, otherwise very good colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.
Status: Available
Price: £6,800
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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The Kirifuri waterfall, Kirifuri no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “The Falling Mist Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” A group of travellers admire the fall from below. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”
Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Very good colour and condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.
Status: Available
Price: £9,000
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Kegon no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “ The Kegon Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Three travellers rather precariously perched on a ledge looking down at the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”
Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.
Status: Available
Price: £7,200
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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A pillar print showing the courtesan Ariwara and her young attendant Arishige (below), both of the Tsuruya House. Utamaro’s output of hashira-e was not as great as some other artists, and they are especially difficult to find in good condition because of often being hung on pillars and in alcoves where they were subject to fading and toning. Another trimmed and somewhat faded impression is in the B.M. 1907, 0531, 0. 474. Published by Matsuyasu , c. 1803.
Fine impression. An area of slight fading of purple at centre, otherwise extremely well retained colour. Very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £8,000
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych showing horse racing in Tokyo. Tokyo Shokonsha [the original name of the Yasukuni Shrine] naigaijin keiba no zu, “Horse Racing for Foreigners and Japanese in Shokonsha Tokyo.” From Tokyo kaika kyoga meisho, “Comic Pictures of Civilised Tokyo.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Marujin) 1871. The first Western-style horse racing was established by – mainly British – residents in the form of the Yokohama Race Club in 1862.
Fine impression: Later states lack the wood-pattern background on the title panel. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Keisai Yoshitoshi.
Status: Available
Price: £2,200
Utagawa YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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A triptych Uto Yasukata chugi den, “The Tale of Faithful Uto Yasukata.” Shows Shogun Taro Taira no Yoshikado (centre); Princess Takiyasha right); and Uto Yasukata and his wife (far left) turning into birds. Set in the ruins of Soma Palace. Takiyasha releases a ghost from a cauldron. A difficult triptych to interpret. (More information is available on the Lyon collection website: woodblockprints.org.) Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke (Tsujibun) 1852-53.
Fine impression and colour. Small edge binding holes on centre sheet, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,000
Utagawa YOSHIFUSA (Act. 1837-1860)
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A triptych showing the vengeful spirit of Akugenta Yoshihira in a giant ball of fire sending a lightning bolt down on Nanba Jiro. Retaliation for having been defeated and beheaded during the Heiji rebellion. (There are other explanations for Yoshihira’s revenge, but this is the most common.) The revenge takes place at the Nunobiki Waterfall near Kobe. The scene watched by Taira no Kiyomori. Published by Omiya Kyujiro (Kinkyu) 1856.
Fine impression. Very good colour although extensive oxidation. Edge crease on centre panel, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ipposai Yoshifusa Ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Spring moon at the shore of Tsukudajima . One of a set of chu-tanzaku prints published by Shogendo, c. 1837. Tsukudajima was one of two islands at the mouth of the Sumida River. Originally a sanbar, it was reclaimed with earth and rocks and given its name by the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu, who invited thirty-three fishermen to live there in 1613 in order to provide fish for the rapidly expanding city of Edo. The fishermen came from Tsukudama near Osaka and it was they who became the proprietors of what would become the Tsukiji fish market. It must have been popular during the late Edo period as a place to visit and view the boats from teahouses on the shore because there are many prints depicting the area, especially under a full moon.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. n.
Status: Available
Price: £4,800
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A diptych showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX as Kamakura Gongoro Kagemasa in the drama Shibaraku, “Just a moment.” The large sansho (three square) motif was the symbol of the Danjuro clan and is repeated around the border. In the background are peonies, also associated with the Danjuro clan. Published by Tanaka Katsuzo, 1878.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Oju Toyohara Kunchika hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £1,250
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria. A rare and extremely unusual subject in Yoshitoshi’s canon of work. Koi are symbols of love and friendship in Japan. The breeding of ornamental carp began in the 1820s. The outside world was unaware of the advances in breeding colour variations until an annual exposition in Tokyo in 1914. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1889. There is an original drawing, most likely for this triptych, elsewhere on this site. A much sought after design.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Completely untrimmed with the extra margins around. Fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £12,500
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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An amorous couple from an unsigned abuna-e (from abunai, risqué) set of twelve prints Keisai higo, “Secret Words of a Courtesan” published c. 1822-25. Although coming under the heading of shunga, each print is without any graphic details. She adjusts his hair with her hairpin while he smokes a pipe.
Fine impression, colour and condition. (Without centre fold, which is often encountered on this set.
Status: Available
Price: £1,800