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Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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A beauty with a child on her back. Amagoi Komachi from a set Furyu nana Komachi, “Fashionable Seven Komachi.” Events from the life of Ono no Komachi, one of the six best waka poets of the Heian period. Published by Iseya Soemon, c. 1805.
Very good impression. Fine colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
Suzuki Jun NANREI (1775-1844)
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An original painting, sumi and very light colour on paper, 39.5 x 11.5 in; 99.5 x 29 cm. Nanrei was the consummate Shijo artist, much admired by J. Hillier who stated: “… if one wishes to study the Shijo artist par excellence with the gifts and the limitations that that title infers, it is Nanrei one turns to …..”(The Uninhibited Brush, J. Hillier, 1974, p. 306.) Born in Edo, he was a pupil of Watanabe Nangaku. He later travelled to Kyoto to best study under Azuma Toyo and Okamoto Toyohiko. Shows an Ise ebi, a spiny lobster from Ise Bay in Mie Prefecture which was a popular place to fish for them during the winter months. The kanji for ebi translates as “old man [of the sea]” because the bent back resembles an old man. Ebi is a symbol of longevity and is often served for special occasions.
Signed Nanrei with large unread seal. Poem above. Very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £2900
Onishi CHINNEN (1792-1851)
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An original brush drawing, sumi on paper, 8.75 x 12.25 in; 22.2 x 31 cm. Another consummate Shijo artist. A samurai who studied painting under Watanabe Nangaku and Tani Buncho. He not only produced makimono and painting albums of great facility but also ehon such as Azuma no teburi, 1829 and Sonan gafu, 1834. Talking about this painting, J. Hillier in Japanese Drawings of the 18th and 19th centuries, exhibition catalogue, Washington D.C., 1980, cat. No. 105, p. 122 states that: “But it is under such duress that the innate skills of an artist like Chinnen is pushed to its limit: and the result can be breathtaking.” This is in fact an album leaf that has been expertly mounted by Paul Maruyama/Wills. Shows a reclining ox: a subject often tackled by artists to show their skill. Provenance: Ex Nathan Chaikin collection. Exhibited and illustrated in Jack Hillier, The Uninhibited Brush: Japanese Art in the Shijo Style, London, Hugh Moss, 1974, p. 321; Jack Hillier, Japanese Drawings of the 18th and 19th centuries, exhibition catalogue, Washington, D.C., 1980 and as above.
Large signature Chinnen hitsu with seal Sonan. In fine condition apart from the obvious fold associated with the album it has come from.
Status: Available
Price: £2800
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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An extremely unusual tall and narrow painting, sumi and light colour on paper, 55.5 x 4 in; 141 x 10 cm. Kiyochika was much influenced by imported Western lithographs and etchings and was an associate of Charles Wirgman (the English creator of the Japan Punch) and Shimooka Renjo (the early Japanese photographer). This is reflected in his woodcut views of Tokyo during a period of transition under the impact of Western influences. Shows the rear view of a lady walking, holding a large umbrella, under a snow-laden tree. The painting’s mount is made from momigami (kneaded paper) and has porcelain jikusaki (roller ends). Kiyochika concentrated on painting in his later years. Provenance: Sold by me in 1986.
Signed Kiyochika with Shin seal. Very good condition.
Status: Available
Price: £3200
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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The ill-fated couple Ianoya Hanbei and Ochiya: the subjects of a famous double suicide in 1722 in Osaka. From a set Jitsu kurabe iro no minakami, “An Array of Passionate Lovers.” Ochiya was banished from the family home by Hanbei’s stepmother, Okuma. However, not able to live apart, they decide on their fate. Edoites were fascinated by these true-life dramas which were transformed into novels, Kabuki plays and, of course, ukiyo-e. Pubished by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1798. Provenance: Ex collection Walter Amstutz, sold Sotheby’s 15/4/1991, lot 137, page 240 of the sale catalogue. Rare: not listed in Yoshida, Shibui or the British Museum exhibition catalogue The Passionate Art of Kitagawa Utamaro, BM and Chiba City Museum, 1995.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Slightly trimmed around, otherwise very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.
Status: Available
Price: £7500
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Fujikawa sanchu no sato kyumei Miyakoyama Fujikawa, “Fujikawa: Mountain Village, Formerly called Mount Miyako” from Gojusan tsugi meisho zue, “Famous Places on the Fifty-three Stations.” The so-called “Upright Tokaido.” Shows travellers in heavy snow entering Fujikawa village down a steep slope. Published by Kichizo (Koeido Tsutaya), 1855. There are many late editions of this set with the skies on the two snow scenes printed black. A fine snow design.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition. Full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5800
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Shoheibashi Seido Kandagawa, “Seido Shrine and Kanda River seen from Shohei Bridge” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Summer rain over the Kanda River with the Confucian temple on the hill to the right which was founded in the 17th century. The set was published by Uoya Eikichi between 1856 and 1858, this being 1857. There are many late editions of this set. Unidentified collector’s seal au verso. This is the rare first edition.
Fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Slight toning and two pinholes in left margin, otherwise fine condition. Full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £14000
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
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Taishu kaigan, a Dutch ship off the seashore of Tsushima Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” The Japanese island is located off the west coast of the island of Kyushu north of Nagasaki. Published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861, this being 1860.
Fine impression of the first edition with variegated cartouche and burnishing on the boat. Fine colour. Album backing, otherwise fine condition. Full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2200
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original drawing showing a study of a seated woman holding a rosary in front of an incense burner. Sumi and pentimenti on thin paper, 13 x 9.5 in; 33 x 24.5 cm. Sold “as is.”
Status: Available
Price: £1200
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows the actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Misuji no Tsunagoro confronted by Seitaka top left, one of the attendants of Fudo Myo-o. From a set Mitate junishi no uchi, “Comparisons with the Twelve Signs,” this being Tori, “Cock.” Published by Kakumotoya Kinjiro, 1852.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £800
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Shows Lord Hojo Tokimasa, Governor of Totomi Province, praying for good fortune to Benzaiten in the famous Shinto shrine on the island of Enoshima. She explains that his family will flourish for seven generations before she turns into a giant serpent and disappears. Published by Iwatoya Kisaburo (Eirindo), c late 1820s.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Available
Price: £1500
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Jiraiya from Kijutsu junishi no uchi, “Magic in the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac.” This design representing Rooster although what the connection the huge eagle has to this sign of the zodiac is not known (apart from the fact that roosters often fight off eagles to protect hens). Jiraiya and his wife Tsunade were experienced in the art of the shape-shifting magic of the toad and slug. Published by Ueki Rinnosuke, 1877. A fine and little known set.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Price: £480
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Bando Hikosaburo V as Inugami Hyobu from Kijutsu junishi no uchi, “Magic in the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac.” This design representing Dog. Hikosaburo represents a mythical dog spirit – a canine yokai. Dogs can be seen beautifully graded in the background. Published by Ueki Rinnosuke, 1877. A fine and little-known set.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Price: £480
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Ichikawa Sadanji as the monk Raigo Ajari at the Mii-dera temple from Kijutsu junishi no uchi, “Magic in the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac.” This design representing Rat. Raigo transforms into a giant rat because of a grudge against the Emperor Shirakawa and ate the sacred manuscripts in the Enryaku -ji temple. Published by Ueki Rinnosuke, 1877. A fine and little-known set.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Price: £480
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A diptych showing Musashi-bo Benkei, renowned for his herculean strength, battling with the young Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru (Yoshitsune) on Gojo Bridge. The story relates how Benkei (1155-1189) wandered around Kyoto with the intention of relieving 1000 samurai of their swords. One night, with one more sword to go, he saw Yoshitsune playing a flute and wearing a golden sword at the Gojotenjin Shrine. They agreed to fight on Gojo Bridge in southern Kyoto. However, Yoshitsune was too agile for Benkei and had been educated in the secrets of fighting by the mountain tengu. Following Yoshitsune’s victory Benkei became Yoshitsune’s retainer. Published by Omiya Heihachi (Hei), c early 1830s. (This publisher produced many of Kunisada’s prints in the early 1830s.) Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. A wonderful example of kimetsubishi (enhancing the natural woodgrain) printing on the wooden bridge. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3200
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Dai ichidai Jimmu tenno, the first Emperor of Japan, from a set Dai Nihon shiryaku zue, “Short Illustrated History of Great Japan.” Jimmu (711-585 BC), the founder of the Imperial dynasty, launched his military expedition from Hyuga and captured Yamato. He is shown holding his yumi bow with the golden kite (kinshikyu) perched on it emanating a blinding light which astounds his followers. The bird was sent by the sun goddess Amaterasu to assist Jimmu on his eastern campaign. The designs in the set are on partially unrolled scrolls (makimono). Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei (Kinkodo), 1880-84. This is the first edition with variegated title cartouche. Rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi.
Status: Available
Price: £2200
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Fukuhara densha kaii no zu, “Strange Apparitions.”A triptych showing Taira no Kiyomori, leader of the Taira clan, on the terrace of his palace in Fukuhara haunted by the apparition of the skulls of past enemies in his snowy garden – primarily the Minamoto clan – that he has killed. Based on a scene from the Heike Monogatari, “The Tale of Heiki.” The title label: Shinyo rokkaisen, “New Selection of Six Ghosts.” Kiyomori was made Dajo-daijin, “Chancellor of the Realm” from 1167 until his death and was the power behind the Imperial throne. Published by Funazu Chujiro, 1882. This is the first edition with brown title label (later green).
Fine impression and colour. Several small wormholes and light album backing, otherwise good condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3800
Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Fl. 1850-70)
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Triptych showing an American steamship. Amerika jokisen, nagasa yonjuken, haba rokken, “American Steamship: Measuring Two Hundred and Sixty Feet long and Forty Feet wide.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Enjudo), 1861. A fine depiction.
Very fine impression and colour; light burnishing on boat. Album backing; two sheets connected, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichikawa Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Available
Price: £5800
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych of Yokohama Honcho no zue, “Honcho [Main Street] in Yokohama.” Shows the busy street one year after the port opened to foreign trade on 2nd June 1859. The Mitsui store is seen at left and the street is thronged with tradesmen and Japanese and foreign visitors. Originally the fishing village was chosen to protect foreign residents from the hostile marauding samurai on the nearby Tokaido road. The town expanded rapidly speaking a fusion language of Japanese, Dutch and English. Photographs by Kusakabe Kinbei around 1880 show the street tree-lined. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), 1860.
Fine impression and colour. Album backing; two sheets connected, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Price: £2800
Ichiryusai YOSHITOYO (1830-1866)
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A dramatic triptych showing the samurai Nitta no Shiro Tadatsune, having crawled into a cave on Mt. Fuji, brandishing a firebrand that reveals the Deity of Mt. Fuji (Shinto); or the Goddess Kannon (Buddhist) surrounded by a dragon. Tadatsune is surrounded by bats. Yoshitoyo was a pupil of Kunisada and then Kuniyoshi. Published 1862. Seal unread.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Yoshitoyo ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4200
Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)
The complete 6-sheet Kanagawa: Noge Yokohama, an evening scene showing an aerial view of Yokohama with an American ship entering the port on the far left. The two triptychs were published separately: the left 2/1861 and 6/1861 on the right but form a complete design. Very rare complete.
Fine impression and colour. Album backing; two sheets connected on each triptych and small pin holes on borders of two sheets, but otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Price: £4200
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: £3500
Katsukawa SHUNSHO (1726-1793)
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The actor Otani Hiroji III as a samurai, one sword drawn and facing an adversary. Shunsho was the founder of the Katsukawa school and had many pupils (including Hokusai [Shunro]). He was a prolific designer of hosoban actor prints and produced some of the finest designs in this format. Published c 1775.
Fine impression. Very good colour. Fine condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Available
Price: £3,200
Kishi GANTAI (1782-1865)
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An extremely large painting, 55.5 x 32 in; 141 x 81.3 cms, sumi and light colour on silk. Shows a pair of Sika deer, their summer coats spotted and white. Gantai was the son and pupil of Ganku, and together with his brother, Renzan, carried on the Kishi school tradition. With his father, worked on the paintings for the new Kanazawa Castle in 1809. A highly accomplished painter, especially of kachoga. This is possibly the largest Gantai painting and it’s interesting to compare with the gajo by him also offered on this update. In very good condition. Framed and glazed. Signed Chikuzennosuke Gantai hitsu with seals Gantai and Kunchin.
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
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
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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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)
Click here to view image full size.
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