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Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Omi, Biwako Ishiyamadera, “Ishiyama Temple and Lake Biwa in Omi [Province].”From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. Moonlight on Lake Biwa is one of the iconic Eight Views of Omi.
Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Oiwa and her ghost: Yondaime Ichikawa Kodanji IV no Oiwa bokon, “The Spirit of Oiwa Performed by Ichikawa Kodanji IV.” Probably in the play Atari mimasu yotsuya no kikigaki, performed at the Kawarasaki Theatre, 1848. The popular story has many versions, the gist being that Oiwa’s husband, Kamiya Lemon, falls in love with Oume, the daughter of a rich neighbour. Oume’s family poison Oiwa so that Lemon can marry the daughter. The poison hideously disfigures Oiwa who comes back to haunt Lemon. Published by Ebiya Rinnosuke, 1848.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Reserved
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Inuyama Dosetsu, one of the eight dog heroes, enveloped in a conflagration. The heroes represent a Confucian ideal or Buddhist regulation and meet various adversaries in the epic Nanso satomi hakkenden, “Biography of the Eight Dogs” written by Takizawa Bakin between 1814 and 1842. Dosetsu is gifted with magic fire and is seen here with pine sprigs wrapped in paper clenched between his teeth. The subject represents Warabi Station (seen top left) from a set Kisokaido rokujuku tsugi, “Sixty-nine Stations along the Kisokaido.” In fact, a pun on the word warabi which can also mean “straw fire.” The bales can be seen bottom right. Published by Izutsuya Shokichi 1852. The best design from the set.
ga.
Fine impression and colour. Lightly backed and very slight vertical fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Iyo Province, Saijo. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. A large furled sail in the foreground with Saiju village on the water’s edge. Beyond is Mt. Ishizuchi.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Ikeda EISEN (1790-1848)
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Two beauties in front of a mirror, Ada ni torikumite, “Grudge Match” from a set Ukiyo shiju hatte, “Forty-eight Habits of the Floating World.” This was a popular title for sets of prints – especially during the next thirty years. The sub-titles are quite obtuse, whereas in later series – for example Kuniyoshi’s set of c 1846 – the meanings are self-evident. A fine double okubi-e set published by Matsumura Tatsuemon, c 1821-22. Eisen was a prolific and repetitive artist but produced some fine landscapes and okubi-e sets. Rare.
Fine impression. Slight fading and minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Available
Katsukawa SHUNSHO II (Active 1818-1830)
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Minamoto no Yoshinaka Shitenno to tomoni Kiso no okuyama ni Tengu o taiji su, “Minamoto Yoshinaka and His Four Retainers Defeat the Tengu in the Deep Mountains of Kiso.” Minamoto no Yoshinaka is seen in the centre panel, Higuchi Kanemitsu on the right holding a sword and Imai Kanehiro on the left panel. Tengu are winged demons or spirits known for their fencing abilities, have long noses or bird-like beaks, and are associated with the ascetic practise of Shugendo and wear the garb of its followers, the Yamabushi. Published by Fujiokaya Hikotaro. Rare: Another impression is in MFA, Boston, accession number 11.21594-6.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Shunsho ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Saito Toshimoto nyudo Ryuhon in armour struggling with a Chinese brigand underwater. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the 14th century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.31. One of the best designs in the set.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original painting showing the old lighthouse at Tempozan, Osaka. To the left is the mount which was formed by earth dredged from the Ajigawa in 1831 to allow easier access for ships. In the foreground masts of moored vessels. There appear to be few images of this lighthouse. It was replaced by a lighthouse designed by the British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses” in 1872. Sumi and light colour on paper, 12.75 x 20.25 in ; 32.4 x 51.4 cms.
Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. Very good condition.
Status: Available
Uragami GYOKUDO (1745-1820)
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An original painting, sumi with light touches of pink on paper. Image size 10.4 x 14.2 in; 26 x 36 cms. Shows a hilly landscape with a small figure crossing a bridge bottom left. 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.
Signed Gyokudo with two indistinct seals. Good condition.
Status: Available
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Oda KAISEN (1785-1862)
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A concertina painting album, full colour on paper, 11 x 6.5 in; 28 x 16.5 cms folding out to 11 x 13 in; 28 x 33 cms. Twenty six paintings in the Shijo manner. Kaisen moved to Kyoto when he was 22 years old and studied under Matsumura Goshun but later switched from the Maruyama Shijo school to study Nanga painting with Rai San’yo.
Minor wormage, otherwise good condition. Complete with original covers and wooden box. seal.
Status: Available
Katsukawa SHUNJO (?-1787)
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An hosoban showing the actor Onoe Matsusuke I in a Shibaraku role holding a lantern. (Possibly as Sakata no Kintoki). Shunjo was a pupil of Katsukawa Shunsho. Published c 1780.
Fine impression. Very fine colour and condition. Signed Shunjo ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kozuke, Harunasan setchu, “Kozuke [Province], Mount Haruna Under Snow.” From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. A red bridge spans a gorge leading to the Buddhist Haruna shrine. Below is a fast flowing river with precipitous cliffs. Fantastic crags point upwards into the sky and in the distance is the dormant volcano Mount Haruna.
Good impression and colour. Slight soil on bottom left margin, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Mimasaka, Yamabushidani, “Mimasaka [Province], Yamabushi Valley.”A high wind and rain in the valley with a man on a raft on the Yoshi River. Other figures in the foreground, one having lost his hat. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Fl. c 1850-1880)
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An okubi-e of the onnagata actor Bando Mitsugoro V in the role of Shindo Saemon’s daughter Yushide. From a set of large heads of actors past and present which were to be the pinnacle of Kunisada’s career. The set was intended to have one hundred and fifty prints but only seventy-two were completed (with Yoshitora designing twelve). Only the most expensive materials and the finest printers and engravers were employed. Shows Yushide in the play Karukaya doshin tsukushi no iezuto who, in a fit of remorse, stabs herself in the throat with an arrow (seen here used as a hair pin). Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, 1862.
Very fine impression and colour. Fine condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Shibuya Konnomaru Masatoshi from a set Edo meisho zue, “Famous Places of Edo.” This being Shibuya. Published by Iseya Chusuke 1852.
Very good impression. Good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A triptych of a probably imaginary performance showing the actor Ichimura Uzaemon XII as Hachiman Taro Yoshiie (far left) with an actor dressed as a lion who shines a strong beam from a lantern across the other two sheets; the centre one showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro III as Abe Sadato with an actor dressed as a lion, and the right sheet showing the actor Bando Shuka I as Sadato’s wife Sodehagi with an actor dressed as an elephant. Published by Miyakozawa 1847-52.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hanmoto no oujyu Toyokuni ga, “By the request of the publisher, painted by Toyokuni.”
Status: Available
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi (centre) battling Shirakura Dengoemon (left) and his henchmen. The story usually relates how a jealous Dengoemon plots to kill Musashi by inebriating him and locking him in a bath house without his sword. However, Musashi, wielding a huge broken beam, slays Dengoemon and his followers aided by Dengoemon’s daughter Itohagi (right) who has fallen in love with Musashi. Kuniyoshi, however, depicts the event beside a mill-stream and a large waterwheel. Seiran, “Clearing Weather” from a set Mitate hakkei, “Selection for the Eight Views.” Published by Joshuya Juzo, 1846.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A vertical diptych showing the actor Onoe Kikugoro V as the archvillain and sorcerer Nikki Danjo emanating in a cloud of smoke from his alter ego – the giant rat. He holds in his mouth the scroll containing the names of the conspirators given to Masaoka which he has purloined. This is one of the great scenes in Kabuki from the play Meibuku Sendai hagi, “Precious Incense and the Bush Clover of Sendai.” Kikugoro rises through a trapdoor (suppon) which is on the hanamachi leading out from the Kabuki stage. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Heavy oxidation, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyohara Kunichika fude.
Status: Available
Kawamata TSUNEYUKI (1677-c 1744)
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An original painting, full colour on paper, 13 x 19 in; 33 x 48.3 cms. Shows a reclining beauty playing a shamisen. The subtle outline of her body can be seen through her yukata. A tasseled pillow behind her and a fan lying on the floor. Tsuneyuki was the founder of the Kawamata School. (A pupil was Kawamata Tsunemasa.) Little is known of his life and there are few paintings: A group were in Christies NY, 27/10/1998, lots 40, 42, 44, 45; and there are examples in the BM, reg. no 1931,1116,0.2, the Met, acc. no 36.100.90, and the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, acc. no. F1898.118. Two small areas of restoration only visible obliquely, otherwise good condition for its period. Presented in double box. Signed Tsuneyuki hitsu with one seal Tsuneyuki, the other unread.
Status: Available
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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
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A poem by the celebrated poet Bunya no Yasuhide from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). The poet in the background watches as a fierce wind blows away some of the umbrellas that are being made. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:
The mountain wind in autumn time
Is well called “hurricane”;
It hurries canes and twigs along,
And whirls them o’er the plain
To scatter them again
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling of border but otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A sheet of original drawings being hanshita-e for an ehon. Shows, above, a seated samurai and a female figure to the right holding a mirror. Below, actors in a garden setting. Sumi with touches of red on thin paper laid onto thicker Japanese paper, 14 x 10 in; 36 x 25 cms. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych from a set of ten: Dai Nippon shiryaku zue, “Short Illustrated History of Great Japan.” Each print is in the form of an unrolled makimono. This design shows the third son of the twelfth century Emperor Keiko, Yamato Takeru no mikoto (Wo-usu). His father was constantly sending him on dangerous missions making him suspect that he wished his death. One such journey was to the Emishi in northeast Japan. On complaining about this to his high-priestess aunt, Yamatohime, she gave him the famous sword Ame no murakumo no hoken to aid him. On his arrival, the ruler of the Emishi lured him onto open grassland which he set on fire. Wo-usu used his sword to cut the grass, evade death, and start new fires to kill his enemy. Published by Kobayashi, 1880. A fine design.
Fine impression of first edition. Fine colour. Very slight crease bottom margin of centre sheet, otherwise fine condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi.
Status: Available
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A triptych showing an exploding land-mine throwing bodies and horses into the ether. Taiheiki Masakiyo nansen no zu, “Masakiyo’s Difficult Battle from the Taiheiki.” Figures identified in the print are the 14th century warriors Sato Shukei no Kami Masakiyo and Shimura Masazo Katsutoyo, but by way of avoiding censorship, it is actually showing Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) and Kimura Matazo Shigekatsu. It may also be that the design alludes to the rogue samurai in Choshu Province during the summer of 1866. Published by Yamashiroya Jinbei, 1866. One of Yoshitoshi’s great designs. In fact, this is a reworking of a similar composition in a book early in his career, Ehon jitsugokyo dojikyo yoshu of 1853.
Fine impression and colour. Lovely oxidation of the orange pigment. Fine condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Available
Shotei HOKUJU (Active 1787-1818)
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Kai no kuni Saruhashi no shinsha no zu, “A True View of the Monkey Bridge in the Province of Kai.” An impressive wooden bridge spans a deep chasm. It was called the “Monkey Bridge” because the original rickety plank structure was so precarious that only an agile monkey could cross it. Hokuju produced a number of these westernised landscapes and this is one of the best designs. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1815. It is also known with variant colour schemes.
Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed around and imperceptible centre fold. Signed Shotei Hokuju ga.
Status: Available
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Otani Tomoemon V as Danshichi Kurobei, a fishmonger and an Osaka otokodate, in the drama Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami, “Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka.” From an untitled set of large-head actor portraits published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Based on actual events, the scene depicted here is from Act VII of the play where the heavily tattooed Danshichi has murdered his wife’s father, the untrustworthy Mikawaya Giheiji, and is pouring water from a bucket over himself to wash off the mud from the murder scene. Probably the best design from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Kunichika hitsu.
Status: Available
Isoda KORYUSAI (1735-1790)
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An hashira-e, “pillar print.” A night scene showing a beauty on the shoulders of her lover reaching up to a branch of plum blossom beneath a spring moon. From a set Furyu Rokkasen, “Fashionable Six Poetic Immortals,” this being a poem by Ariwara no Narihira (825-880) where the poet composes a poem inspired by a beauty he has seen. Koryusai was the master of this format. Pillar prints were introduced to hang, when mounted, on the pillars of a Japanese house. Consequently, they often come browned, creased or faded and finding good examples is difficult. Rare: Not in Pins.
Very good impression and colour. Slightly toned, otherwise very good condition. Signed Koryusai ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A large original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 12 x 20.5 in; 30.5 x 52 cms. Shows a battle between two armies. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Julius Kurth (1870-1949), an eminent scholar who wrote extensively on Japanese and Chinese art. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A large original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 15 x 20 in; 38 x 51 cms. Shows a large group of actors in front of a theatre. Most likely two sheets for an intended triptych. There appears to be the publisher’s seal Kiya Sojuro brushed-in at the bottom who was active c 1851-1904. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Julius Kurth (1870-1949), an eminent scholar who wrote extensively on Japanese and Chinese art. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.
Status: Available
Katsukawa SHUNCHO(Fl. c 1780-1801
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The first sheet of a triptych showing travellers on a mountain path – possibly the Tokaido Road. Published by Eijudo (Nishimuraya Yohachi), c 1790. Other impressions in the MFA Boston, acc. no. 21.5953 and the BM, 1910, 0212, 0.439. Little is known of Shuncho’s life. He was a pupil of Shunsho and heavily influenced by Kiyonaga. Probably the greatest exponent of the triptych format and a master of the pillar print format.
Fine impression. Extremely good colour. Fine condition. Signed Shuncho ga.
Status: Available
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Travellers viewing Mount Asama. Usui-toge yori Asama o miru zu, “A View of Mount Asama from Usui Pass.” From Kuniyoshi’s best landscape set. Of the utmost rarity with most extant impressions differing. This and the impression in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, are similar, without the smoke coming from the cone of Asama (the most active volcano on Honshu). Other impressions are in: The British Museum, 1948, 0410, 0. 108, which has gradation up the left side of the mountain; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, JP 1424, which has gradation down from the summit; and Worcester Art Museum which is similar to the Mets, 1901. 692. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei, c. 1836.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Available
Kitagawa UTAMARO (1753-1806)
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Presumably the last sheet of a triptych (I cannot locate the complete design at the moment). Shows three geisha representing three of the Seven Lucky Gods: Benzaiten, Fukurokuji, Ebisu. The other sheets would show the other four. They are depicted on the Takarabune, ” Treasure Ship” which has been constructed on a stage with artificial water. Probably an event that occurred during the first three days of the New Year.. Published by Tsuruya Kinsuke, c 1802.
Fine impression. Extremely good colour. Fine condition. Signed Utamaro ga.
Status: Available
Kitagawa TSUKIMARO (Active c 1804-1836)
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An original painting, full colour on dark silk, 33.5 x 11.5 in; 85 x 29 cms. Shows a Chinese beauty – possibly Yang Guikei – collecting medicinal leaves from a Japanese spice bush. An intriguing painting with Ukiyo-e elements fused with both Chinese and Western styles. Tsukimaro was Utamaro’s best pupil and his paintings are rare. Painted c 1818.
Some loss of gofun but generally good condition. Newly mounted with new box. Signed Bokutei Tsukimaro hitsu with two unidentified seals.
Status: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (GYOSAI) (1831-1889)
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A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early age studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Tohaku Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Was famous for his crow paintings but also loved skeletons. This newly discovered painting shows a full-length skeleton humorously hiding its genital area – not with a fig-leaf – but a large lotus leaf. Sumi and light green on silk, 38.75 x 13 in; 98.5 x 33 cms. Interestingly, a very faint under-drawing can be seen where he first thought of placing the figure.
Many copies of his work. In very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai with bell seal.
Status: Available
Yamamoto SHOUN (1870-1965)
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A large original painting , full colour with gold on silk, image size 50.5 x 19.75 in; 128.25 x 50 cms. Shows Shoki, the Demon Quellor, with sword drawn watching an oni escaping on a cloud, upper left. Various Chinese legends exist regarding the origins of Shoki but the gist of them all is that Emperor Xuanzong canonized Shoki, a physician, and in gratitude Shoki vowed to protect the ruler and his heirs from demons and illness. Shoun is best known for his series of woodblocks of beautiful women, Ima Sugata, published 1906-9.
In fine condition. Signed Shoun hitsu with two seals, one reading Shoun.
Status: Available
Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (Fl. 1684-1704)
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An original painting, sumi and full colour on paper, 24 x 12 in; 61 x 30.5 cms. Shows a beautiful youth (a wakashu) dressed as a girl with his attendant servant. These youths (identified as male by wearing a sword) were arbiters of trend-setting kimono design. They are sometimes referred to as the “third gender,” and were sexually ambiguous being objects of desire to both adult men and women. Moroshige was the senior pupil of Hishikawa Moronobu, and, it is said, was the father of Furuyama Moromasa. Some toning of paper and slight loss of pigment, but all commensurate with a painting of this age. Otherwise good condition. Painted around 1700.
Signed Hishikawa Moroshige zu with seal Moroshige. A fine and interesting painting.
Status: Available
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Suzuki HARUTSUGI (HARUJI) (Active 1760-1770)
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A large koban print, 8.75 x 6 in; 22.25 x 15.25 cms, showing a samurai with two attendants. Aki, “Autumn” from a set of the four seasons, Shiki. A rare artist and most likely a follower of Harunobu. Produced a number of pillar prints. Provenance: Ex Javal, sold 3/3/1926, lot 50.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Harutsugi ga.
Status: Available
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Wada from the Sixty-nine Stations f the Kisokaido. The set was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseiri (Kinjudo). Wada is the highest point on the Kisokaido and Hiroshige shows travellers traversing the snow covered pass.
Very good impression and colour. Minimal edge soil and trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Available
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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The actor Otani Tomoemon V playing the role of Ono no Michikaze (also read as Ono no Tofu) in the play Ono no Tofu Aoyagi Suzuri performed at the Ichimura-za Theatre, 5/1869. From a set of at least 22 prints published by Gusokuya Kahei, 1869. Kunichika produced some fine triptychs (horizontal and vertical) as well as this fine set.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Kunichika ga.
Status: Available
Isoda KORYUSAI (1735-1790)
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A hashira-e, “pillar print” showing two women washing clothes at a well. Koryusai cleverly uses the ropes of the pulley to emphasize the narrow format. Koryusai was the master of this sort of print. Pillar prints were introduced to hang, when mounted, on the pillars of a Japanese house. Consequently, they often come browned, creased or faded and finding good examples is difficult. Rare: Other examples in MFA Boston, acc. no. 21.8379 (ex Metzgar sale 1/12/1921); TNM, catalogue 1, (1960), no. 742; and illustrated in Pins, The Japanese Pillar Print, 1982, no. 396.
Very good impression. Good colour. Slight toning and small repair bottom right corner, but otherwise a nice example. Signed Koryusai ga.
Status: Available