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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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Shows Endo Morito about to murder Kesa Gozen’s husband in his bedroom. Morito became enamoured of Kesa Gozen although she was married to a palace guard. She eventually succumbs to his advances on the condition that he kills her husband. However, she takes the place of her husband in bed and is subsequently killed by him. Full of remorse Morito changes his name to Mongaku and does penance under the Nachi Falls. A famous scene much depicted in Japanese art. From a set Yoshitoshi musha burui, “Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors.” Published by Kobayashi Tetsujiro, 1883.

 

Fine impression: This is the first edition with three-colour cartouche and small red seals in left margin. There are late editions of this set. It was republished by Tsunajima Kamekichi in 1886. Fine colour and condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.

 

Status: Available

Price:  £680

 

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    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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    Momotaro, “Peach Boy” with two of his companions: the talking dog and monkey battling an oni on Onigashima. Momotaro invokes a storm with thunder and lightning using Raijin’s drums. The story relates how an old childless couple discovered the child in a peach floating down a river. They adopted him and he evolved into a child of enormous strength. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, 1818-20. Very Rare.

     

    Very good impression and colour. Backed, centre fold and slight trimming. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.

     

    Status: Available

    Price:  £2,500

     

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      Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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      A triptych Goketsu kijutsu kurabe, “A competition Among Powerful Magicians.” Published by Masadaya, 1869. A compilation of well known sorcerers, wizards and magicians. From right to left: Iwafuji Tsubone, Senkanja Yoshitora, Orochimaru, Otomo Wakanahime, Madamaru, Sumizu Kanja Yoshitaka, Mori Soiken, Kusunoki Goma-hime.

       

      Good impression, colour. Slight toning, otherwise good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu, Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga, Oju Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.

       

      Status: Available

      Price: £4,700

       

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        Utagawa KUNIMASA II (KUNIMUNE II) (1792-1857)


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        An original painting, full colour on silk, 38.75 x 14 in; 98.5 x 35.6 cms. Shows a beauty at a Satori no Mado (round window of enlightenment) unrolling a handscroll, a willow tree above. Kunimasa II was a pupil of Toyokuni and, apart from paintings, also designed surimono. Another example is in the Art Gallery of NSW, acc. no 108.2019. In good condition. Signed Utagawa Kunimasa ga. Seal unread.

         

        Status: Available

        Price:  £1,900

         


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          Cho GESSHO (1772-1832)



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          A large original painting of moored junks caught in a violent squall. A fine painter who studied under Tanke Gessen and Matsumura Goshun in Kyoto before moving to Nagoya in 1798 and becoming Nagasawa Rosetsu’s assistant for a short time. Also illustrated some fine ehon. Sumi and colour on silk with the currents of air painted in gold; 55.25 x 26 in; 140.25 x 66 cms. Painted c. 1810s. Provenance: Two previous owners’ seals on the exterior of mount: The Honda family library and the Ueno family. Old box with inscription which states that Gessho wanted to acquire a painting from the Owari district. Although not intrinsically valuable it was esteemed by the local people. He offered to exchange the painting offered here for their painting. There is a dig here in that the inhabitants of Owari were known to be avaricious. Written by Mizutani Okurei (1848-1926). Presumably based on the accounts of the two previous family owners.

          Signed Gessho with seal: Yukisada, Genkei, Gessho. Obviously an important painting by Gessho and in very good condition.
           
           
          Status: Available
          Price:  £2,300
           
           



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            Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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            The poet Dainagon Tsunenobu (1016-97), seated at the window of his study having recited his most famous poem which speaks of the evening breeze in Autumn, is visited by an enormous ghost who screams a poem by the Chinese poet Bai Juyi (Jap: Hakuraten). From a set Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets.” A compilation by the celebrated poet Fujiwara Teika in 1235. Only 58 of the set are known published by Ebine c 1840-42. A number of variant impressions exist of this design with the apparition printed either much darker or lighter, or the background darker and other minor differences. These all appear to be contemporaneous as the printers experimented. This impression appears to be the most successful. A fine design from an underrated set.

             

            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga.

             

            Status: Available

            Price:  £3,800

             

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              Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)



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              A poem by the celebrated poet Oe no Chisato from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teiki (1162-1241). Shows two porters with an empty palanquin beneath a haloed moon. One of the best designs from the set. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 prints are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:

               

              Looking at the moon
              Thoughts of a thousand things
              Fill me with sadness –
              But autumn’s dejection
              Does not come to me alone

               

              Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.

               

              Status: Available

              Price:  £2,800

               

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                Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)



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                A snow scene showing Sakura Sogoro, the leader of a peasant rebellion, kneeling to thank the ferryman Jinbei for the selfless deed of taking him across Lake Inba. Soga watashiba no zu from Choga kyoshin kai. Published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1884.

                Fine impression, colour and condition with extensive splashed gofun. Signed Kiyochika ga
                 
                 
                Status: Available
                Price:  £1,800
                 
                 

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                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                  Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki, “The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in Snow.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. One of the most famous places in Edo. Known for its pergola, two drum bridges, koi ponds and the wisteria which flowered in the fifth month. The main shrine is dedicated to the memory of Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin), the father of Japanese learning and built in 1662. The design comes in various states: Late editions have a black sky and the red publisher’s seal on right margin is replaced with an abbreviated Sanoki seal in black. Even later editions show a slipping plug becoming evident on the edge of the water, centre left.

                   

                  Fine impression and colour. Probably the earliest printing. Slight trimming on right margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                   

                  Status: Available

                  Price:  £6,800

                   

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                    Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



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                    A woman peering through a gap in a shoji from a set Arigataki miyo no kage e “Shadow Pictures for Our Blessed Times.” Published by Maruya Seijiro c. 1845-6 and is based on strong light sources shining on beauties. This chiaroscuro technique was pioneered by Shumman and used by Utamaro and Toyokuni I.

                     

                    Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni ga.

                     

                    Status: Available

                    Price:  £2,200

                     

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                      Utagawa TOYOMARU (SHUNRO II) (Act. 1785-1797)



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                      The actor Onoe Matsusuke, probably in the role of Matsuo-maru in the play Sugawara denju tenarai kagami. Published c 1780s by Igaya Kan’emon (Bunkido).

                      Fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Toyomaru ga.
                       
                       
                      Status: Available
                      Price: £3,800
                       
                       

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                        Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                        The actor Onoe Kikugoro III as the ghost of Yasukata from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Nakatsukasa.The ghost haunted the ruined palace of Soma at Sashima. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.

                         

                        Fine early impression. Fine colour. Very small binding holes and slight discolouration at left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.

                         

                        Status: Available

                        Price:  £1,500

                         

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                          Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                          Seki and Kameyama from the chuban Muraichi Tokaido. The set of 56 prints published by Muraichi, 1852. Printed two-to-a-sheet uncut and probably from a complete proof set. Double censor’s seals Murata and Kinugasa and date seal 2ic/1852 top right.

                           

                           

                          Fine impressions with strong woodgrain showing. Fine colour. Very small binding holes in right border, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga on each print.

                           

                           

                          Status: Available

                          Price:  £800

                           

                           

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                            Utagawa KUNIYASU (1794-1832)



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                            A triptych Soshu Enoshima Benzaiten Iwaya narabi sairei no zu, “Picture of Iwaya, the Main Shrine, Pilgrims to the Display of Benzaiten at Enoshima.” Enoshima island was a popular place to visit with the Iwaya caves and the shrine of the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten (Benten), goddess of the arts, entertainment and wealth, and one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. A fascinating print showing a multitude of various visitors. Published by Kawaguchiya Uhei, late 1820s. Rare.

                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Kuniyasu ga.
                             
                             
                            Status: Available
                            Price:  £5,500
                             
                             

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                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                              An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 11 x 18 in; 28 x 45.75 cms. Shows the sea off the Miura Peninsula in Sagami Province with Mount Fuji rising above mist in the distance. Hiroshige used the same view for one of his designs for the Thirty-six Views of Fuji set published in 1858. A beautiful painting with a signature dating it to the mid to late 1830s.

                               

                              Minor creasing and old mount, otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige with Hiro seal.

                               

                              Status: Available

                              Price:  £4,800

                               


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                                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                A geisha partly illuminated by a lantern on a boat from a set Tsuki no kage shinobiau yo, “Secret Meetings by Moonlight.” Published jointly by Izumiya ichibei (as here) and Yamamoto Kyubei, c. 1836-38.

                                 

                                Very good impression and colour. Minor creasing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kochoro Kunisada ga.

                                 

                                Status: Available

                                Price:  £1,600

                                 

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                                  Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)



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                                  Looking Itchy: the appearance of a kept woman of the Kaei era [1848-1854]. Shows a beauty emerging from a mosquito net that has apparently not been entirely successful. From a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set depicts women of different backgrounds and occupations from the Kansei era through to the Meiji era with punning allusions to their situation or mood.

                                   

                                  Very fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                   

                                  Status: Available

                                  Price:  £2,800

                                   

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                                    Utagawa KUNIYASU (1794-1832)



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                                    Shows a beauty after a bath. The poem above compares her to the young green shoots of the willow tree in spring. Published by Omiya Heihachi, c. 1820.

                                     

                                    Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kuniyasu ga.

                                     

                                    Status: Available

                                    Price:  £1,800

                                     

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                                      Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)




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                                      An original hanshita-e (preparatory drawing) for a triptych showing, from the left, the actor Bando Takesaburo I as Nagoya Sanza, Ichimura Uzaemon XIII as the Shinzo (“courtesan’s apprentice”), and Nakamura Fukusuke I as Fuwa Banzaemon. This is actually from the dance Sanpukutsui Kabuki no irodori performed at the Ichimura-za theatre, 5/1855. The publisher was Sanoki. These first drafts by the artist themselves survive because a more detailed drawing was needed by the blockcutter, and this was normally given to an assistant to execute. Or the drawing was never taken up by the publisher, for whatever reason. Sumi and touches of red with some pentimenti. Signed Toyokuni ga on the three sheets. Sold “as is” with all imperfections.

                                       

                                       

                                      Status: Available

                                      Price: £1,580

                                       

                                       

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                                        ANONYMOUS (Mid to late 19th century)


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                                        A fine original painting in muted tones on silk, 43.75 x 16.5 in; 111.2 x 41.9 cms. Shows a vengeful female ghost (yurei) emanating from a ball of fire. She wears a plain white kyokatabira (funeral robe), has long unkept hair and her claw-like hand clutches her skeletal chest. Yurei-zu reached a peak of popularity in the 19th century, there being a seemingly insatiable demand from the public for stories of ghosts, demons and the supernatural reflected in popular fiction, Kabuki drama and art in general. These ghost paintings were often not signed: This one bears two seals reading “surpassing lotus” and “happy and heaven.” In very good condition with the surrounding mount: hashira and ichimonji areas painted in imitation of silk (kaki byoso) and the image overlapping these areas.

                                         

                                        Status: Available

                                        Price:  £5,800

                                         


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                                          Hishikawa MOROSHIGE (FL. 1684-1704)




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                                          An original painting showing a high-ranking samurai household at leisure. Moroshige was the senior pupil of Hishikawa Moronobu, and, it is said, was the father of Furuyama Moromasa. Sumi and full colour with gold additions on paper. 11.5 x 19 in; 29 x 48.25 cms. This is most likely from a handscroll as the height is correct, and the slight vertical striations indicate it has been rolled at some time. Painted c. 1700. Some slight loss of pigments, especially the verdigris and minor marks, but all commensurate with the age of the painting. The details on the costumes of the two main figures are exquisite.
                                           
                                           
                                          Status: Available
                                          Price:  £3,200
                                           
                                           




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                                            KYOJINSAI (Fl. c 1789-1801)



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                                            A large and fine original painting by an artist whom I am unable to find in the literature; possibly a pseudonym. Shows a high-ranking courtesan wearing a sumptuous kimono under cherry blossom. Full colour on paper, 49.25 x 20 in; 125 x 51 cms. The calligraphy above is by Kan’watei Onitake, best known as the author of a series of yomihon entitled Katakiuchi kidan Jiraiya setsuwa , “The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya,” also known as the Jiraiya monogatari published in 11 volumes from 1806-7. The protagonist was a thief-come-wizard who is usually depicted astride a giant toad. Onitake was a pupil of Tani Buncho, Kyokutei Bakin and Santo Kyoden. It translates as a courtesan musing on the fact that customers’ attention in the spring turns to buying many things and, as the sun sets, will there be many clients in the Yoshiwara gathering as thickly as the cherry blossom. Signed Kan’watei Onitake san with a kakihan of an octopus. On the right the signature and seal of Kyojinsai. On the lid of the box is an inscription reading Kansei-ki Kyojinsai-hitsu oka no tayu sugata gasan, “A Kansai period inscribed painting of a high-class courtesan under cherry blossoms brushed by Kyojinsai.” And a repeat of the Onitake inscription. On the inside of lid: Showa shinyu Yayoi chukan, “Mid-March of the metal rooster [Showa 56/1981].” Appraised by Kimura Suetsuke ((a dealer and Ukiyo-e expert). Very good condition.
                                             
                                             
                                            Status: Available
                                            Price:  £2,200
                                             
                                             




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                                              Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                              An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet. A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.

                                               

                                               

                                              Status: Available

                                              Price:  £380

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                                                Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)



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                                                An original Kunisada shunga drawing showing an old man ravishing a young woman. Most likely a preliminary design for a koban print. Sumi on thin Japanese paper lightly attached at edges to an album leaf, 5.25 x 7.25 in, 13.5 x 18.5 cms. Probably intended to be printed four-to-a-sheet A very good quality drawing, unlike the many poor unattributed examples available.

                                                 

                                                Status: Available

                                                Price:  £380

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                                                  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

                                                  Price:  £4,800

                                                   

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                                                    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

                                                    Price:  £12,000

                                                     

                                                     




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                                                      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

                                                      Price:  £3,800

                                                       


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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

                                                        Price:  £680

                                                         




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                                                          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

                                                          Price:  £1,800

                                                           

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                                                            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

                                                            Price:  £2,000

                                                             

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                                                              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

                                                              Price:  £2,500

                                                               


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                                                                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
                                                                Price:  £5,800
                                                                 
                                                                 

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                                                                  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

                                                                  Price:  £2,200

                                                                   

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                                                                    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

                                                                    Price:  £1,400

                                                                     

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                                                                      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

                                                                      Price:  £1,400

                                                                       

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                                                                        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

                                                                        Price:  £3,800

                                                                         

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                                                                          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
                                                                          Price:  £3,800




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                                                                            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

                                                                            Price:  £1,850

                                                                             




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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

                                                                              Price:  £2,200

                                                                               

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                                                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)



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                                                                                The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from an unfinished set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces” published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861 (this being 1860). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.

                                                                                 

                                                                                Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                                 

                                                                                Status: Available

                                                                                Price: £3,800

                                                                                 

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