Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The old hag of the Lonely House. A gruesome subject: The evil witch is intent on cutting open the pregnant woman’s belly to get at the unborn child whose blood she needs for a magic potion. From Ikkai zuihitsu, “Essays by Yoshitoshi.” A set of 13 prints published by Masadaya in 1872. There are numerous variations in seals in this fine set but, as yet, no research has been done into their significance.
Very fine impression and colour. Trimmed close on the left but retaining black border. Retains original album backing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Yamauba and Kaidomaru from Ikkai zuihitsu, “Essays by Yoshitoshi.” A set of 13 prints published by Masadaya in 1872 ( this design being 1873 ). Shows the mother and son ( also known as Kintaro ). He of the enormous strength is often shown acting as umpire at a wrestling match between a hare and a monkey. The Madonna-like figure here is one of the few Yoshitoshi designs to borrow heavily from western art. There are numerous variations in seals in this fine set but, as yet, no research has been done into their significance.
Very fine impression and colour. There is an alternate version of this print with Kintaro printed in a light brown. Trimmed close on the left but retaining black border. Retains original album backing. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles Kinkaku Daio on a sea cliff. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.
Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles a warrior ( Rakijo ? ) on a precipitous cliff over a choppy sea. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.
Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles Kofuo, the wind demon who had captured Genjosanzo. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.
Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The monkey of phenomenal powers Sun Wukong battles an enormous polka dot shishi lion. Shidado no roma. From a fine, rare and early set of at least 21 designs: Tsuzoku saiyuki, “Journey to the West” published by Fukuta between 10/1864 and 8/1865, this being 12/1864. The story covers the journey of Son Goku ( Chin. Sun Wukong ) a.k.a. The Monkey King to India, accompanying Xuanzang, to retrieve the Buddhist sutras. Sun Wukong, born from a stone, had supernatural powers; possessed enormous strength; could transform himself into other people and objects, and cover large distances in a single flip. The story covers 100 chapters and there are a multitude of characters and events. A fine design.
Fine impression. Minimal soil and fading. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A rare triptych Toyotomi shoshinroku, “A Record of the Advancement of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.” Shows the young Hideyoshi ( 1537 – 1598 ) demanding an apology from Hachisuka Koroku on Yahagi Bridge. Published c. 1869 by Yorozumago.
Fine impression and colour. Gauffrage and extensive burnishing. The paulownia border intact which is often trimmed. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Arguably Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece in the triptych format. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c.1120-1200 ) subjecting himself to three years penance as a Buddhist monk beneath the waterfall of Mount Nachi in Kii Province. Morito inflicted this punishment on himself because he had inadvertently cut off the head of Kesa Gozen, the wife of the palace guard Watanabe Wataru, with whom he was in love. Published 1859 ( centre sheet ) and 1860 ( outside panels ) by Kadokin. Extremely rare: Another impression in the Baur collection, Geneve, Switzerland.
Fine impression, very good colour. Minor marks and small expertly restored wormage. Slight trimming. Extensive splashed gofun. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A fox priest from Tsuki hyakushi, “One Hundred Phases of the Moon.” Based on the Kyogen farce Konkai, “A Fox’s Cry” which tells of a hunter who is lectured on trapping foxes by his uncle, a priest. On his way home his uncle turns into his true form, a fox, and is snared in a trap. Yoshitoshi’s design shows the uncle transmogrifying into a fox. The set published by Akiyama Buemon between 1885 – 92, this design issued 1/1886. One of the best designs from the set.
Very good impression and colour. Retains original light album backing. Signed Yoshitoshi
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Mariko from the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido Road. The set designed by several artists and various publishers to commemorate the journey of the Shogun from Edo to Kyoto in 2/1863. The best Yoshitoshi design from this set. Shows a battle fleet outside Mariko. Published by Yamaguchi 5/1865.
Very good impression and colour. Small fibre loss at extreme left edge. Very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi fude.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Abe no Hirafu slaying a giant bear from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1880. ) Probably the best design from the set.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Amaterasu Omikami appearing from the cave from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1882. ) One of the best designs from the set showing the famous story of Amaterasu – the Sun Goddess who had enclosed herself in a grotto with a large rock blocking the entrance causing darkness in the universe. She was tempted to peep out from the cave by the raucous activities of the other gods and goddesses whereupon she glimpsed herself in a mirror and the stone door was quickly fastened back by Ame no Tajikara.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Kamitsukeno Yatsunada attacking Saohime’s castle from Dai Nippon meisho kagami, “Mirror of Famous Generals of Japan.” A set of 51 prints published between 1876 and 1882 by Funazu Chujiro. ( This being 1880. ) One of the best designs from the set showing Saohime perishing in the flames of her brother’s castle – Saohiko – who had conspired with his sister to seize the throne.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original hanshita-e drawing presumably showing Kintaro with a monkey, pheasant and dog. A lovely preparatory sketch in sumi and pink on thin paper, image size 13 x 6.25 in, 33 x 16 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). In good condition.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An important original oban wood-block for printing the last sheet of a triptych Gishi youchi rannyu no zu, the night attack of the forty-seven Ronin. The block was cut by Hori Cho and published by Fujikei, 4/1864. The only Yoshitoshi block I have seen. Sold together with the published print in indifferent condition. Block in good condition.
Status: Sold
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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1886 ) by Akiyama Buemon. Benkei against a full moon. In 1185 Yoshitsune attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, was forced to flee to northern Japan by ship. Sailing along the Inland Sea off the coast of Harima Province not far from Kyoto, the ship was struck by a storm in Daimotsu Bay caused by the vengeful ghosts of the Taira warriors Yoshitsune and his men had slain. Benkei pacified the spirits in the prow of the boat.
Very good impression and colour. Full margins with extensive mica. Offsetting visible au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Mushashino no tsuki, “The Moon on Musashi Plain ” from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1892 ) by Akiyama Buemon. One of the three best designs from the set and the one that relies most on the printer’s art – using extensive bokashi. The fox was capable of transmogrifying into human form and vice versa and was popular in Japanese folklore.
Very fine impression with beautiful gradation of the earliest printings on the grasses around the fox. ( See Beauty & Violence, 1992, 54.97, p. 75 for an example of the more prosaic later printing. ) Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Sumi and colour on silk, 17 x 21.5 in., showing a view of a bay with boats moored in the background. In the foreground figures wading in shallow water looking at fish and getting ready for a picnic. Yoshitoshi paintings are rare and this is an unusual and early subject for him in the style of Kuniyoshi. Signature c 1864-6. The seal was used on various sets ( eg Ikkai zuihitsu and Keisei Suikoden ). Rare.
The painting has been professionally cleaned and mounted but still shows signs of browning. Loss of gofun. Signed Yoshitoshi with seal Go Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Koi, ‘carp’ swimming beneath hanging wisteria. One of Yoshitoshi’s finest and most popular designs. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 1889. See Beauty and Violence, Society for Japanese Arts, 1992, no. 66, p. 144 for another impression plus the original drawing by Yoshitoshi ( from the British Museum ). Also see this website in Brush Drawings and Hanshita-e for another two original drawings of koi by Yoshitoshi, possibly preliminary working ideas for the British Museum drawing. ( Yoshitoshi only produced one other carp print, a large surimono. )
Fine early impression; fine colour. Slight trimming and retains original album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Koi (‘carp’) swimming beneath hanging wisteria. One of Yoshitoshi’s finest and most popular designs. Published 1889 by Akiyama Buemon.
Very fine early impression, fine colour. Slight trimming at bottom otherwise very good condition. Ample margins for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a carp swimming amongst reeds. This may be an initial idea for the triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria ( see this website under Flora and Flora ). The only other koi print Yoshitoshi designed is a large surimono illustrated in Yoshitoshi, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 98, p. 139. Sumi on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Another original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a carp swimming amongst reeds. This may be an initial idea for the triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria ( see this website under Flora and Flora ). The only other koi print Yoshitoshi designed is a large surimono illustrated in Yoshitoshi, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 98, p. 139. Sumi on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a battling tengu. Similar to the tengu figures on the triptych “Moon” from the set Snow, Moon and Flowers, published 2/1867. Sumi with pentimenti on thin tissue. Several small drawings au verso. Size 12 x 9 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a grimacing figure having obviously just used his sword to slice through something. Sumi and red underdrawing on paper with a number of attempts with pentimenti, also au verso, to achieve a satisfactory head. Size 12 x 9 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a ghoulish figure rising out of the sea and surprising a fisherman. Sumi on paper. Image size 12.25 x 7.5 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, probably showing Satsuma troops battling with an imperial soldier on a rearing horse. Sumi on paper. Another drawing au verso of an actor. Size 9.5 x 13 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing an interior with two figures, a sword being presented from one figure to the other. Probably for a picture book or newspaper supplement. Sumi and extensive red underdrawing on paper, image size 5.5 x 6.5 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing an old woman kneeling humbly before two figures. Probably for a picture book or newspaper supplement. Sumi and pentimenti with extensive red underdrawing on paper, image size 6 x 7.75 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a hanging of two criminals, probably for a picture book or newspaper supplement. Sumi and red underdrawing on paper, image size 6.25 x 8.5 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, possibly for the set of 65 prints: Kadai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. A vigorous drawing showing a warrior struggling with an opponent in water, waves above. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 12.25 x 13.5 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, possibly for the set of 65 prints: Kadai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. Shows a warrior holding a pole. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 13.5 x 9.75 inches.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 18 prints: Keisai Suikoden, “Biographies of Valiant Drunken Tigers” published by Masadaya 1874. Shows Komagine Hachibei holding a rifle, a downed opponent in the background. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue laid onto a sheet of Japanese paper; size 13.75 x 9.5 inches. Sold together with an impression of the published print.
Status: Sold
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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 65 prints: Kaidai hyakusenso, “Yoshitosh’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. Shows Negoro Hamitcha holding a rifle. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches. Sold together with an impression of the published print.
Status: Sold
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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 18 prints: Keisai suikoden, “Biographies of Valiant Drunken Tigers” published by Masadaya 1874. Shows Sumoto Sakyo downing an apponent. Sumi and red underdrawing with pentimenti. On thin tissue laid onto a sheet of Japanese paper. Sold together with an impression of the finished print. At least four other drawings are known for this set: 1) Catalogue of Japanese Prints and Drawings by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Herbert Egenolf, 1977, no. 38. 2) Yoshitoshi catalogue, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 37-b. 3&4) Beauty & Violence, Havilland Press, 1992, no. 24.2 and D8.
Status: Sold
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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Original preparatory drawings by Yoshitoshi for the set of 65 prints: Kaidai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868-1869. Shows Sakuma Den’nai using a bamboo fence as a shield ( pub. 1869 ). A vigorous sumi drawing on thin tissue with another such drawing au verso with pentimenti ( for the same set ? ). Sold together with an impression of the finished print.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Spring from a set of triptychs Zensei shiki, “The Four Seasons at their Height.” (Actually, only three designs known.) Shows beauties enjoying an outing at the Risshun Plum Garden on the first day of spring at Hara village in the Ebara District. Published by Akiyama Buemon, 3/1884.
Superb impression of the first edition with de-luxe pigments; the red double-printed (lacking on later editions), blind-printing, burnishing, and beautiful bokashi. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Niai-so: Koka nenkan kuruwa no geisha fuzoku, “Looking suitable: the appearance of a brothel geisha of the Koka era” (1844-1848). From the set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. Shows the beauty dressed as a fashionable young man.
Very fine impression of the first edition. Very fine colour with blind-printing and burnishing. Gold (brass powder) applied to the peacock design on the costume. This particular design from the set is notorious for having the brass degrade the paper and these areas fall out as well as offsetting onto the opposite print in album sets. Very fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Mita-so: Tempo nenkan o-kosho fuzoku, “Looking Inquisitive: The Appearance of a Maid in the Tempo Era” ( 1830 – 1844 ). From the set: Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. Shows a maid peering through a summer bamboo screen.
Superb impression of the first edition. Very fine colour and condition with the extra paper at left edge and the full handling area showing bottom right. Beautiful blind-printing and a polished pattern applied to the black obi. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Tanoshindei-so: Kaei nenken shisho no fuzoku, “Looking as if She is Enjoying Herself: The Appearance of a Teacher During the Kaei Period [1848-1854].” Shows a samisen teacher, the majority of whose pupils would have been geisha. 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 of the true first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Urusa-so: Kansei nenkan shojo no fuzoku, “Looking Tiresome: The Appearance of a Virgin of the Kansei Era [1789-1801]” Shows a young woman playing with her cat from a set Thirty-two Aspects of Women published by Tsunashima Kamekichi, 1888. The set shows women of different backgrounds and occupations from the Kansei era through to the Meiji era with punning allusions to their situation or mood. One of the three best designs from the set.
Very fine impression of the first edition with blind printing on the cat. Fine colour and condition with the extra border left and top. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold