Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A wonderful album of 12 spontaneous drawings to show his mastery of the usual gamut of subjects covered by ukiyoe artists: Shibaraku; The Wind God; Daikoku; Asahina; bijin sleeping; Daruma; Tametomo ?; Hotei; a monkey with it’s lead; a storm dragon; a peasant girl watching a cuckoo against the moon, and Kagekiyo breaks prison. This is the sort of item that, if one were lucky, could be bought occasionally in Japan years ago, but which seems to have disappeared. It also reveals how good Kunichika could be. An artist who carried on the traditional woodblock form into the Meiji period. Sumi and full colour on paper, 6.5 x 7.75 inches; 16.6 x 19.8 cms. Some slight repaired wormage, otherwise good condition. Guaranteed at the end as by Kunichika by Eisai Fukunaga Kimiyoshi and dated Taisho 13 ( 1924 )
Status: Sold
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Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An extremely important original drawing for his famous triptych: Buyo Kanazawa hassho yakei, Showing an Evening View of the Eight Famous Sites at Kanazawa in Musashi Province. The print published by Tsutaya, Ansei IV/7, 1857. This was presumably worked-up from sketches of the sort Hiroshige made in small diaries he carried with him. ( See an example on this website in this section.) But before the hanshita-e was produced for the wood block. It’s interesting to compare with the finished print, which shows only minor differences and indicates how faithfully the hanshita-e draughtsmen followed Hiroshige’s design. Sumi and light blue wash on paper, 14.5 x 31 inches; 36.75 x 78.75 cms.
Surprisingly good condition. Professionally laid around edge onto board. Signed Hiroshige hitsu with red indication for Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISATO (? – 1858)
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A fine oban drawing, sumi and light colour, showing the 11th scene of the Chushingura. The drawing is relatively finished and in the state to be submitted to the official censor. ( See Aratame plus date seal Tiger 4 [ 1854 ]. ) There are instructions in red at right side indicating changes to the size of the kanji characters.
Good condition. Laid onto Japanese paper. Signed Ichiyosai Kunisato ga.
Status: Sold
Hashiguchi GOYO (1880-1921)
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A fine drawing, pencil on thick paper, 16.75 x 11.5 in., 42.5 x 29 cms., c 1916-20, showing a seated nude ( the model Tomi ? ), her arm outstretched on a large towel. Although Goyo used sumi and brush to draw, he was particularly fond of the pencil and his best studies are usually in this form, on thick, light tan paper mixing hard and soft graphite. He first came to prominence with his illustrations for the famous Soseki novel I Am a Cat published in 1905. Sealed Goyo. Fine condition.
Status: Sold
Hashiguchi GOYO (1880-1921)
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A fine drawing, pencil on thick paper, 16.75 x 11.5 in., 42.5 x 29 cms., c 1916-20, showing a seated nude ( the model Tomi ? ), her arm outstretched on a large towel. Although Goyo used sumi and brush to draw, he was particularly fond of the pencil and his best studies are usually in this form, on thick, light tan paper mixing hard and soft graphite. He first came to prominence with his illustrations for the famous Soseki novel I Am a Cat published in 1905. Sealed Goyo. Fine condition.
Status: Sold
Hashiguchi GOYO (1880-1921)
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A fine drawing, pencil on thick paper, 15 x 11.5 in., 38 x 30 cms., c 1916-20, showing a nude side view of a young woman ( the model Tomi ? ). Although Goyo used sumi and brush to draw, he was particularly fond of the pencil and his best studies are usually in this form, on thick, light tan paper mixing hard and soft graphite. He first came to prominence with his illustrations for the famous Soseki novel I Am a Cat published in 1905. Sealed Goyo. Fine condition.
Status: Sold
Ichiyosai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An extremely interesting and amusing preparatory drawing for an unpublished triptych showing cats queueing at a fish shop, probably for the first bonito of the year. Cats are shown serving the customers while other cats can be seen in the back of the shop. A young female cat is buying a fish, while beside her a young mother cat is standing carrying a baby cat on her back. It’s well known that Kuniyoshi loved cats and there is an illustration in Kyosai gwadan ( 1887 ) showing his studio with Kuniyoshi surrounded by cats.
Unsigned and sold “as is” with creases and stains.
Status: Sold
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Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An extremely interesting original oban tate-e drawing, fully signed. A preparatory sketch for an unrecorded Nijushiko, “Twenty-four [ Chinese ] Paragons of Filial Piety” set. Shows Kakkio ( Kuo Chu ) and his wife unearthing a pot of gold. Like the other two published sets of Filial Piety by Kuniyoshi, there is a strong western influence in the depiction of the figures and landscape. See no.79, p.95 and nos.216-219, pages 195-197 in Heroes & Ghosts, Hotei publishing, 1998. Also no.107, p.134, Drawings by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Leiden Museum, Matthi Forrer, 1988 for another original sketch for one of the horizontal Filial Piety designs. Sumi and light colour; 14 x 10.5 in., 36 x 27 cms.
Good condition: Lightly laid onto Japanese paper. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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An original drawing by Hokusai showing a Chinese brigand heaving aloft a large rock to stave off oncoming swords. Sumi on paper finely mounted as a kakemono; image size 14.50 x 10.75 ins. Box has inscription: “Chinese warrior from Suikoden painted by Katsushika Hokusai” and inside lid guarantee dated Showa kanoto tori, yayoi chuin Kimura Tosuke kan ( authenticated by Kimura Tosuke, 1981 ).
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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A large ( 33.75 x 15.75 ins. ) and important original drawing by Hokusai showing the Dragon of Handaka Sonja ( one of the sixteen Rakan ). This dragon is usually shown emanating from a bowl, sometimes with a rain cloud. For another see The Harari Collection of Japanese Paintings and Drawings, volume 2, Lund Humphries, 1970, 146e, p. 273. Sumi on paper finely mounted as a kakemono, with box. Provenance: Catalogued by Jack Hillier and illustrated in the 1967 catalogue of Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., no 117. ( Interestingly, the item before which is illustrated on the facing page shows a large cartoon by Hokusai of the Sixteen Rakan with a dragon descending in the centre which is strikingly similar to this drawing. )
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original sumi drawing in chu-tanzaku format on thin tissue with pentimenti probably showing an azure-winged magpie amongst cherry blossom. An almost identical drawing by Hiroshige was in my catalogue 19, 1977, Birds in Japanese Prints, item no 27. Signed Hiroshige with Hiro seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An original preparatory drawing by Kuniyoshi for an unpublished triptych showing the combat between Minazuru-hime, the daughter of Ki-ichi Hogen, and Kitashirakawa Tankai. The largest collection of such drawings is in the National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden from the Lieftinck collection. Sumi and pentimenti on thin tissue laid onto Japanese paper, c 1840’s. Signed Kuniyoshi and Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Toyohara KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A vigorous original preparatory drawing by Kunichika for an aiban shunga print. Sumi on thin tissue with extensive pentimenti ( giving an alternative position for the female ). Such shunga drawings are rare.
Status: Sold
TOSHIAKI
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An original preparatory drawing by Toshiaki ( presumably a pupil of Yoshitoshi ) showing the Suikoden hero Rochishin. Sumi and red underdrawing with pentimenti, 13.5 x 9.5 inches. Signed Toshiaki.
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
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An extremely fine original drawing for the set Kaidai hyakusenso, “One Hundred Aspects of Battle Chosen by Yoshitoshi.” ( Although – for whatever reason – this design was not published [ only sixty-five prints being known ]. ) A set of half-length portraits, mostly of modern soldiers and leaders drawn as historical figures of the medieval period in a semi-western style. The set published by Ohashi 7/1863-3/1869. The drawing in sumi and light colour has been restored and is in good condition and been re-laid onto Seichosen Koso Japanese paper, 14.75 in; 37.5 cms x 10.75 in; 27.25 cms. Sold “as is.”
Status: Sold
Taiso YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A fine original drawing of Masaki Taizen Tokiyoshi from Kaidai hyakusenso, “One Hundred Aspects of Battle Chosen by Yoshitoshi.” A set of half-length portraits, mostly of modern soldiers and leaders drawn as historical figures of the medieval period in a semi-western style. The set of sixty-five prints published by Ohashi 7/1863-3/1869 ( this design published 9/1868 ). The drawing in sumi has been restored and is in good condition and been re-laid onto Seichosen Koso Japanese paper, 10.75 in; 27.25 cms x 10.5 in; 26.75 cms. Sold together with the published print in good condition. The drawing sold “as is.”
Status: Sold
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Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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An original shita-e drawing illustrating the play Sumidagawa Tsui no Kagamon performed at the Ichimura-za from the 3rd of the 3rd month, 1852. The drawing has the date seal for the 2nd month, 1852. From the right it shows Sawamura Chojuro V as Suzuki Mondo; Bando Shuka I as Shiraito of the Hashimoto-ya; an unidentified actor as the clerk Zenroku; an unidentified child actor as the daughter Oyone; and Onoe Kikujiro II as Mondo’s wife Oyaso. There is also a diagonal inscription on centre and right sheets that does not seem to have any bearing on the design. Publisher’s seal Iseya Chu…, of Shiba, Shimmeimaye. Centre sheet also has Kuniyoshi’s red Kiri seal. Laid onto Japanese paper. In good condition. Sold “as is.” Rare: I am not sure if this was ever made into a print. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
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Keisai EISEN ( 1790-1848 )
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A fine original shita-e for the Bijin Tokaido which compares beauties to the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, this being Minakuchi, famous for kampyo, dried gourd shavings. The set was published by Tsutaya, c early 1830s but only 40 designs are known as the government considered them a little risqué. ( The reason this design has survived. ) The set was reissued without the Station numbers and censor seal for 1846. I have not seen another such Eisen drawing. Extremely rare. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA II ( 1823-1880 )
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An original shita-e drawing showing a high-ranking courtesan parading below cherry blossom on Yoshiwara’s great central avenue ( Nakanocho ). From a set “Superior Women Today.” The publisher’s name is blacked out but it has the censor seal for 1861. In good condition. Sold “as is.” Rare. Signed Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An original preparatory drawing for an unpublished set: Toto Fujimi junigatsu, “Mount Fuji Viewed from the Eastern Capital Through the Twelve Months”, this being Mutsuki. Sumi on paper, c. 1850-55, 9.5 x 13.75 in; 24.5 x 35 cms. Shows a full ferry crossing the Sumida. Slight soil and centrefold, but generally very good condition. Ex collection Beres, sold Paris 2002, lot 182.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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An original preparatory drawing ( hanshita-e ) for an unrecorded and unpublished oban set of Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety. The stories originated in China where filial piety is considered the first virtue ( being common to almost all religions in China ). This drawing obviously depicts Kokaku ( Chinese: Chiang Ko or Jiang Ge ) who carried his mother on his back to escape civil war in their village. Sumi and light brown under-drawing on thin paper. Sold “as is” with some creasing and wormage. Signed Yoshitoshi ( signature c 1887-91 ). Ex collection Mizuno Toshikata
Status: Sold
Ogata GEKKO (1859-1920)
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The original preparatory drawing for a triptych published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1898, showing Tadanobu ( one of Yoshitsune’s men ) fighting the priest Yokogawa Kakuhan in Yoshinoyama. Sumi and light red on thin paper, each sheet 15 x 10.5 in; 38 x 26.5 cms. First sheet signed Gekko. Extremely good condition. Ex collection Mizuno Toshikata ( the artist, 1866 – 1908 ).
Status: Sold
Ogata GEKKO (1859-1920)
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A large cartoon, sumi on thin paper folding out to 25.5 x 42 in; 65 x 106.5 cms. The subject is the Last Stand of the Kusanoki Clan. In fact Gekko designed a triptych of this subject in 1890 which is very similar to this large drawing. Why he made this large version is not known: Perhaps he was intending to make a painting or he just liked the subject. Very good condition. Ex collection Mizuno Toshikata ( the artist, 1866 – 1908 ).
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An important album of 26 original sumi shijo-style drawings by Kuniyoshi folding out to 10.5 x 15.5 in; 26.5 x 39.5 cms. Various subjects. Red kiri seal on last drawing of Hotei and Kuniyoshi signature pasted onto end of album ( signature c 1847 ). The only similar album by Kuniyoshi I have seen was one I sold about 20 years ago. An important addition for any Kuniyoshi collection. Some stains and minor marks, but generally good condition.
Status: Sold
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Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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A spirited original drawing showing a warrior brandishing a sword and holding a club. Sumi over the typical red underdrawing Yoshitoshi often employed. On thin paper laid onto Japanese paper. Image size 8 x 6 in; 20 x 15 cms.
Status: Sold