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
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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Triptych showing Kusunoki Matsatsura and his staff on a cliff watching Ashikaga’s troops massing. Published 1839-41 by Sano-ya Kihei.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych Buzen no kuni oki manaita ga se, “The Chopping Block Shoals off the Coast of Buzen Province.” Shows the pilot and nobleman Yoshibei leaping to a rock and sacrificing himself to save his ship which was travelling to the capital from Kyushu when it was caught in a violent storm. Published c. 1850 by Mikawaya Tetsugoro. A wonderful and rare triptych.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych Fuji no sono Soga kyodai hommo o togeru zu. “Moor at the Foot of Mt. Fuji: Picture of the Soga Brothers Achieving their Avowed Wish.” Soga no Goro Tokimune and Soga no Juro Sukenari avenging the death of their father by killing Kudo Suketsune at his hunting encampment in pouring rain. Juro dies in the battle and Goro is killed later. Published by Yamaguchi Tobei, 1843-7.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Toshiga yottemo wakai hitoda, “Although Made of the Twelve Signs of the Zodiac, He Still Looks Young.” An extremely rare print: Another impression is illustrated in Juzo Suzuki, Kuniyoshi, 1992, no. 386. Kuniyoshi also designed a number of other such heads but composed of convoluted bodies in the style of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, three hundred years earlier. The head is composed using the Rat for the eyes; Ox: hair; Tiger: eyebrows; Hare/Rabbit: nose; Dragon: birthmark; Snake: mouth; Horse: ear; Goat/Sheep: character on costume; Cock: hair; Ape/Monkey: birthmark; Dog: head; Hog/Pig: crest on back made of tusks. Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, 1847-8.
Very good impression and colour. Some creasing,soil and minor marks. Slight trimming. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi giga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The apparition of the Sea Monk, Umibozu, looming above the sailor Kawanaya Tokuzo. The best design from Tokaido gojusan tsui, Station 41, Kuwana. The legend has it that Tokuzo, against the advice of his peers, went to sea on the last day of the year. He subsequently experienced huge seas and the monster who demanded to know what was the most horrible thing he knew. He replied that his profession was the most horrid. Satisfied, the creature descended into the Stygian gloom and the storm abated. Published by Kojima-ya Jubei, c. 1845. Illustrated in Robinson, Kuniyoshi, HMSO, 1961, no. 49.
Fine, early impression with the light blue on the sea. Fine colour. Expert remargin at bottom but retaining black border. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Musashi-bo Benkei overcome by Onzoshi Ushiwaka Maru on Gojo Bridge under a full moon. Benkei was enormously tall and strong and had defeated many challengers on the bridge in Kyoto. However, he met his denouement in Yoshitsune who, although much smaller, was a fencing master. He is shown holding Benkei down with his geta, sword and large stave. From a rare set published by Tsuta-ya Kichizo, c. 1843. Robinson S1f 3.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming all round, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the Soga Brothers’ last stand in the rain on Suso Moor under Mount Fuji. Fuji no Suso-no Soga kyodai hommo wo togeru zue. Published by Yamaguchi-ya Tobei, c. 1845. A subject covered by many artists. Illustrated in Robinson, Kuniyoshi, HMSO, 1961, no. 44.
Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An uncut fan print of the utmost rarity with title E-kyodai awase kagami. An impossible title to translate but something like Disparate Images as Opposing Mirrors. Another from this set is illustrated in Juzo Suzuki, Kuniyoshi, 1992, pls. 421 and 422 ( from Merlin Dailey collection and also illustrated in Exhibition Of Ukiyo-e By Kuniyoshi, Riccar Art Museum, 1978, pls. 254 and 255, and elsewhere ). And another two designs are illustrated in the new Nikkei/Mori Arts Center Kuniyoshi catalogue, nos 321 and 322. These humorous prints show figures in contorted positions which, when seen in silhouette, reveal themselves as animals, crustaceans or fish. Two prints were published: as here, and the silhouette which was stuck on the reverse of the fan. The figures on this print become, in silhouette, a crab, a tortoise, and a Tosakin goldfish. I have been unable to locate another illustrated impression of this print and it may well be the only known example. Published c. late 1840’s probably by Ibaya Sensaburo as the other design from this set has this publisher’s seal.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Mint. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi giga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The best design from Genji kumo ukiyoe awase, “Ukiyoe Comparisons of the Cloudy Chapters of Genji.” A set comparing famous warriors to the Chapters of the Genji Monogotari ( Tale of Genji ) written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu ( c 973 – 1025 ). This design is for Chapter 22, Tamakatzura. Shows the pearl diver, Tamatori-hime, who has reclaimed the precious pearl stolen by the Dragon King. She is pursued by a host of his aquatic retainers including a giant octopus before finally returning the jewel to her husband Fujiwara no Kamatari, albeit buried in her chest for safety and causing her death. A popular subject with Kuniyoshi who designed a number of other oban prints and triptychs on the subject. The Dragon King’s palace can be seen beneath the waves in the background. Published by Iseya Ichibei, 1843-5.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Each sheet lightly attached. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A vision of hell. In the centre sits Enma, King of Hell, dressed as a Chinese official flanked by minions. He sits in judgement deciding whether a deceased person had been good or bad. Those found wanting are subjected to horrendous tortures, miscreants being boiled, crushed, burnt or having their tongues pulled out. Mothers in Japan were known to threaten naughty children with a visit from Enma. Kuniyoshi is known to have owned a “hell” garment which he had painted and is often pictured wearing it. Published by Tsutaya Kichizo c. mid 1830’s. Rare. Another example illustrated in the new Nikkei/Mori Arts Center Kuniyoshi catalogue, no 111.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Each sheet lightly attached. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A hand painted fan showing an Onna Daruma, a female Bodhidharma. Legend has it that Daruma reached Japan by crossing the sea on a stalk of millet and many prints depict this event but often substituting a courtesan for Daruma. Otherwise he is shown, bearded, with beetle brows and huge earrings. During the Edo period the word daruma was a slang expression for a prostitute and a darumaya was a brothel, hence the number of prints showing Daruma with courtesans. The fan has survived by being mounted onto Japanese paper. Sumi and red on a mica surface, 5.5 x 18.25 in; 14 x 46 cms. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga with kiri seal. Sold “as is” with all defects of a used fan. A rare item.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shows Inudzuka Shino Moritaka defending himself against Inukai Kempachi Nobumichi and his men on the Horyukaku roof. From a set of four diptychs ( often split ) published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1835. Robinson S 5.6.
Very good impression. Fine colour and condition. Completely untrimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The pilot and nobleman Yoshibei leaps from his vessel to a rock in the Chopping Block Shoals and sacrifices himself to save his ship off the coast of Buzen Province. Meisho Kyushu yori joraku no toki. Published c 1850 by Santetsu. A wonderful and rare triptych which is seldom illustrated. Robinson T251.
Extremely fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Totally untrimmed. Colours do not quite match across the three sheets – a common fault on 19th century triptychs. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The fifteen year old Otani Furuinosuke killing a wild boar with his bare hands. From the set Honcho Suikoden goyu happyaku-nin no hitori, “ Eight Hundred Heroes of Our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” A series of fine designs coming after the Tsuzoku Suikoden that was a turning point in Kuniyoshi’s career. Robinson S4a.14. Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c early 1830s. Many designs from this set reissued by Ibaya Sensaburo, c 1845.
Very good impression. Fine colour and condition. Untrimmed ( a rarity on these designs ). Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shinchunagon Tomomori clasping the great anchor and binding the rope about him prior to jumping into the sea after his defeat at the battle of Dannoura. From an untitled series of at least seventeen prints. This design published by Yamashiroya Heisuke, c. 1845. Extremely rare: Ex Robinson collection and illustrated by him in colour in Kuniyoshi, Phaidon, 1982, pl. 13, SIf.7. Sold by me to Robinson in 1980 and at that time it was the only impression he had seen. I have subsequently not seen another.
Fine impression and colour. Trimmed round slightly and small repaired binding holes at right. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861 )
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An original and unrecorded painting of a young beauty reading a letter. She looks to be around 18 or 19 years old and this was most likely a commission from the girl’s family. ( The flower on her bodice is probably the family crest. ) Only 32 paintings are currently known by Kuniyoshi and this appears to date from c.1848-54. Sumi and full colour on paper. Minor loss of pigment, otherwise good condition. 100 x 30.5 cms; 39.5 x 12 inches ( image size ). New mount and box. Signed and sealed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi. ( For other examples of these seals see Appendix 1, p. 261, Heroes & Ghosts, Robert Schaap, Hotei, 1998.)
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An important unrecorded painting by Kuniyoshi. Sumi and colour on silk, 145 cms x 82cms. Shows the courtesan Jigoku Reigan of Takasu who was adopted and patronized by the priest Ikkyu. Her voluminous ceremonial attire is covered with designs of demons and the tortures of hell. This was a popular subject for Kuniyoshi and there are at least three self-portraits ( from the back ) showing him wearing a kimono adorned with these designs of hell ( see Heroes and Ghosts, Robert Schaap, 1998, figs 12, 13 and 14 ). Thirty one paintings are currently known by Kuniyoshi but this is probably his masterpiece. The painting has been professionally restored. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Stations Hodogaya, Totsuka, Fujisawa and Hiratsuka from a set of twelve prints, Tokaido gojusan eki, shishuku meisho, “Famous Views of the Fifty-three Stations on the Tokaido, Four at a Time.” This is the outstanding design from an otherwise boring set, only one other composition – sailing boats between Maisaka and Arai – having any merit. This is the actual impression illustrated in Heroes and Ghosts, Robert Schaap, 1998, no. 212, p. 192 where they propose three variant editions ( this being the second ). Provenance: ex W B Robinson collection.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi shuku zu.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Nichiren struggling up a snow-covered mountain near Tsukahara on the Island of Sado. The best design from Koso goichidai ryakuza, the “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Published by Iseya Rihei, c 1831. Like many great landscapes, there exist different states which causes confusion over which is the earliest. The basic difference is that the design is known with and without a horizon line and that there is at least one impression where the uninked, blind-printed line can be seen in a raked light. It has been asserted that those impressions without are the earliest; however, it seems from this that the sumi block was probably cut initially with the line but the publishers quickly realised it looked aesthetically better without printing it, and it was subsequently removed. In any case, this is an extremely rare print and most surviving examples appear to be similar in impression. There is a break in the border to the left of the bottom of Kuniyoshi’s signature which could give a guide to the earliest states, but as this is often painted in, it is not reliable. The print offered here is printed with the mountain coloured brown and the overall effect is more dramatic than other impressions and appears to be the only such example, being the one illustrated in various publications. The composition is based on a design in the illustrated book Bunpo sansui gafu by Kawamura Bunpo, published posthumously in 1824. Although not from a landscape set this is considered one of the great 19th century landscapes. Provenance: Ex collection Willibald Netto, Dusseldorf, Germany.
Very good impression and colour with extensive splashed gofun ( now oxidised ). Minor marks and edge soil. Small repair top right corner, but generally very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi hitsu.
Status: sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Nichiren having his prayers for rain answered. The second best design from Koso goichidai ryakuzu, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder”. This event happened at Ryozengasaki in Kamakura in 1271. Nichiren was the founder of the Buddhist Nichiren sect ( Nichiren shu – Kuniyoshi being a follower ) and indeed the set of ten prints may have been commissioned to mark the 550th anniversary of his death. Published c 1831 by Iseya Rihei.
Very fine impression of the earliest printing. Fine colour. Extra large margins. ( This design is notorious for having the umbrella trimmed off and/or the title in right margin. ) Very minimal soil bottom right margin, otherwise fine condition. The best example of this fine design I have ever seen. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Mount Fuji as seen from the sea off Tsukudajima, Tsukuda oki kaisei no Fuji, from Toto Fujimi sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji from the Eastern Capital”. An uncompleted set published by Murataya Jirobei, c 1843-5. This stunning composition has European elements ( and supposedly the cartouche was inspired by the coat of arms used by the Dutch for the City of Batavia ( present day Jacarta, Indonesia ). The first edition. In the second the poem is removed and the title moved slightly to the left. But both are of the utmost rarity and one of the three great Kuniyoshi landscapes: Apart from the Bidwell impression ( most commonly illustrated ), there is one copy in the Tokyo National Museum ( 2nd Edition ); another ( ex Blondeau ) is illustrated by Suzuki; and one is in the Victoria and Albert Museum ( 2nd edition ). So there appear to be at least four impressions extant ( apart from this ). Illustrated in: Prints By Utagawa Kuniyoshi – Bidwell Collection, 1968, no 81, p. 97
Heroes and Ghosts, Robert Schaap, 1998, no 222, p.199 ( Bidwell impression ); Kuniyoshi, Nihon Keizai Shimbun inc, 1996, no 197, p. 146 ( Bidwell impression ); Utagawa Kuniyoshi 1797-1861, Riccar Art Museum, 1978, no 19 ( Bidwell impression ); Kuniyoshi, Juzo Suzuki, Heibonsha Ltd., 1992, no 29 ( ex Blondeau coll. ); T.N.M.C. ( vol. 3 ), no 3043 ( 2nd edition ).
Fine early impression with woodgrain evident. Fine colour. Margins trimmed but retaining border. Collector’s seal Hayashi bottom left corner and another unidentified seal bottom right corner. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An extremely rare chuban triptych from a set of the Four Seasons, this being ‘Autumn’. See Kuniyoshi, Juzo Suzuki, Tokyo, 1992, which shows all four from the set, nos 233-236. Published by Arita-ya Kiyoyemon, c1845.
Extremely fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An uchiwa-e ( fan print ) showing a young girl leaning over the side of a boat and wetting a towel. “Cool” from a set of six prints: Imayo rokkasen, “Six Modern Choises for Summer”. Published 2/1853. Unidentified publisher.
Superb impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A fan print showing a young girl holding a cat as reflected in a mirror. Of the utmost rarity. Published by Iba-ya Sensaburo.
Fine impression, very good colour and condition. Mica on blue ground. Untrimmed. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
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
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
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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One volume complete: Shinkoku hyakushoden, “New Edition of the Lives of a Hundred Generals.” N.d. ( but 1848 ). Five double pages of colour illustrations and one hundred b.&w. illustrations of generals. Three page preface signed Kuniyoshi ga. The Pulverer copy ( illustrated, no.253, p.222, Heroes & Ghosts, Hotei Publishing, 1998 ) appears to be a later edition lacking the signature and with only 49 b.&w. illustrations of heroes. Rare.
Original covers and title slip in near perfect condition.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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An extremely rare chuban triptych from a set of the Four Seasons, this being “Winter”. Seemingly the only other illustrated example is in Kuniyoshi, Juzo Suzuki, Tokyo, 1992, which shows all four from the set, nos. 233-236. Published by Arita-ya Kiyoyemon, c.1845.
Extremely fine impression and colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Three bijin under Ryogoku Bridge on the Sumida River from a set of “The Four Seasons”, this being summer. Published by Iba-ya Sensaburo.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Cooling off on the Sumida River. Published by Ebi-ya Rinnosuke c.1843-46.
Very good impression and colour. Slight folds, otherwise very good. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The complete set of five prints: Date otoku kisho kurabe, “A contest of Fashionable Men.” Shows actors as otokodate ( so-called chivalrous commoners, recognisable by the fact that they carried a sword together with a shakuhachi [ bamboo flute ] showing proficiency in the martial arts and music ). Published c 1847-1850 by Iseya Ichibei.
Fine impressions. Fine colour. Slight trimming and backed binding holes, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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A fine and very rare vertical triptych of 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. At the top of the design is Fudo Myo-o, the guardian deity of waterfalls, and at the bottom and top right are Seitaka and Kongara ( doji of Fudo ). This subject lends itself to some wonderful designs: See this website for a rare horizontal triptych by Yoshitoshi , and there are many single sheets by various artists. The vertical triptych format is rare: It was more convenient to view prints in the horizontal and it was difficult to insert into albums, the top sheets having to be heavily trimmed to fit. ( This impression is as published – completely untrimmed. ) Published by Sumiyoshiya Masagoro, c. 1851. Ex B. W. Robinson collection. This impression illustrated in his book Kuniyoshi, The Warrior Prints, 1982, pl. 64 ( Robinson T253 ). Another example of the same state – ex Pulverer collection – is illustrated in Heroes and Ghosts, Robert Schaap, p. 1998, no. 87, p. 102.
Fine impression and colour. Minor creases, otherwise very good condition. Untrimmed with extra paper for the sheets to join. There are two states of the print: As here with an extra block printing the waves at base of fall, and without. Both are known as fine impressions, although the version without appears to be slightly earlier. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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The otokodate Goshaku Somegoro playing a bamboo flute ( shakuhachi ) from Kuniyoshi moyo shofuda tsuketari genkin otoko, ” Typical Types of Manly Fellows in Kuniyoshi’s Style.” A fine set of portraits of chivalrous commoners published by Ibaya Kyubei, 1845. This is the actual impression illustrated in Heroes and Ghosts, Robert Schaap, 1998, no. 59, p. 81.
Fine impression and colour. Minor trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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A fine and rare print showing the diving girl escaping with the Dragon King’s jewel. There were a number of prints designed by Kuniyoshi of this subject which lends itself to fine compositions. She is being chased by the Dragon, fish and octopuses. Published 1844 by Tsutaya. The first issue of this print by Tsutaya was around 1838 – 41 ( with the censor seal printed in black ). However, this is one of the rare examples where the reissue was superior to the original: With gradation on the Dragon and better colouration in the water.
Very good impression and colour. Trimmed round and minor edge wormage. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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Yorimasa’s retainer, Hayata Tadazumi, despatching the Nue with his sword amongst thunder and lightning. The Nue ( a composite beast, as big as a house with monkey’s head, back of badger, claws of tiger, scales of dragon and tail of snake ) was shot by the skilled archer Yorimasa on the roof of the Shishinden Palace. One of the finest designs from Honcho Suikoden goyu happyakunin no hitori, “Eight Hundred Heroes of our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” Robinson S4.6. Published by Kagaya Kichiyemon, c. 1830.
Very good impression and colour. Full size. Slight edge soil. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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Sagino-ike Heikuro grappling with a huge serpent at the lake of Sayama, Tondabayashi, in the Province of Kawachi from Honcho Suikoden goyu happyakunin no hitori, the “Eight Hundred Heroes of our Country’s Suikoden, One by One.” Published 1830s by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon ( but this issued by Iba-ya Sensaburo a little later ). A wonderful design.
Very good impression and colour. Small restored wormhole, otherwise very good condition. Totally untrimmed with extra paper. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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The grand wrestling match between Kawazo Saburo Sukeyasu ( right ) and Matano Goro Kagehisa. In the background can be seen the first Kamakura shogun Yoritomo and his entourage. The event took place at Akazawa mountain in 1176 and is probably the most famous sumo match, also giving rise to a new manoeuvre called the “Kawazu hold.” One of Kuniyoshi’s great triptychs; much sought after and rare. By luck the original preparatory drawing for this triptych has survived and is in the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden. See Heroes and Ghosts, Hotei publishing, 1998, no.156, p.148. Published 1858 by Maruya Kyushiro.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour. Minor edge damage expertly repaired, otherwise very good condition. Full size. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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Raiko and his retainers attacking the enormous reclining hulk Shuten-doji ( “Great Drunkard Boy” ) who is in a drunken stupor. Raiko eventually cuts off the monster’s head and returns in triumph to Kyoto. One of Kuniyosh’s best designs. Published c.1851-2 by Amatsu. Robinson T261. Rare.
Very good impression and colour. Minor marks and creasing but generally good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797 – 1861)
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The complete set of six chuban diptychs: Oguri ju-yushi no ichi-nin, “The Ten Brave
Retainers of Oguri, One by One.” Robinson S26. Published by Yawata-ya Sakujiro, c.1843. Rare complete.
Fine impressions and colour. Minor marks and soil. Each print signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi
ga.
Status: Sold
