Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A large original painting, full colour on silk, image size 48 x 21.75 in; 122 x 55.25 cms. A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizzare , imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finshed paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings. Shows a standing courtesan with her kamuro. An homage to Hokusai whom he obviously admired.
Highly finished in places but also incorporating quirky elements of Hokusai’s style. Signed Hokusai hitsu-i (“Imitating Hokusai’s brush”) Shojo Kyosai. In very good condition with old double box with an untranslatable annotation on inside of lid comparing him to Hokusai. An important new discovery.
Status: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A fine original Kyosai painting, full colour on silk, 47.5 x 16.5 in; 121 x 42 cms. Shows Emma, the King of Hell, walking with and holding an umbrella above a courtesan while a ghoulish oni looks on wearing a costume of gunnera leaves. Emma-O is the Japanese Buddhist version of Yama, the Hindu god of death. It was he who assigned people after death to one of the states of reincarnation. He is shown with the headdress, robes and holding the staff of a Chinese judge. The preparatory drawing for this painting is illustrated in Kawanabe Kyosai, In Honour of 100TH Anniversary of His Death, published by Ukiyoe Ota Kinen Bijutsuken, 1989, no. 61, p. 60. Kyosai was a draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finished paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings.
In very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai with Kyosai seal.
Status: Available
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Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A fine original Kyosai painting, full colour on paper, 51.5 x 21.5 in; 131 x 54.5 cms. Shows Otafuku being carried across a river on the back of a blue oni. They look down with consternation at a red oni who has fallen into the water spilling his basket of mushrooms. The face of the blue oni takes on the appearance of Hyottoko, the male pairing of Otafuku. Known as the Goddess of Mirth, Otafuku is often shown with the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. There are various theories as to her origins and her face, in the form of a mask, has become ubiquitous. Kyosai was a draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finished paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings.
In very good condition. Provenance: The inside of the lid on the box is signed and sealed by Mano Gyotei (Kyotei) who was Kyosai’s pupil and guarantees the painting. Sealed Kyosai.
Status: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (GYOSAI) (1831-1889)
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A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early age studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Tohaku Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Was famous for his crow paintings but also loved skeletons. This newly discovered painting shows a full-length skeleton humorously hiding its genital area – not with a fig-leaf – but a large lotus leaf. Sumi and light green on silk, 38.75 x 13 in; 98.5 x 33 cms. Interestingly, a very faint under-drawing can be seen where he first thought of placing the figure.
Many copies of his work. In very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai with bell seal.
Status: Available
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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An important collection of original drawings by Kyosai laid into two accordion albums, opening horizontally, 13.5 x 10 inches. Approx 157 drawings ( one signed and sealed; one signed and dated [ 6th October Meiji 3,1870 ]; and one signed ). After the date is the place: Shinobazu keidai Mikawatei, the garden of a temple ( Bentendo Hall ( ?) at Shinobazu pond, Ueno Park; Mikawatei being a restaurant. And the signature: Seisei Kyosai sui butsu rei hitsu, the drawing of Amida painted when drunk. Some drawings are from life, others seem to be memory drawings of his work, but most are preliminary ideas for books, prints or paintings. Many of Kyosai’s favourite subjects are represented including: skeletons, onis and cats. Drawings on this scale, spontaneous and with no need to impress, give a better insight into the mind of an artist, and on almost every page Kyosai’s humour shines through. Of particular delight are a group of drawings showing men on horseback playing some Japanese variation of polo, and a sheet recording new-born, still blind rats.
Status: Available
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Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A fine painting, sumi on paper, showing three crows on the boughs of a willow tree. Crows were one of Kyosai’s favourite subjects and, apart from paintings, he used them in various formats: fan prints, oban and dai-oban prints. There are also numerous copies of his crow paintings. Signed Kyosai ga. 51 x 18.5 inches, 129.5 x 47 cms. Very good condition with original mount and rollers.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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An original painting, full colour on silk, image size 41.25 x 16.2 in; 114.8 x 41 cms. A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizarre, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kano Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finished paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings. This is one of Kyosai’s favourite themes: to juxtapose a beauty with an unlovely character; in this case a seated skeleton smoking.
Signed Seisai Kyosai ga with seal Kyosai in. In very good condition apart from some minor creases.
Status: Sold
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Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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An original painting, sumi on paper, image size 36.75 x 12 in; 93.3 x 31.7 cms. A draughtsman of great dexterity with a wild, often bizzare, imagination. Loved sake, sometimes painting under its influence. At an early stage studied under Kuniyoshi, then Maemura Towa and later Kao Chinshin before becoming an independent painter at 27. Adept at highly finished paintings but also produced a large corpus of spontaneous paintings. Shows a crow perched on a branch with a singing sparrow below. This was the subject he was most famous for and there were many copies.
In very good condition, remounted and with futomaki. Signed Joku Kyosai zu with seal Bankoku tobu, “Flying in, or to, many lands.”
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A fine painting showing Oishi Yoshio (Kuranosuke) with his fellow servants cavorting in a Bon-Odori dance behind him. The famous Chushingura story relates how Yoshio, the principle retainer and counsellor of Asano Takumi no Kami (Yenya), and his colleagues became ronin to avenge the death of their insulted master by eventually decapitating Kotsuke no Suke (Moronao). Kyosai shows Yoshio trying to mislead anyone who thinks they are planning such a revenge by holding a party. Full colour on silk. Image size 46 x 16 in; 116.8 x 40.7 cms. Exceptional condition. Signed Seisei Kyosai ga with seals Joku Kyosai and Kyosai. The former seal is on the fine painting showing Ushiwaka-maru playing the flute for Princess Joruri which is in the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art and dated to c 1888.
Status: Sold
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Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A triptych, Nanba senki no uchi, “The Battle of Nanba,” showing the Buddhist monk Tenkai (1536-1643) chanting a spell, and Okubo Hikozaemon (1560-1639), both retainers of Tokugawa Ieyasu, at the great battle of Domyoji, Osaka, in 1615. Tokugawa Ieyasu’s army clashed with the Osaka army of Toyotomi Hideyori. This led to the fall of Osaka and the death of Hideyori. On the right is a huge exploding land-mine disintegrating a Buddhist stone statue. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, 4/1874. Extremely rare: I have only seen one other impression of this design.
Fine impression and colour. Trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai and Oju Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Shows the professional swordsman Kaibara Kenkichi travelling in the mountains from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Generally considered the father of kendo. At the age of 13 he came under the tutelage of Seiichiro Odani to learn the art of swordplay and master its secrets. Became assistant instructor at the Kobusho in 1856. Famous for inventing the yamatozue, a wooden sword, and the ganko ogi, a wooden fan substitute for the wakizashi (short sword) when the decrees abolishing the wearing of swords in public was issued in 1876. Here he is surrounded by wild beasts and a skeleton. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Attempts by various means at making ghouls and demons fit into modern society from Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. This design is particularly rare.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A school for spooks from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. In 1874 a new system of education was introduced in Japan – even for the world of ghouls. Shoki is seen teaching the demons basic hellish terms, and the chief of the kappa instructs the ghouls on the Roman alphabet.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
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Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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The enlightenment of Paradise or liberation of the dead from Hell from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. The demons from Hell get new jobs as postmen, rikisha men etc.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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The enlightenment of Fudo Myoo – a Buddhist deity who is always depicted seated on a rock engulfed by flames. From a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. Published by Sawamuraya Seikichi in 1874. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known. This satirical image shows him reading a modern newspaper, his attendant Seitaka prepares meat and Kongara hangs a pot of stew in his flames. (Meat eating was being introduced.)
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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The lion falling in love from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.”A satirical take on current events and mores. A design based on Aesop’s Fables which tells of a lion falling in love with a beautiful girl and asking her to marry him. Her bemused parents set a challenge for him: to have his claws removed and teeth filed. He duly submits only to have the parents then laugh and ask him to do his worst. Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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The enlightenment of Fudo Myoo – a Buddhist deity who is always depicted seated on a rock engulfed by flames. From a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. This satirical image shows him reading a modern newspaper, his attendant Seitaka prepares meat and Kongara hangs a pot of stew in his flames. (Meat eating was being introduced.) Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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The enlightenment of Paradise or liberation of the dead from Hell from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. The demons from Hell get new jobs as postmen, rikisha men etc. Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A school for spooks from a set Kyosai rakuga, “Kyosai’s Drawings for Pleasure.” A satirical take on current events and mores. In 1874 a new system of education was introduced in Japan – even for the world of ghouls. Shoki is seen teaching the demons basic hellish terms, and the chief of the kappa instructs the ghosts on the Roman alphabet. Published 1874 by Sawamuraya Seikichi. A set of 15 prints was planned but only 12 are known.
Fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Seisai Kyosai.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Two fishermen in a punt. Sumi and light colour on paper. 19 x 30 cms; 7.5 x 11.9 inches.
Good condition. Unsigned but from a fully signed album.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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MAY in romaji from a set of the twelve months, Junikagetsu no uchi, although this is the only known design for the set. One of Kyosai’s best designs. Shows Shoki, the “Demon Queller” riding a tiger and brandishing his two-edged sword at a group of terrified oni. Shoki ( Chinese: Chung K’wei ) was lauded for having relieved the Emperor Ming Hwang of the fever demon during his sleep. A favourite subject for Japanese artists, although mostly ignored by the Chinese. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Paintings of Shoki were hung on Boy’s Day ( 5th day of the 5th month ). Hence Kyosai choosing this subject for May.
Fine impression and colour. Very slight edge foxing, otherwise fine condition. This design is notorious for often being heavily trimmed and consequently for the three sheets not aligning properly. This example completely untrimmed with extra paper all round. Rare. Signed Kyosai ga.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Kyosai designed two sets of these extremely rare prints showing shadow lanterns. These popular toys threw moving images, the rotating fans activated by candles which also gave the illumination. Shows figures and demons cavorting. The series title variously translated as Silhouettes of Pandemonium and Silhouettes: A Hundred Night Demons. Puiblished by Yamamura Kinzo 5/1867. I can find no other illustration of this design.
Very good impression. Two repaired tears, otherwise good condition and colour. Kyosai seal.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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Two original sumi drawings mounted onto board. One shows a seated beauty, 3.25 x 2.5 in, 8 x 6.5 cms; the other shows musicians with long noses, 5.75 x 3.75 in, 14.5 x 9.5 cms.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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An original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 7.25 x 5 in, 18 x 12.5 cms. The original design for the Master of Papier Mache from a Hundred Pictures by Kyosai published 1863-6. Shows Dharma dolls coming to life and terrifying their makers. The print illustrated in Kawanabe Kyosai, The Tokyo Shimbun, 1996, no. 122-5, p. 213. Good condition.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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An original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 10.5 x 24.25 in, 26.5 x 61.5 cms showing Emma the King of Hell being held back by three girls while another pulls his tongue with iron tongs. A fine large drawing. Kyosai seal at right. Good condition.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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MAY in romaji from a set of the twelve months, Junikagetsu no uchi, although this is the only known design for the set. One of Kyosai’s best designs. Shows Shoki, the “Demon Queller” riding a tiger and brandishing his two-edged sword at a group of terrified oni. Shoki ( Chinese: Chung K’wei ) was lauded for having relieved the Emperor Ming Hwang of the fever demon during his sleep. A favourite subject for Japanese artists, although mostly ignored by the Chinese. Published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1887. Paintings of Shoki were hung on Boy’s Day ( 5th day of the 5th month ). Hence Kyosai choosing this subject for MAY.
Fine impression and colour. Trimmed at bottom, otherwise very good condition: This design is notorious for often being heavily trimmed and consequently for the three sheets not aligning properly. And also for being trimmed into the title at right. Signed Kyosai ga.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A large painting on silk, 54 x 34.5 inches ( 137 x 87.5 cms ) showing a side view of a huge Okame mask. Okame ( or Ofuku ) was the Goddess of Mirth, Ama no Uzume no Mikoto. She is known for helping Amaterasu out of the cave, into which she had retired, by performing a dance. At the bottom of the painting are the jingling bells used in her dance.
Minor wormage, otherwise good condition. Mounted with rollers and box. Signed oju Seisei Kyosai, “ By request, Seisei Kyosai “ with red kakihan of tengu mask
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831-1889)
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A humorous print showing a cat holding aloft a rat by it’s tail, a sliver of moon above. Printed only in sumi and light brown. Rare: Illustrated in Kawanabe Kyosai, Shigeru Oikawa, The Tokyo Shimbun 1996, no.43, p.128 which gives publication as 1870s/1880s by Sawamuraya Seikichi.
Very good impression and colour. Slight soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Kyosai ga
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831 – 1889)
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Shoki the demon quellor. A wonderful image of this famous subject printed almost entirely in red, Extremely rare.
Fine impression: the surface of the paper lightly blind-printed. Fine colour. The bottom edge with light soil and slightly deckled, otherwise fine. Full size. Signed Shoshuosai Toilku ga with seal.
Status: Sold
Kawanabe KYOSAI (1831 – 1889)
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Shoki riding a tiger and attacking a group of demons. “May” from a series of Twelve Months. Published by Fukuda Kumajuro Meiji 20 (1887).
Fine impression and colour. Minor sumi spots, otherwise very good condition. (This design is often trimmed for albums and does not match.) Signed Shojo Kyosai ga.
Status: Sold