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A surimono still life showing two handscrolls, a small screen, a branch of coral, a branch of plum blossom and two seals. (Coral and plum blossom are associated with the new year.) One of the seals has a tiger on top, possibly indicating this surimono was issued for the Tiger year 1818. From a series of still life surimono produced by the Taiko-gawa (Drum Poetry Group), their seal top right. Shinsai was one of Hokusai’s best pupils and is primarily known as a surimono designer. In fact, this surimono seems to have been reissued without the Drum seal and different poems. (See The Art of Surimono, Roger Keyes, Sotheby, 1985, no. 286, p. 334.) One poem by Rankotei Dondontei.

Very fine impression. Fine colour with gold and silver. Small crease top right and minor signs of mounting au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shinsai.

Status: Sold

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A surimono showing a scroll with a painting of a Takarabune ship and an enameled Persian clock (with Arabic numerals). Norizome, “Maiden Voyage [of the New Year].” The Takarabune, “Treasure Ship” is associated with the new year and carries the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) with their treasures. Shinsai was a pupil of Hokusai and is best known for his surimono prints. Issued in 1822 by the Taiko-gawa, “Drum Poetry Group” with their emblem top right. Three poems by Shikishishima Michikusa; Ume no Sugatame; Fugentai. Another (trimmed) impression is in the MET, JP2116.

Fine impression. Very good colour. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Shinsai.

Status: Sold

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An early pupil of Hokusai who is best known for his fine surimono, but also produced a series of semi-western style landscapes and some paintings. A still life showing a group of pouches, one revealing a lacquered surface with a stylised dragon. Dragon year was 1808 and 1820. Extremely rare. Ex Beres collection, seal au verso.

Fine impression with extensive silver and burnishing. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Shinsai.

Status: Sold

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A rare surimono showing a carp and water-weeds. The carp was a symbol of achievement against adversity in Japan and had a connotation with the new year. Issued c 1822.

Very good impression with the water blind-printed. Some loss of gold. Very good condition. Signed Shinsai.

Status: Sold

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A rare surimono showing a red bream, sea urchin, cuttle-fish, various other molluscs and two unidentified fish with seaweed. Issued c 1810s.

Fine impression with gauffrage. Fine colour and very good condition. Signed Shinsai.

Status: Sold