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Shimosa Choshi no ura katsuo tsuribune, “Fishing for Bonito in Choshi Bay in Shimosa Province.” Hokuju, a pupil of Hokusai, produced a number of these fine “westernized” landscapes designed with stylised clouds, cubistic mountains and shadows cast by figures. This is one of the best. Bonito is a favourite fish in Japan where it is in the markets from around May each year. Choshin Bay has always produced the largest seafood catch in Japan. Hokuju produced a substantial body of work in this vein. However, he was not the only one. Okyo, Toyoharu, Hokusai, Kunitora, Kuninao and Shinsai also designed prints in this genre, as well as other artists producing examples. Interestingly, Hiroshige, the pre-eminent landscape artist, designed nothing like this. Indeed, the influences flowed the other way before too long, Hiroshige being a favourite of the Impressionists. This is the rare first edition published by Eijudo, c. 1820. His landscapes were republished by Yamamoto. Rare.

Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Full size. Signed Shotei Hokuju ga.

Status: Sold

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Kai no kuni Saruhashi no shinsha no zu, ‘A True View of the Monkey Bridge in the Province of Kai’. An impressive wooden bridge spans a deep chasm. It was called the ‘Monkey Bridge’ because the original rickety, plank structure was so precarious that only an agile monkey could cross it. Hokuju produced a number of these westernised landscapes and this design is one of the very best. First edition published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1815. It is also known with a variant colour scheme.

Fine impression, colour and condition. Extremely full size with extra paper around. Signed Shotei Hokuju ga.

Status: Sold