Utagawa YOSHIFUJI ( 1828-1887 )
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The head of the cat-witch of Okabe from the Fifty-three Stations. The head is composed of convoluted cats’ bodies; the eyes being two bells that are usually found round cats’ necks and the mouth a thick ribbon as worn by cats. Any young girl visiting the temple was at risk of being greeted by an old woman who would offer her accommodation for the night, only to transmogrify into a cat-witch and devour them. The print was published c 1847 by ( appropriately ) Kita. Extremely rare and a great 19th century design.
Fine impression and colour. Small corner repair bottom right and slight strengthening au verso of weak lines. But generally good condition. Full size. Signed Ipposai Yoshifuji ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE II ( 1829-1869 )
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The foremost pupil of Hiroshige. Formerly called Shigenobu, he assumed the name Hiroshige II on Hiroshige’s death and married his daughter. Shows Soshu Shichirigahama, the “Seven Ri Beach” near Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. From the set Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “The One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” From the beach one gets a clear view of Fuji and Enoshima Island – both framed by a giant wave. The set ( of which only 80 are known ) was published by Uoya Eikichi 1859-61 ( this being 1859 ).
Very good impression and colour. Margins trimmed close, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )
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Shionata from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” The set of seventy prints was started by Eisen and published by Hoeido in 1835, but in 1837 Hiroshige took over and completed the series with the publisher Iseya Rihei ( Kinjudo ). Shows the eastern shore of the broad Chikuma River. Three boatmen walk towards porters resting in a hut. Travellers could hire a boat or engage porters to bear them across the river on platforms held above the water. There are numerous triptychs showing this by Hiroshige and other artists.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )
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Nihonbashi Edobashi “The Nihon and Edo Bridges from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” The wooden Nihonbashi ( literally Japan Bridge ) was completed in 1603. The current stone bridge dates to 1911. A classic Hiroshige composition using a large foreground object to give depth to the view, further complicated by the insertion of part of a basket of tuna being carried by a porter. Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856-58 ). This design dated Snake 12 ( 1857 ).
Very fine impression of the first edition. ( Apart from the three-colour variegated cartouche, only the first edition has gradation on the lower part of the bridge and gradation above and below the boat passing under the bridge. ) Fine colour. Left margin trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI ( 1839-1892 )
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An original painting showing Fukurokugu – the God of Happiness, Wealth and Longevity and one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck, Shichi-fuku-ji, teasing a cat with the tassle on his fan. The Seven Gods theme comes from China, and possibly India as well, apart from Ebisu. Sumi on paper. Light creasing and rubbing at top otherwise good condition. Image size 47.75 x 22.5 in; 121.5 x 57 cms. Painted c 1880s.
Signed Yoshitoshi with seals Taiso Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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Kwatsuyemra Genshoshichi hiding under a tiger-skin in a boat under a hail of arrows. From Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1827-30. Robinson S2.40.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition: completely untrimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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Saito Toshimoto and a Chinese general struggling underwater. The second best design from Taiheiki yeiyu den, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” Published by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi, 1848-9. Robinson S62.31.
Extremely fine impression of the earliest printing. ( This is the best example I have seen of this design. ) Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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The last stand of the Kusunoki at Shijonawate, Shijonawate nite Nanke no eiyu taiteki o. Shows the final battle of Shijonawate in 1348 with Kusunoki Masatsura, the son of Kusunoki Masashige, under a deluge of arrows continuing his father’s struggle against the Ashikaga forces. This forms a 6-sheet composition with another triptych and Kuniyoshi also designed another triptych of the same subject. Published 1847. Unidentified publisher.
Very fine impression of the earliest printing. Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Yashima GAKUTEI ( 1780-c 1869 )
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A surimono showing the nine-tailed fox ( Tamamo-no-mae ) and the warrior Miuranosuke who was a palace guard in the court of Emperor Konoe ( 1139-1155 ). Issued c 1826 for a sub-group of the Biwa-ren poetry circle ( emblem top right ) headed by Benbenkan. Poems by Bentandai Gihoshi, Bendendai Kazumasu , Bensusha Masago, Bensusha Mazukage Masago, Andaro Horikawa Soroku and Kofukutei Okada Minoru. Legend tells that the Emperor’s adversary – an evil fox – disguised itself into a beauty who captivated the Emperor. She was eventually revealed and killed by Miuranosuke with an arrow from his bow.
Extremely fine impression with embossing and metallic pigments. Very fine colour and condition. Signed Gakutei with seal Shugyokudo.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892 )
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Taira no Masakado ( 901-940 ) from an extremely rare and early set: Honcho hyaku yuden, “One Hundred Warriors of Japan.” Masakado was an interloper who attempted to set up a rival court at Ishii in Shimosa to that of Regent Tadahira in Kyoto. He was subsequently killed by Hidesato on the orders of the Regent. Masakado was guarded by a number of ghostly doubles who impersonated him making killing him difficult. These ghostly doppelgangers are seen here in the background. Published 1862 by Enshu-ya Hikobei although it is not known how many prints there are in the set and Keys ( Courage and Silence, Yoshitoshi, 1982 ) only knew of the set from the Netto list.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE ) ( 1777-1835 )
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Evening Glow ( Sunset ) at Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture. From a set Meisho hakkei, “Eight Views of Famous Places” ( based on the Eight Views of Omi theme ). Published 1830s by Iseri. The town is famous for the Onsen hot springs and the area is known for its past volcanic activity. Across Sagami Bay can be seen smoke coming from the volcanic island of Oshima ( the epicentre of the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 ).
Fine impression and colour.There are two states of this set: one with square and one with cursive script ( as here ) in the oblong cartouche at top. It is unclear which is the earliest. This purple cartouche is often faded out to a puce colour. Slight centre fold otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI ( 1839-1892 )
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Arguably Yoshitoshi’s masterpiece in the triptych format. Shows Mongaku ( Endo Morito, c.1120-1200 ) subjecting himself to three year’s 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. Published 1859 ( centre sheet ) and 1860 ( outside panels ) by Kadokin. Extremely rare: Another impression in the Baur collection, Geneve, Switzerland.
Fine impression, very good colour. Minor soil bottom left corners of last two sheets, otherwise very good condition. Extensive splashed gofun. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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The priest Nichiren standing on the rocky promontory at Reizan in Kamakura and having his prayers for rain answered. The event occurred in 1271. His disciples surround him and protect him from the deluge with a large umbrella. Bunei hachi Kamakura Reizan-ga-saki uki. The second best design from Koso [ Nichiren ] goichidai ryakuzu, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren ( 1222 – 1282 ) 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 by Iseya Rihei c 1831.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. This design is notorious for having the umbrella trimmed off and/or the title in right margin. The printer has compensated for this by printing close to the left border. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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A triptych showing the old hag of Hitotsuya in the dilapidated house on Adachi Moor. The morbid story tells of a woman who developed cannibalistic habits for the lord of the district who required the blood of babies or young women. The hag menacies a young girl while Kannon ( to the right ), the goddess of compassion, looks on. In fact these are life-like dolls ( iki-ningyo ). There were popular exhibitions of these dolls during the mid 1850s to the late 1860s. Leading exponents being Yasumoto Kamehachi and Matsumoto Kisaburo. The latter had an exhibition in Asakusa Okuyama in 1855 and this might have been one of the exhibits. Kuniyoshi designed a number of diptychs and triptychs showing various exhibits of these dolls including others on this subject. Published 2/1855 by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai and Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Katsushika HOKUSAI ( 1760-1849 )
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Hotei with a karako puppet doll. Hotei, the God of abundance and good health, was one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck. The concept originated in India ( except Ebisu ) and came to Japan via China. He is usually shown as a shaven-headed priest in loose Chinese garments, holding a fan and reclining against a large bag. He is often surrounded by children trying to discover what is in the bag. Karako is a Chinese child who is usually depicted with a partly shaven head. These “treasures” were auspicious symbols of prosperity. Sumi and light colour on paper, image size 20.75 in x 13.5 in; 52.6 cms x 34.4 cms. The calligraphy is by Shotochinjin. Signed Gakyo Rojin Manji yowai hachi-go, “From the brush of Manji, old man mad with painting, aged eighty-five. With Katsushika seal. Exhibited in Masterpieces of Paintings by Hokusai School at the Itabashi Art Museum, 2008. . New mount and box with a futo-maki ( a thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). In fine condition.
Status: Sold
Kitagawa SHIKIMARO ( active c 1810 )
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An original painting, full colour on silk, image size 37.75 in x 15 in; 96 cms x 38 cms.
This pupil of Kitagawa Tsukimaro is known for his prints of full length beauties. Paintings by him are extremely rare and this is possibly the finest example. Shows a Kagi-zu, a geisha who entertained by playing the shamisen. Her attendant is seen behind her holding the three-stringed instrument. The shamisen came originally from China via Okinawa and underwent certain changes. It was adopted by the geisha culture in 1750 and took a number of years to master. New mount and box with a futo-maki ( a thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). In fine condition. An exceptional painting – especially the rendering of the acolyte’s face. Signed Toto ( Eastern Capital ) Shikimaro ga with red kakihan.
Status: Sold
Harukawa GOSHICHI ( 1776-1831 )
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A rare Edo artist and poet who moved to Kyoto in the late 1810s. This Osaka surimono is extremely subtle showing a moon printed in silver amongst clouds and slanting rain. The artist was active c 1810s-1820s. The seal bottom right is of Tani Seiko – the leading Osaka carver and printer during the 1820s and 1830s. ( There appears to have been a close association between Seiko and Goshichi as he cut and printed other surimono of his. )
Fine impression and colour. Light backing, otherwise good condition. Signed Harukawa Goshichi hitsu with seals Kamiya.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE ( 1797-1858 )
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A snowy view: Meguro taikobashi yuhi no oka, “Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, Meguro” from Edo meisho hyakkei, “The Hundred Famous Views of Edo.” Shows the valley of the Meguro River with Sunset Hill to the left. Stone bridges were uncommon in Edo because of the risk from earthquakes. Published by Uoya Eikichi between Ansei 3 and 5 ( 1856-58 ). This design dated Snake 4 ( 1857 ).
Very good impression and colour. Very slight vertical crease, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1797-1861 )
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Kyusempo Sakucho at the battle of Peking from Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyaku-hachi-nin no hitori, “The Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden, One by One.” Shows the brigand wielding a huge axe and plunging through deep snow on his horse. Published by Kaga-ya Kichiyemon, c 1827-30. Robinson S2.44.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN ( 1790-1848 )
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A prolific pupil of Eizan. Shows a carp swimming among water-weed. Blue ground. An extremely rare print. Published by Ezakiya, c 1843-6. There is another version of this print without censor’s seal and with a moon reflected in the water. This appears to be a copy of the impression offered here as the blocks vary slightly. Ex Vever collection, Sothebys 1977, Part III, lot 227, p. 120 ( who also sold the copy, lot 228 ).
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Keisai.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHIHARU ( 1828-1888 )
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A Chinese brigand, Hakujisso Hakusho, fighting a giant rooster from Suikoden gogetsu kagami, “Mirror of Heroes of the Suikoden.” Yoshiharu was a pupil of Kuniyoshi. Published by Yamaguchiya Tobei.
Fine impression with extensive burnishing on the rooster. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ipposai Yoshiharu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichijusai YOSHIKAZU ( active c 1850-1870 )
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The Earth Spider cornered in its cavernous lair by Raiko’s four retainers ( Shi-tenno ):
Watanabe no Tsuna; Usui no Sadamitsu; Urabe no Suetaka, and Sakata no Kintoki. Published by Maruya Jimpachi in 1858. Yoshikazu was a pupil of Kuniyoshi who also designed a version of this story. A fine design.
Very fine impression. The first and second sheets do not match accurately and the colour changes from black to brown. The cataloguer has noted this on every impression he has seen. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichijusai Yoshikazu ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA ( 1822-1866 )
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Amidst lightning bolts a large white dragon emerges from the Koromo River before Yoshitsune and his followers at the battle of Takatachi in Mutsu Province in 1187. Yoshitsune’s loyal retainer, Benkei, is in the centre wearing a white monk’s cowl and holding his personal standard with Buddhist prayer wheel on the top. To the right is Yoshitsune in full armour. Published by Kinshodo in 1857. A fine design.
Very fine impression with mica applied to the dragon. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga.
Status: Sold
Ipposai YOSHIFUSA ( 1837-1860 )
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The ghost of Yoshihira striking down Nama Jiro with a thunderbolt. The scene is witnessed by Kiyomori who was sight-seeing at the the Nunobiki Waterfall. Akugenda Yoshihira ( 1141-1160 ), a Minamoto, had made an attempt on Kiyomori’s life, for which Kiyomori had him beheaded by Namba, hence the revenge. Yoshifusa was a pupil of Kuniyoshi who also designed a version of this story. Published 2/1856. A fine design.
Very fine impression with extensive sprayed orange gofun and splashed gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ipposai Yoshifusa ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
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Hidesato ( Fujiwara no ) commonly called Tawara Toda. Having killed the giant centipede for Ryujin, the Dragon King, he is shown accompanied by a host of fishy retainers riding the back of a giant turtle and with the gifts which were his reward: The giant bell ( subsequently given to the monastery of Miidera where it was stolen by Benkei ); a bag of rice which could not be exhausted; a cooking pot which didn’t need fire ( sometimes omitted ), and a roll of silk which could not be shortened by cutting. Above the waves in the distance can be seen the entrance to the Dragon King’s palace. Published 1858 by Maruya Kyoshiro.
Very fine impression showing wood grain. Perfect gradation. Fine colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI ( 1798-1861 )
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Minamoto Tametomo decapitating Yamaotoko – a creature descended from a devil. From a set of ten prints: Tametomo homare no jikketsu, “Ten Famous Glories of Tametomo.” Published by Aritaya Seiemon 1847-50.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ryuryukyo SHINSAI ( 1764-1820s )
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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
Yashima GAKUTEI ( 1790-1869 )
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A rare chuban yoko-e surimono from a series Kinki shoga or the Four Accomplishments. These pursuits were popular amongst Chinese and Japanese literati: Playing a musical instrument; playing go; calligraphy, and ( as here ) painting. The composition shows a Heian courtier and two court ladies admiring a painting. A poem by Mado no Muratake ( whose pupils probably commissioned this set ) gives his age as 74, and since he died in 1824 at 82, the surimono must have been issued in 1816.
Fine impression and colour. Minimal edge soil, otherwise fine condition. Signed Gakutei Harunobu.
Status: Sold
UNSIGNED
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A ( possibly unique ) new year surimono showing a geisha leaving the Bandaikan, a bathhouse called Bandai, “Eternity.” She is biting on a hand towel which had sexual connotations – the anticipation of a sexual encounter perhaps. This surimono is attributed to Yanagawa Shigenobu ( 1787-1833 ). Issued c 1820.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Extensive use of silver.
Status: Sold
Yanagawa SHIGENOBU II ( active 1824-1860 )
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A sumptuously attired princess admiring two bonsai trees. ( Her rank is determined by the elaborate tsuzumi [ hand drum ] hair ornament. ) Number six from a set Hana awase, “A Flower Competition.” This title usually referred to a poetry contest in which teams competed to produce the best poems about different flowers, although in this case the “flowers” were terms in common usage. Issued c 1834. A pupil of Shigenobu, he assumed his teacher’s name in the Spring of 1833 after he died.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Extensive use of gold and silver. Signed Yanagawa Shigenobu with seal Yanagawa.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Shows the crucifiction of Torii Tsuneemon Katsutaka. The finest design from Kaidai hyaku senso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors.” The set depicts warriors from the sixteenth century although based on Yoshitoshi’s record of the battle of Ueno in 1868. Torii Tsuneemon was a retainer of Okudaira Sadamasa and a member of the Nagashino Castle garrison when it came under siege by Takeda Katsuyori in 1575. He bravely volunteered to sneak through enemy lines to get help. However, he was captured on his return and ordered to shout to his compatriots that no help was coming. Instead he shouted encouragement and was crucified. Published by Ohashi, 1868.
Fine impression with mica and gum applied to spear. Fine colour. Slight soil at bottom, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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A complete diptych showing Inuzuka Shino and Inukai Kempachi on the Horyukaku roof from Satomi Hakkenden, the eight heroes of Bakin’s novel Hakkenden. Published by Mikawa-ya Tetsugoro, c 1849-51. See the Kunichika triptych of the same subject on this current selection. Rare complete.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiryusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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A fine original Hiroshige painting showing ayu or ai, river trout, swimming in a stream or lake. The rocky bank overhangs and is reflected in the water. The ayu ( Plecoglossus altivelis ), or Japanese sweet fish, is synonymous with Gunma Prefecture. Although Hiroshige made other paintings of ayu, this is a rare subject. Also the subject of the best print from the first fish series published by Eijudo c 1832-4. Sumi and light colour on the ubiquitous grey silk Hiroshige liked to use, 15.25 x 21 in; 38.75 x 53.25 cms. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An important and fine original Hiroshige painting showing a view of Mount Fuji from Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture. Minimalist and very subtle, this is one of the best Hiroshige paintings I have had. The near trees float above bands of mist and clouds hang at the base of Fuji. This is the same view that he used for the design Kazusa Kuroto no ura from the Thirty-Six Views of Fuji published 1858. There is also a drawing in a Hiroshige sketch book in the British Museum. Sumi and very light colour on paper, 49 x 17.75 in; 124.5 x 45 cms. Newly remounted and in fine condition. New box and futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). Signed: Kamiusa Kurotonoura no zu Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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An oban diptych showing the two heroes, Inuyama Dosetsu Tadatomo ( seated ) and Inukawa Sosuke Yoshito. Chapter 22 from Bakin’s famous book of the Eight Dog Warriors. From a yellow-ground set: Honcho kendo ryaku den, “Abridged Stories of Our Country’s Swordsmanship.” Published by Kadzusa-ya Iwazo, c 1845-6. Robinson S37.7 & 9. Rare as the design is seldom found complete.
Very fine impression, fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Yoshitsune and Joruri-hime from a set of ten prints: Yoshitsune ichi dai zue, “Illustrated Biography of Yoshitsune.” Shows Yoshitsune inspecting the great book of war strategy ( Rikuto Sanryaku ) belonging to Ki-ichi Hogan. Some stories give Katsura-hime as the one to reveal the hiding place of the book. This set is extremely rare. There was a complete set in the Happer sale, Sotheby Wilkinson & Hodge, 26/4/1909, lot 202. Published by Senkakudo, c 1834.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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An early design of a famous episode depicting Raigo Ajari ( the priest Jitsusobo ) breathing out his curses and tearing up the Buddhist scrolls of Miidera Temple. His curses are directed at the Emperor Shirakawa who had refused the granting of a favour to build a praying platform at his temple in return for Raigo praying successfully for a son for the Emperor. Published by Jo-Yasu, c 1843. Robinson S1f.5. A fine and rare design.
Very good impression and colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa YOSHITORA (Active c 1845-1880)
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A triptych, Shichimen Daimyojin yurai. Shows Nichiren summoning up the Seven-faced dragon to attack a hoard of warriors bottom right. Yoshitora, a pupil of Kuniyoshi, is best known for his Yokohama prints. Published c 1870. A fine design and rare.
Very fine impression with carefully graded gofun. Fine colour and condition. Signed Yoshitora ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiosai KUNICHIKA (1835-1900)
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A triptych showing Inuzuka Shino at bay on the Horyukaku roof against Inukai Gempachi and his men. A famous episode from the Hakkenden written by Takizawa Bakin ( 1767 – 1848 ): Nanso Satomi Hakkenden no uchi Horyukaku no zu. The Daimyo, the Lord of Satomi, ordered Kenpachi to kill Shino – a strong man and great fighter who had killed some twenty retainers of the Lord. The pair fought on the roof only to fall into a boat on the river which broke loose and floated out to sea. The pair were discovered unconscious. Another, earlier triptych was designed by Kuniyoshi c 1836. Published c 1860 by Izutsuya.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiosai Kunichika ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1798-1861)
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The super-strong small boy Kintaro ( Kaido-maru ) wielding a giant axe and with his forest companions a bear-cub and a monkey. One of Kuniyoshi’s finest designs from Rokuyosei Kuniyoshi jiman, “Six Conditions of Nature.” This design: Tai-an: A good day for travelling. Published by Uoya Eikichi, year of the monkey, 1860. Robinson S93.3.
Superb impression of the first edition with polishing and gauffrage on the bear-cub. Fine colour. Minimal trimming, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold