Dealing in fine Japanese prints, paintings and books since 1968
Dealing in fine Japanese prints, paintings and books since 1968
Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing by Yoshitsuru who was a pupil of Kuniyoshi. Sumi and slight colour on thin paper lightly adhered to a card, 13.25 x 10 in; 33.5 x 25.5 cms. The head drawn in great detail. Probably for an unpublished set of warrior prints. Shows a bajutsu samurai attacking an enemy on horseback. In good condition apart from minor defects associated with a drawing’s survival. Signed Isseisai Yoshitsuru ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. An original drawing, sumi on thin paper, 14.5 x 10.5 in; 37 x 27 cms, laid onto Japanese card. Shows a standing warrior with his sword drawn: A common subject in Hokusai’s oeuvre. In very good condition. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The dates for Unsen are not known but he was working in the early Meiji period. This original hanshita-e shows Imperial troops defeating the rebellion during the Shimabara riot. (The events took place in 1637/8 although contemporary uniforms and artillery are shown. Comments on topical subjects were often “masked” by being set in a different period.)) A well drawn triptych in good condition using pentimenti. Signed Unsen hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. A five-sheet original drawing (hanshita-e) showing a parade of beauties before a wicker fence and blossom. Bigyoku imayo hanazoroi, “An Assortment of Modern Beautiful Gems as Flowers.” Nice brushwork on the sumptuous kimonos. Sumi with sumi wash and light touches of red on thin Japanese paper laid onto further thin Japanese paper. Each sheet signed Ichikawa Yoshikazu ga. Sold “as is” with all imperfections, but in good condition. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. An original hanshita-e drawing showing actors in different roles; above as a warrior and beneath in an onnagata role. Sumi and red on thin paper. Image size 12.5 x 6 in, 31.5 x 15 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Good condition. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. An original hanshita-e drawing possibly showing Kagekiyo breaking prison. Sumi on thin paper. Image size 13 x 6.5 in, 33 x 16.5 cms. . For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). Numerous indications for the printer for the colours to be used. One hole, otherwise good condition. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. An original hanshita-e drawing probably showing Danjuro IX as Benkei. Sumi with light touches of pink and blue on thin paper, image size 12.75 x 6.5 in, 32.5 x 16.5 cms. For a series of designs contained within a hagoita ( wooden paddles used to play the New Year hanetsuki game ). In good condition. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing for the first sheet of a published triptych by Yoshitoshi for the set Dai Nippon shiryaku showing the naval battle of Dannoura in the reign of Antoku, the 80th Emperor. Published 20 The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata” and is dated Meiji kano-e tatsu, 1880. Why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A fine original drawing for the first sheet of an unpublished ( ?) triptych by Yoshitoshi showing the king of the Tengu, Dai Sojobo, teaching martial arts to the young Yoshitsune. Drawn c 1880. The British Museum has a complete preparatory sketch for this triptych. The drawing is signed “Copied by Toshikata.” It has more detail than the BM example but why Toshikata drew it is a puzzle: Possibly an exercise in preparation to making final drafts for the woodblock. Oban size. Sold as is with some creases. Provenance: From the atelier of Toshikata. Status: Sold
S Click here to view image full size. An original drawing showing two beauties: One drying her hair, the other about to enter a mosquito net. Sumi on thin paper. 13 x 15.5 in., 33 x 40 cms. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A large original drawing showing a beauty on a balcony. In the distance another figure on another balcony. Possibly a study for a painting. Sumi and red under-drawing on thin paper. 15.25 x 25.5 in., 38.5 x 65 cms. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Four original paintings on silk. An artist who developed a style somewhere between Moronobu and Sukenobu. Well known for his elegant erotica painted with great refinement. Sizes vary from 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 12.75 in; 32.5 cms. to 3.25 in; 5.5 cms. x 11.5 in; 29 cms. Full colour and obviously taken from a hand scroll of 12 such paintings. Mounted onto gold-flecked paper. Unsigned. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The ronin Yada Gorosaemon Suketake. A snow scene showing him facing an adversary with sword raised. From a fine set of twelve half length portraits of the forty-seven ronin: Seicho gishi shozo, “Portraits of Faithful Samurai of True Loyalty.” The depictions borrow strongly from western portraiture including imitation western script in the green border of the title cartouche. It is not necessary to repeat the story here as it is the best known Japanese tale. Published by Sumiyoshiya Masagoro, 12 Fine impression. Fine colour. Full size with extra paper left and top. Slight soil left margin, otherwise fine condition. Extensive splashed gofun to imitate snow. The printing on this set is exceptional with details such as the sword blades and title cartouches burnished. Signed Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Awabe or tokobushi, abalone or “sea-ear” ( Haliotus tuberculata ) and sayori, Japanese half-beak or snioe-fish ( Hemirhamphus sayori ), Together with peach blossom. Poems by Kumogaki Fujimi and Miwagaki Mimiki. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Extremely rare early state before the kiwame and large Eijudo seal. Kruml a/b Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Kurodai, black sea bream ( Acantho pagus schlegeli ) and akadai, red bream ( Pagus tumifrons ) together with bamboo shoots and Japanese pepper. Poems by Tomigaki Uchiyasu and Kaoan Hoshi.. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Fine, early impression before the grey block defect on the tail of the black sea bream. Full size. Kruml 10b. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Ise-ebi, spiny lobster or crawfish ( family Panulirus ) and shiba-ebi, shrimps. Poems by Ryokujuen Motoari and Toshihiro Machikado. From the first series of ten plus one prints published by Eijudo c. 1832-34. The set was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Very good impression and colour. Full size. Kruml 4c. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A Chinese brigand ( Shinwa-Yi ? ) hanging onto a rock in a fast-flowing river. Above and below him other submerged protagonists. From an early set: Tsuzoku sangokushi yeiyu no ichi-ni, “Popular Heroes of the History of the Three Kingdoms.” Published c. 1837 by Joshuya Kinzo. Extremely rare: Not known to Robinson ( S.10 ) who only lists 8 prints ( including a key-block proof ) from this set. Possibly unrecorded. Very fine impression, colour and condition ( proof state ). Full size with extra paper all round. Signed Cho-o-ro Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A large and important painting showing a view of the Sumida River through the piles of the Ryogoku Bridge. In the distance the ofunagura, “boat houses,” boats on the river and the Shogun’s official horses – goyouba – being taken out by samurai to the shoal outside the ofunagura-mae, the Shogun’s dock, to be cooled off. This masterpiece appears to be from a series of views of the Sumida as there is another – a view of Mimeguri, Sumida river bank in snow – in the Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art. The size, signature and seal is the same. Sumi and light colour on paper, 21.25 in; 54 cms. x 37 in; 94 cms. In very good condition. Old mount and box. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. Status: Sold Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. A fine and decorative painted silk folding hand-fan by the Meiji artist Taki Katei. He lived in Tokyo and studied painting under Araki Kankai; also studied Chinese painting in Nagasaki. A fine kacho-ga painter. He contributed a lot to the medium of books and was the principle artist on three gafu: Kokotan gato, 1883; Kacho gafu, 1883 and Tanjo ippan, 1887. Shows a Japanese lobster, sea bream and shells with various flowers on one side and a hydrangea in a Chinese basket with various lilies on the other. The fan is in very good condition; the silk flecked with gold; the ribs are bamboo, the exterior decorated with floral designs in raised lacquer. The fan is contained within what is probably the original brocade case and has the original tassles. Fully open the fan measures 20.5 in; 52 cms. across and 11.25 in; 8.5 cms. in height. Fully signed and sealed on both sides Katei Taki. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. An important original painting showing a taro plant and balloon flowers. This statuesque plant is known as the village potato in Japan ( satoimo ) for its edible corms and “elephant ears” when grown ornamentally. Above is a poem by Ota Shokusanjin ( Ota Nampo ), a famous late Edo period poet and writer. The poem reads: Aki chikoo saitsuru hanano koikaze ni Kaburiwo fureru imoha arashina Shokusanjin Interestingly, Shokusanjin’s calligraphy is often at a slant. Why this should be I cannot say. The taro appears in other Hokusai paintings and there is another close version of this painting illustrated in the Special Exhibition, Hokusai, Nagoya City Museum, 1991.10.26 – 1991.11.24, no. 210. Hokusai often duplicated subjects as he was near to destitution many times. The painting employs the tarashi- komi – Rimpa technique of colours dripped or brushed into wet ink. Sumi and light colour on silk, 42.5 in; 108 cms x 11 in; 28 cms. Newly remounted and in fine condition with new box and futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). Signed Iitsu hitsu with seal Iitsu. Sold together with what is probably the original box. Status: Sold Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size. The most prolific of Moronobu’s pupils and was originally confused with him, but now properly identified as a separate artist. Produced some of the finest erotic designs. A couple in flagrante beneath a sumptuous duvet. Published c. mid 1680’s. A large oban ( 11in; 27cms x 14.5in; 36.75cms ). Good impression. Some restorations but generally good condition. Partially hand-coloured. Unsigned ( as usual ). Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare triptych: Sunshu Moho kokai chu no Fuji. Shows the paddle-steamer Daikokuya ploughing through the Sea of Miho, Suruga Province. The first rays of the sun hit the top of Mount Fuji. Kiyochika was an interesting artist: Although mainly self-taught, he also studied photography in Yokohama with Shimaoka Renjo and then the rudiments of western-style oil painting with the English correspondent, cartoonist, and painter Charles Wirgman. The influence of imported lithographs and etchings is evident in this print. Published by Matsuki Heikichi, 1878. Very fine impression of the first edition with strong variegation in the sky, top left. Fine colour. Very slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Kobayashi Kiyochika hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A fine original painting by one of the best known Ukiyo-e artists. This high ranking individual produced some of the most refined prints during the late 1780s and the 1790s. He had many pupils including Eisho, Eiri and Eisui. Shows a standing beauty painted c. late 1790s. One hand adjusts a hairpin, while the other holds a partly concealed letter. Image size 35.25 x 13 in; 89.5 x 33 cms. Exquisitely painted in full colour on silk. In very good condition with futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ) and fine new mount and box. Signed Chobunsai Eishi hitsu with Eishi seal. Status: Sold Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size.
Click here to view image full size. A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus. Published c. mid 1680s. Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple prior to coitus being approached by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s. Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante aided by an attendant. Published c. mid 1680s. Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A shunga print by the best of Moronobu’s direct pupils, who produced some of the finest designs in this genre. Shows a couple in flagrante, the huge duvet slipping off their bodies. Published c. mid 1680s. Very good impression. Very slight soil and weakening along laid lines, but otherwise very good condition. Unsigned. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. 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
Click here to view image full size. Soga no Goro galloping at high speed, whipping the steed with a bamboo branch. He races to the aid of his brother in Oiso. This famous story tells how the brothers avenged the death of their father Sukeyasu by Suketsune who was under the protection of the shogun Yoritomo. The Soga brothers kill Suketsune but Juro is killed in the ensuing fight and Goro is subsequently beheaded. Published 1885 by Fukuda Yasushi. One of the great Yoshitoshi designs and rare. Fine impression and colour. In exceptional condition. A design invariably trimmed whilst this impression has all margins intact. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The Aoigaoka [waterfall] in Edo: Toto Aoigaoka no taki from a set of eight prints with title, Shokoku taki meguri, “A Journey to the Waterfalls of All the Provinces.” A majestic set with a mostly beautiful unifying colour scheme: There is probably no other Hokusai set that has the same impact when viewed complete. Amongst Hokusai’s finest work and much sought after. There are numerous Hiroshige designs based on the same location but they are prosaic in comparison. Eisen, inspired by Hokusai, also produced a set of waterfalls in 1847 which are themselves fine and rare. This particular fall is in fact a spillway for the Tameike reservoir seen above. Aoi Hill near Toranomon Gate to the left. The set published by Eijudo, c. 1832. Rare. Fine impression. Fine, unfaded colour. Minimal soil and slight trimming on left: These designs are martyrs to trimming and many illustrated examples are trimmed, otherwise very good condition. (This raises an interesting problem because most Hokusai landscapes do not have a black border – contrary to Hiroshige’s – which do, making it easy to judge the trimming on the latter.) Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu. Status: Sold