Shotei HOKUJU (1763-1825)
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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
Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Kisoji no Yamagawa, “Mountain River on the Kiso Road.” One of Hiroshige’s most iconic images: Snow from an untitled set of three Setsugekka (“Snow, Moon, Flowers”) triptychs. The other two being Moon at Kanazawa and Whirlpools at Awa. The Setsugekka theme was taken from a poem by Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi (Haku Rakuten). It’s a metonym for beautiful views, etc. This part of the Kiso Road was particularly treacherous but it’s not possible to identify the exact location and Hiroshige most likely used a certain amount of artist’s license. Published by Okasawaya Taheiji, 1857, a year before his death.
Fine impression and colour. Centre sheet lightly backed and slightly trimmed, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu with Bokurin Shokoku seal.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Aigo Gozayemon Hisamitsu (Haigo Gozaemon Hisamitsu) mounted and armoured (less helmet) in battle levelling his long spear. He was a retainer of the Oda family and served under Shibata Katsuiye. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 43) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.1. One of the best designs from the set.
Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Negoro- no Komizucha (Negoro-no Komizucha) dressed as a warrior-monk fighting with a long nail-studded club (a tetsubo) and a broken naginata. Swords and arrows fly about him.. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 26) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.26. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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Shows Captain Kani Ichita who, because he was suffering from dysentery, broke down 100 yards from the assault on Two Dragon Hill at the siege of Port Arthur in the Russo-Japanese war ( 1/8/1904-2/1/1905 ). Not able to forgive his weakness, he went back to the same spot a week later and commited seppuku. From a set Rikukaigunjin komei kagami, “Mirror of Army and Navy Heroes.” Published by Inoue Kichijiro, 2/1895. For whatever reason, a rare set. Fine design.
Fine impression and colour. Signs of mounting au verso, otherwise fine condition. Signed Kiyochika.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Fukishima Masamori (Fukushima Masanori) in armour struggling with three assailants. He was the son of a cooper in the province of Owari. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 15) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.9. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.2. One of the best designs from the set.
Status: Sold
Kobayashi KIYOCHIKA (1847-1915)
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Lieutenant Mitsutani on horseback in swirling smoke. From a set Rikukaigunjin komei kagami, “Mirror of Army and Navy Heroes.” Published by Inoue Kichijiro 1895. I have been unable to get any information on this hero. For whatever reason, a rare set. Fine design.
Fine impression and colour. Signs of mounting au verso, otherwise fine condition. Signed Kiyochika.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Akashi Ridayu Hidemoto (Akashi Gidayu Tadamasu) with a peasants’ straw raincoat over his armour and armed with a hoe. On one occasion, together with Shioren Sajima, he commanded a force of men dressed as farmerts. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numbered 34) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.2. One of the best designs from the set.
Very fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The demon Ibaraki of Rashomon ( a gate south of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto ) visits Watanabe no Tsuna disguised as an old woman to retrieve its severed arm. This famous story relates how Watanabe cut off the arm after camping out at the gate to rid the neighbourhood of the beast. ( See below on this website for Yoshitoshi’s vertical diptych of the same subject. ) From Yoshitoshi manga, “Sketches by Yoshitoshi” from a fine set of seven diptychs. Published by Kobayashi 1885-86 ( this being 1885 ).
Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Fine condition apart from one minor mark. As originally published with no backing paper, with the margins completely untrimmed ( often cut in this set ), and plenty of space for joining. Signed Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The best design from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1886 ) by Akiyama Buemon. Benkei against a full moon. In 1185 Yoshitsune attacked by his half-brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, was forced to flee to northern Japan by ship. Sailing along the Inland Sea off the coast of Harima Province not far from Kyoto, the ship was struck by a storm in Daimotsu Bay caused by the vengeful ghosts of the Taira warriors Yoshitsune and his men had slain. Benkei pacified the spirits in the prow of the boat by holding up his string of prayer beads.
Fine impression, colour and condition. (A good guide to the quality of the impression is to look at the outline of Benkei’s face: This fine line started to break down early on.) An impression that has not been in an album: Full margins with very extensive mica. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)
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Edo Ryogokubashi noryo no yakei, “View of an Evening Cooling Off at the Ryogoku Bridge, Edo.” Shows a multitude of boats beneath the bridge, fireworks above. Published c 1829.
Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Eisen ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Hohodemi Mikoto battling a giant bream to regain the magic fish hook. The best design from a fine chuban set Biyu Suikoden published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 (this being 1867). He eventually marries the Sea God’s daughter Princess Toyotama. There is a later edition with the publisher’s name removed.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Takagi Umanosuke, a seven foot tall Jujutsu master, holding a trial of courage with a giant ghost in an ancient temple. He also mastered the arts of Bojutsu (staff), Sojutsu (spear), and Naginarajutsu (halberd). One of the best designs from a fine chuban set Biyu Suikoden published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 (this being 1866). There is a later edition with the publisher’s name removed.
Very good impression and colour.One small mark, otherwise good condition. Signed Kaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Inuzaka Keno Tanetomo struggling with four adversaries from Kyokutei-o seicho Hakkenshi zui-ichi, “The One and Only Eight Dog History of Old Kyokutei [Bakin], Best of Refined Authors.” The set of eight prints form diptychs and are based on Bakin’s (1767-1848) famous novel Satomi Hakkenden, “Eight Dogs of the Satomi Clan.” Robinson S5.7.
Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Roba kiwan o mochisaru zu, the best design from Shinkei sanjurokkaisen, “New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts.” The set published by Sasaki Toyokichi, 1889. The well-known story relates how Watanabe no Tsuna cuts off the arm of the demon Ibaraki near the Rashomon Gate in Kyoto in 976. Watanabe locks the arm in a box. Subsequently he is visited by his wet-nurse who asks to see the arm, whereupon she seizes it and flies off revealing her true guise as that of the demon. The story was made into a no play, Ibaraki, and later a kabuki play.
Very fine first edition, fine colour and condition. Full size with the publishing details intact on left margin. The second edition (with only two-colour cartouche) is shown on the front cover of The Age of Yoshitoshi, The Rijksmuseum, 1990 and no. 47, p. 40. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Shinba ren Uogashi ren Ichikawa Sansho e kore o okuru. Of the utmost rarity: A large surimono commissioned by the Shinba and Uogashi poetry clubs of Nihonbashi to commemorate the kabuki actor Ichikawa Sansho. Sansho was one of the haigo (poetry name’s) of Ichikawa Danjuro VIII (1823-54). This print was presented to Danjuro in May 1849, and he subsequently went to see his father, Ichikawa Ebizo (Danjuro VII), who had been banished to Osaka, as the red image of Shoki on the nobori represents Ebizo. These banners were flown on the Boy’s Festival (Tango no sekku) on the fifth day of the fifth month outside the homes having male children under the age of seven. The large carp kite was also flown at this time and represents perseverance. This impression has the poems of the Shinba circle. It is also known with poems of the Uogashi club. Another impression is in the Springfield Museum of Fine Arts, Bidwell collection, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1980, no. 195. This impression is illustrated elsewhere. Also Kuniyoshi, Juzo Suzuki, Heibonsha Ltd, 1992, no 461, and Kuniyoshi, Nikkei Inc. 2011, no 295. An impression has also come up at auction.
Fine impression with heavy gold on the top of the banner. Fine colour. Restored wormholes and restoration along the vertical laid lines. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi e.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Fushimi ojishin Momoyama goten no zu. Shows Kato Kiyomasa protecting Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the earthquake which destroyed the Fushimi castle two years after it was completed in 1594. Published by Fukase, 1885.
Very fine impression, colour and condition with extra paper around. Signed Oju Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichieisai YOSHITSUYA (1822-1866)
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Raiko and his four retainers: from left to right, Sakata no Kintoki, Usui no Sadamitsu, Watanabe no Tsuna and Urabe no Suyetake on Oyeyama, “Devil’s Mountain.” Shows Raiko having just decapitated the giant head of the demon Shuten-doji which then descended upon his helmet. Unidentified publisher, 1858.
Fine impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Daininbo Umegae o satsugai no zu, “Picture of the Priest Dainin Killing the Girl Umegae from the set Shinsen azuma nishiki-e, “New Selection of Eastern Brocade Pictures.” The set was based on episodes from kabuki drama although set in naturalistic surroundings. Published by Tsunashima Kamekichi between 1885-89 (this being 1886).
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Full, untrimmed yellow borders. Two-colour cartouche: Supposedly the first edition has three-colour cartouche but this impression could not be better, so presumably the printer had a forgetful day. Signed Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Ina-uye Daikuro Masatada (Inoue Daikuro Nagayoshi) in armour but without helmet, his sashimono adorned with a skull, about to discharge a huge gun. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design numberSurimono 033ed 47) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.16. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Kido Takuzayemon Nagachika (Kido Sakuzaemon Norishige) on stone steps above a river attempting to prise open a metal grill. He was lord of the castle of Uda in Higo Province. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design not numbered) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.19. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Small binding holes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Orio Mosuke Yasuharu (Horio Mosuke Yoshiharu) in early youth overcoming a huge wild boar. A feat which caused Hideyoshi to take him into his service. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this design not numbered) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.27. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine impression, colour, and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Saito Toshimoto nyudo Ryuhon (Saito Toshimitsu nyudo Ryuhon) in armour struggling with a Chinese brigand underwater. From the set Taiheiki yeiyuden, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki. A history of the wars of the loyalist Nitta and Kusunoki families against the Ashikaga war-lords during the second quarter of the fourteenth century. But in fact the subject of this set of fifty prints (this numbered 48) is the civil war of the late 16th century. Censorship restrictions imposed in the 1840s prevented publishers from illustrating historical subjects from the Tensho era 1573-92 onwards, so the publishers circumvented this by slightly altering the names of the historical figures. Published 1848-9 by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. Robinson S62.31. One of the best designs from the set.
Fine early impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling to left edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A still life surimono showing a right-eye flounder or flatfish, Karei, and a red bream, kaneme-tai. And small unidentified vegetables. Provenance: A slip from a catalogue on the back indicates that it comes from a Paris sale, probably early 20th century describing it as Limande et dorade. Hokkei is best known for his surimono. He was originally a fishmonger, hence his name Totoya, and also accounts for the number of surimono he designed with fish and shells. Extremely rare.
Fine impression and colour with mica on the bream. Minor soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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The most gruesome of Yoshitoshi’s designs showing the old hag of the Lonely House about to eviscerate the pregnant woman hanging from the roof. Published by Matsui Eikichi, 1885.
Fine impression of the first edition. Little work has been done on the various states in this set other than that most were reprinted by Hasegawa Tsunejiro. Fine colour. Very full size with large margins left, top and where the sheets join. (The left border is often trimmed thereby losing the publication details.) Minor soil, otherwise fine condition. On thick hosho. Signed Oju Yoshitoshi.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The stern of a large sailing-junk and a smaller vessel infront. A poem by Sangi Takamura (Ono no Takamura) from Hyaku-nin isshu, “The Hundred Poets” published by Ebine c 1838. Depending which story one reads, either Takamura, who was a customs official for ships trading to and from China, went missing on a mission or was reported for being an extortioner and banished to the Oki Islands. Either way, he was subsequently pardoned. One of the best designs from this fine set. Robinson S19.11 and illustrated in Robinson (1961), no. 59.
Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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The priest Nichiren calming a storm at Kakuda on his way to Sado Island by invoking the name of the Lotus Sutra (namu myoho rengekyo) which is shown written on the waves. From Koso goichidai ryakuza, “Illustrated Abridged Biography of the Founder.” Nichiren 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 c 1831 by Iseya Rihei. One of the three best designs from the set.
Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition with splashed gofun. Full size. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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An extremely rare uncut fan print: Kominato in Awa Province from Boso meisho, Famous Places in Awa, Kazusa and Shimosa Provinces. Shows beauties viewing the bay. Another impression illustrated in Hiroshige no uchiwae, Hiroshige Fan Prints, Okuda, Atsuko, Unsodo, 2010, no 91, p 68 (plus two others from the set). Five other designs presently known: Hoda Coast; Mount Kiyosumi; Mount Fuji from Kisarazu; Mount Kano, and Kisarazu in Kazusa Province. Published by Tsujiya Yasubei, 12/1852. Certainly one of the few impressions extant.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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A triptych showing the famous battle on Gojo Bridge between Ushiwaka Maru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s childhood name) and Benkei. Yoshitsune is aided by Sojobo, King of the Tengu (white-bearded in the centre), and other yamabushi tengu. Published by Enshuya Hikobei, 1847-50. Robinson T194.
Very fine impression and colour. Fine condition. This is the best example I have seen of this design. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
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. This example has an orange-red colour used on Nichiren’s robe and umbrella, rather than the brighter red of other impressions. Also, the far mountains are more subtly rendered than on other examples.Very good colour and condition. Slight centre fold. Full size with ample room on top border for the umbrella which protrudes beyond the border and is notorious for being trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)
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A long surimono showing a fan with an image of Ichikawa Danjuro VII as Soga no Goro in the play Yanone, “The Arrow Head.” To the left a fan shape with a poem by Sansho VII (Ichikawa Danjuro VII) and irises. Extremely rare. This impression sold by me in 1997. Issued c 1814. These long surimono were published with the poems attached but were invariably removed by collectors as being a distraction from the image.
Very good impression and colour. Minor soil, otherwise good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga. A name bottom left corner reads Onishi Tokuzo II.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Mount Haruna in snow, Kozuke Province.One of the best designs from Rokuju yoshu meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The series published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 7/1853 and 3/1856 (this being 8/1853).
Very good impression and colour. Margins trimmed a little, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Totoya HOKKEI (1780-1850)
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A surimono showing the Japanese Buddhist goddess Benten, as always with her lute, and a monkey and rat holding a scroll showing the short months (2,4,7,9,12) for the Rat year, 1828. Benten (Hindu: Saraswati) originates from India via China. She is also one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. A fukujuso plant in a pot to her right. Poems by Ganjotei Shirataka and Tetsujoan Maori.
Very fine impression with extensive silver and gold. Signs of mounting au verso, otherwise very good condition. Fine colour. Signed Hokkei.
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)
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A complete setsugekka koban surimono-style set of triptychs: Snow, Moon, Flowers. Each triptych shows actors in the snow (from left: Matsumoto Koshiro V; Iwai Kumesaburo II; Ichikawa Danjuro VII); in moonlight (Iwai Shijaku I; Bando Mitsugoro III; Iwai Hanshiro V); and admiring the spring blossoms ( Onoe Kikugoro III; Segawa Kikunojo V; Seki Sanjuro II). Published by Mikawaya Seiemon (who specialised in these koban surimono-style prints) c 1825. Extremely rare. One other complete set is in the Harvard Art Museum, acquisition numbers 206831; 207183; 207139.
Very fine impressions. These are not true surimono, although they are listed in some books and catalogues as such. However, they are printed with the same delicacy with beautiful blind-printing. Fine colour. Small nicks out of the corners, otherwise fine condition. Each sheet signed Oju Kunisada ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Masaki yukibare no zu, “Clear Weather After Snow at Masaki” from a Toto Meisho, “Famous Sights of the Eastern Capital” set published by Kikakudo (Sanoki), the seal in red in right margin c 1832-35. There is confusion over how many prints belong to this series: The original set of twenty-one prints seems to have been extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. The temple, under a deep layer of snow, is shown on the far shore. In the foreground two figures in yellow straw coats navigate the river.
Very fine impression. Fine colour. Later editions have the black seal of Sanoki in right margin. Very slight centre fold and two backed pinholes; trimmed just on the black title slip on right, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.
Status: Sold
Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)
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Returning boats at Yabase, Yabase kihan, from an upright Omi Hakkei set. Published by Uoya Eikichi, 1857.
Fine impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga
Status: Sold
Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)
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Hatsuhana’s long penance under the Tonozawa waterfall to aid her crippled husband “Hazari” Katsugoro who is intent on revenging his brother’s murder. Hatsuhana dies, Katsugoro is cured and kills his arch enemy near the waterfall. From the set Kenjo reppuden, “Stories of Wise and Virtuous Women.” Published by Ibaya Sensaburo, 1841-2.
Fine impression and colour. One backed wormhole top left, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Kesa Gozen writing her last words before dying for her husband, the palace guard Minamoto Wataru from the set Kokoku nijushiko, “The Twenty-four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan.” Published by Tsuda Genshichi, 1881-87 (this being 1887). This is the first edition. It was republished by Matsuki Heikichi with altered signatures and other changes and inferior printing.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Superb gradation and blind-printing. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Torii Suheemon Katsutaka escaping the castle of Okudaira Nobumasa, which is being attacked by Takeda Katsuyori, in order get help from Tokugawa Ieyasu. From the set Kokoku nijushiko, “The Twenty-four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan.” Published by Tsuda Genshichi, 1881-87 (this being 1887). This is the first edition. It was republished by Matsuki Heikichi with altered signatures and other changes and inferior printing.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Superb gradation on the piers with gofun added to the sumi. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold
Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)
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Zennojo, the filial son from Shinano Province, dreams of his father’s crimes and successfully prays for his recovery from illness. From the set Kokoku nijushiko, “The Twenty-four Accomplishments in Imperial Japan.” Published by Tsuda Genshichi, 1881-87 (this being 1887). This is the first edition. It was republished by Matsuki Heikichi with altered signatures and other changes and inferior printing.
Very fine impression, colour and condition. Superb gradation and burnishing. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi ga.
Status: Sold