Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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A large panel showing a parrot on a flowering crab apple branch. This is the very rare first edition published by Jakurindo (Wakasaya Yoichi). It was reissued by Kikakudo (Sanoya Kihei). Published c. early 1830s. Hiroshige is rightly regarded as the leading landscape artist. However, many of his finest designs are in the fan (uchiwa-e) and bird and flower (kacho-e) genres. They are not so well known because of their often great rarity.

 

 

Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

 

 

Status: Sold

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    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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    A half-block, 8.75 x 6.5 in; 22.5 x 16.5 cms, print showing a Japanese crane standing in water with a flowering plant (a variety of Berberis ?). Published c. late 1840s by Tsutaya Kichizo. Unidentified collector’s seal au verso.

     

    Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

     

    Status: Sold

     

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      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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      A third-of-a-block (ko-tanzaku) print, 13.5 x 3 in; 34 x 7.25 cms, showing a sparrow and cherry blossom. Published c. mid 1840s. Unidentified publisher’s seal. These narrow panels are often poorly printed, but not in this case.

       

      Very fine impression: beautiful gradation. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

       

      Status: Sold

       

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        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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        A bora, grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), together with camellia and Japanese asparagusudo. This impression is from the extremely rare first private edition for a poetry club with the judges’ names beside the kyoka poems by Higaki Kunifune and Toshinoto Haruki. From a set of ten prints published – most likely – by Eijudo around 1832-34. These prints were subsequently issued commercially by Eijudo with his seal and a kiwame seal (both missing here on the private printing) and with the judges’ names removed. Who the poetry group was is not known, but they must have been affluent and influential. Of the sixteen poets on the prints, four were certainly members of the Shingyoku Circle, which was affiliated to the Yomogawa. This was the group that commissioned, amongst others, Hokusai’s Horse and Shell series of surimono. There appear to be three other impressions known from the private edition: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige, The Ukiyo-e Society of America Inc., 1983, no. 5; Ukiyo-e art, no. 18, Memeorial exhibition of Hiroshige, The Japan Ukiyo-e Society, 1968 (C) no. 4; and Juzo Suzuki, Utagawa Hiroshige, Nihon Keizai Shinbun, 1970, no. 593. Provenance: Ex Stoclet collection.

         

        Very fine impression. Fine colour. Centre fold (as usual as they were issued in folding album form), otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga.

         

        Status: Sold

         

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          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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          An uncut fan print. Moon from a setsugekka set of famous views of Edo. Shows the interior of a teahouse. Published 1849-53 by Ibaya Sensaburo.

           

           

          Very good impression and colour. Restored centre bottom and other minor imperfections, but otherwise good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. Very rare: Seemingly only two other impressions extant.

           

           

          Status: Sold

           

           

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            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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            A tanzaku showing a rooster and hydrangea. Published by Kawaguchi Shozo, c. 1830s. Another impression is illustrated in Four Hundred Ukiyoe Woodblock Prints From The Museum Of Art, Rhode Island School Of Design, 1990, no. 121, p. 54. Hiroshige is best known for his landscapes, but he produced almost as many bird and flower prints.

             

             

            Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

             

             

            Status: Sold

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              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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              A small tanzaku showing bats flying against a full moon above a lumberyard. A poem reads: “The colour of the bats’ wings was born in darkness.” Published c. late 1830s. Rare: Another impression is illustrated in Japanese Prints IV – Hiroshige and the Utagawa school, the Rijksmuseum, 1984, 46 61:35, p. 35.

               

               

              Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

               

               

              Status: Sold

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                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                A chu-tanzaku showing sparrows and poppies. Published by Kawaguchiya Shozo, c. late 1830s. A poem: Tori tonde (tobite) / abunaki keshi no / hitoe kana, “ A bird flying by / poses danger to poppies / with single layers of petals.” The same poem is used on another chu-tanzaku showing a bluebird and poppies, see MET Museum, JP2532. Other impressions of this print are in Honolulu Museum of Art, 18009; MFA, Boston, 21.8018; Chazen, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1980.1887.

                 

                 

                Very good impression and colour. Very small expertly restored wormholes, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

                 

                 

                Status: Sold

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                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                  A tanzaku showing a parrot perched on hanging ivy. Published c 1830s by Kawasho (Kawaguchi Shozo).

                   

                   

                  Fine impression and colour. Centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

                   

                   

                  Status: Sold

                   

                   

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                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                    A koi, carp (Cyprinus carpio) swimming amongst reeds. Poem by Makuzu. From the second series of ten fish prints published by Yamasho, c. 1840-42. The first series was issued privately for a poetry group (probably the Shingyoku Circle) with judges’ names and with extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were made and they never come onto the market. Due to their popularity this second set was commissioned. This is the very rare first edition with the reeds printed. Block defect showing but with gradation still on belly of fish. One of the finest designs from the two series. Very rare. Kruml 12a/b.

                     

                     

                    Fine impression. Slight fading and edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Without centre fold (in itself rare as they often have them). Signed Hiroshige hitsu.

                     

                     

                    Status: Sold

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                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                      A kami, crab (Charybois), and saba, mackerel (Scomber Japonicus), together with two flowers of morning glory. Poem by Shichichintei. This is the first edition (Kruml 19a). From the second series of ten fish prints published by Yamasho, c. 1840-42. The first series was issued privately for a poetry group (probably the Shingyoku Circle) with judges’ names and with extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were made and they never come onto the market. Due to their popularity this second set was commissioned.

                       

                       

                      Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                       

                       

                      Status: Sold

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                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1826-1869)




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                        A pair of original kakejiku with two paintings on each. Possibly from the front and back cover pages of a first edition “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” set. Sumi and colour, image size of each painting 13.5 x 8.75 in; 34.25 x 22 cms. Shows top left a bowl with – possibly – turnips and a poem. Below a wicker basket and bowl with a miniature plum tree and an adonis plant (the most popular plants for the New Year). On the right, at the top are two chidori with poem and below a sake barrel and a plum branch. The bottom two paintings are signed Hiroshige with Ichiryusai seal. In fact, there is another version of the chidori painting associated with a painting of a kago and lantern illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, Hiroshige – A Poetic Ukiyo-e Artist, Fukushima Minpo, 1971, no. 16. These are also possibly from the ends of a first edition set of prints. Hiroshige and Hiroshige II were known to make these paintings, presumably for special clients. Provenance: Ex Takeoka Toyota collection (1844-1931). The box dated (Taisho 11, 1922) and guaranteed by him. He was a famous collector from the Meiji to early Showa era. Paintings and mounts in very good condition.

                         

                         

                        Status: Sold

                         

                         




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                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                          An original painting in sumi with touches of green and pale blue. Image size 50 x 17 in; 127 x 43.2 cms on paper. Shows the Mount Haruna area which also has Mount Myogi and Mount Akagi. Depicts the strange peaks surrounded by swirling mist and cloud. The region was formed more than 300,000 years ago in Gunma, eastern Honshu. Hiroshige designed a snow scene of the same area for the print set Sixty-odd Provinces of Japan published in 1853. Recently remounted and in very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal.

                           

                           

                          Status: Sold

                           

                           




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                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                            An original painting, sumi and light colour on paper, image size 13.5 x 20 in; 34.3 x 50.8 cms. Shows the Shiraito no Taki waterfall at Hakone. The water, originating from Mount Fuji, flows over the edge of a 20 meter high cliff in thin white streams reminiscent of silk threads (hence the name Shiraito). Sold with the lid of a previous box which has a guarantee by Kazuo Inoue (a well known expert on Ukiyo-e [1889-1946] dated 1943 which gives the painting as having been done 1845-1848). In very good condition. Signed Hiroshige with Ichiryusai seal.

                             

                            Status: Sold

                             




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                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                              An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 13.5 x 20.5 in; 34.5 x 52 cms. Shows the renowned Husband and Wife rocks, Meoto Iwa, “Married Couple Stones,” off Futami, Mie, Japan. At this time – c. late 1840s – many thin ropes were used to tie the couple together. They are now joined by a single large shimenawa – a rope of rice straw. The larger (male) rock called Izanagi has a small torii at the top. The smaller (female) rock is called Izanami. They are sacred to the Shinto religion and worshippers flock to the neighbouring Futami Okitama Shrine, which is dedicated to the food goddess Miketsu. The ancient Shinto custom of worshipping stones is called Iwakura. A fine Hiroshige painting.

                               

                               

                              Signed Hiroshige ga with large Ichiryusai seal. In good condition with interesting old mount.

                               

                               

                              Status: Sold

                               

                               




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                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)


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                                An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 14.5 x 22 in; 36.8 x 55.9 cms. Labelled on the right Hakone no kosui, “The Lake of Hakone.” Shows the reflection of Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi with the Misaka mountain range. A similar view could be seen from Lake Ashi. Hokusai produced a version for for the Thirty-six Views of Fuji set and this area was the subject of a number of Hiroshige prints. Signed Hiroshige with Ichiryusai seal. In very good condition.

                                 

                                Status: Sold

                                 


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                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                  Mii no bansho, “Evening Bell at Miidera Temple” from a set Omi hakkei no uchi, “Eight Views in Omi [Province].” Shows the temple hidden amongst hills on the southern side of Lake Biwa. Miidera is the common name for the Onjoji, a temple of the Tendai sect founded in 858. Published by Hoeido and Eikyudo in c. 1834-5. The “Eight Views” theme was derived (as so much else in Japanese art) from China and based on the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang paintings of the 11th century. The subject was transposed to Omi and then taken up by such artists as Harunobu, and later Hiroshige. It was often playfully alluded to in sets of eight prints in mitate-e style.

                                   

                                   

                                  Very good impression, colour and condition, Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                   

                                   

                                  Status: Sold

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                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                    Nihonbashi no hakuu, “Light Rain on Nihon Bridge.” From a Toto meisho set of 21 designs published between c. 1832 and 1839 by Kikakudo. The set was subsequently enlarged. Shows figures crossing Nihonbashi in rain, one figure carries an umbrella with the publisher’s name. Warehouses in the background and a distant view of Fuji. A beautiful print and very difficult to find in early impression: The title cartouche had a plug inserted beside the bottom three characters of the title on the left. This damage seems to have occurred when the block was cut and over time the spigot gradually slipped out leaving an unprinted area (which is sometimes painted in). In the earliest impressions the plug is hardly visible (as here). Also, the publisher’s seal at the bottom right should be in red, later editions having it in black. There was also an early variant edition with a yellow sky.

                                     

                                     

                                    Fine impression and colour. Imperceptible centre fold, also near the right edge, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                     

                                     

                                    Status: Sold

                                     

                                     

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                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                      Station Fukushima 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). Fukushima was one of the four most important checkpoints in the country and travellers had to have their documents inspected and approved before they could continue.

                                      Superb impression. Very fine colour. Fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                      Status: Sold

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                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                        Kameido Tenmangu keidai no yuki, “The Compound of the Tenman Shrine at Kameido in Snow.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. One of the most famous places in Edo. Known for its pergola, two drum bridges, koi ponds and the wisteria which flowered in the fifth month. The main shrine is dedicated to the memory of Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin), the father of Japanese learning and built in 1662. The design comes in various states: Late editions have a black sky and the red publisher’s seal on right margin is replaced with an abbreviated Sanoki seal in black. Even later editions show a slipping plug becoming evident on the edge of the water, centre left.

                                        Fine, very early impression with the double-printing on the cloak of the figure on the bridge. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                        Status: Sold

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                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                          Nihonbashi no hakuu, “Light Rain on Nihon Bridge.” From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42. Shows figures crossing Nihonbashi in rain, one figure carries an umbrella with the publisher’s name. Warehouses in the background and a distant view of Fuji. A beautiful print and difficult to find in early state: The title cartouche had a plug inserted beside the bottom three characters of the title. This damage seems to have occurred when the block was cut and over time the spigot gradually slipped out leaving an unprinted area (which is sometimes painted in). In the earliest impressions the plug is not visible, as here. Also, the publisher’s seal at the bottom right should be red, later editions having it in black.

                                          Fine, very early impression with a pale yellow sky. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                          Status: Sold

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                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                            A procession at the Shiba Shinmei keidai, “Precincts [of the] Shiba Shinmei [Shrine].” The shrine with the distinctive chigi protruding roof beams can be seen on the right. A popular area with the Zozoji Temple, tea stalls and where the Shoga Matsuri Festival was held. From a set of twenty-one prints Toto meisho, “Famous Views in the Eastern Capital” published by Sanoya Kihei, c 1834-5. The series was extended to fifty-five in c 1839-42.

                                            Fine, very early impression. The publisher’s seal at the bottom right should be red, later editions having it in black. Fine colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                            Status: Sold

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                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                              Iki Shisaku, “Shisaku in Iki [Province]” from a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1856. A heavy snowfall over Iki island which lies to the northeast of the Kyushu coast in southern Japan.

                                               

                                              Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                               

                                              Status: Sold

                                               

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                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                Kai, Saruhashi, “Kai [Province], Monkey Bridge” from a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. The bridge spans the Katsura River and is an example of the hanebashi method of construction whereby cantilever beams are set in the opposing cliff faces. Called the Monkey Bridge because monkeys are originally supposed to have strung themselves across the gorge.

                                                 

                                                Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                 

                                                Status: Sold

                                                 

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                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                  Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” from a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. The 32 metre fall is 4 metres wide and is located in Yoro Park, near Nagoya.

                                                  Very fine impression and colour with blind-printing on the fall. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                  Status: Sold

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                                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                    Awa, Naruto no fuha, Naruto Whirlpools, Awa [Province]” from a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1855. The finest print from the set and one of Hiroshige’s most important designs. The phenomenon is caused by the tides that move large amounts of water through the Naruto Strait into and out of the Inland Sea.

                                                     

                                                    Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                     

                                                    Status: Sold

                                                     

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                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                      Station Annaka from Kisokaido rokujukyutsugi no uchi, “Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaido.” Published by Kinjudo, the set was started by Eisen in 1835 who designed twenty-four prints before Hiroshige replaced him and completed the set before 1843. Shows the entourage of a feudal lord progressing along the road between rest houses.

                                                       

                                                      Very fine impression of the earliest printing. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                       

                                                      Status: Sold

                                                       

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                                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                        A snow scene from a set Edo komei kaitei zukushi, “Famous Teahouses of Edo,” Kameido uramon, Tamaya, “Back Gate of the Shrine at Kameido: The Tamaya Teahouse.” The set published by Shogendo, 1838-40.

                                                        Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight centre fold (strengthened au verso), otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                        Status: Sold

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                                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                          The lumberyard, Fukugawa, from the set Meisho Edo hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Edo.” The set published by Uoya Eikichi 1856-58 (this being 1856). The set comprises 118 prints by Hiroshige and another by Hiroshige II. However, three prints are dated 10/1858, the month following Hiroshige’s death and these are thought to be by Hiroshige II as well. They are: Ueno Yamashita, Ichigaya Hachiman and Bikunibashi. Shows snow falling on the timber yards lining a river. An umbrella in the foreground is inscribed Uo, “Fish” – a reference to the publisher Uoya Eikichi. A large supply of timber was needed for the world’s largest wooden city. However, in 1641 a fire destroyed not only houses but the lumber which was then stored in a central area forcing the government to move the yards to Fukugawa.

                                                          Very good, early impression. Very good colour. Trimmed close at bottom. Otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                            The great Sanjo Bridge, Kyoto. Number 55 from the Tokaido: Gojusantsugi published by Marusei, c 1848-49. Also known as the Reisho Tokaido. Shows figures on the bridge including Oharame carrying firewood and ladies with katsugi garments. In the distance is Higashiyama and Mt. Hiei.

                                                            Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) and Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1864)



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                                                              A triptych from a set: Furyu Genji: Akashi. An evening scene showing Genji’s secret lover Lady Fujitsubo and an attendant watching the departing Prince Genji walking through the reeds of Akashi Bay. Based on the famous Genji monogatari written by the 11th century noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. Published by Iseya Kanekichi 1853.

                                                              Fine impression. This is the early state with gradation over the moon. Fine colour. Very slight trimming and retains album backing, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga and Toyokuni ga.

                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                Wakasa, Gyosen karei-ami, “Fishing Boats and Flounder Nets in Wakasa [Province]” from a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshihei between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853. Fishing in Wakasa Bay. The highway between the Wakasa ports and Kyoto was nicknamed the “Mackerel Highway” because of the quantity of fish that was transported.

                                                                Very fine impression and colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                Status: Sold

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                                                                  Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                  Oji Shozoku enoki, Omisoka no kitsunebi, “Foxfires on New Year’s Eve at the Shozoku Hackberry Tree, Oji,” from Meisho Edo hyakkei, “The One Hundred Famous Views of Edo,” published by Uoya Eikichi 1856-58 (this being 1857). This is the only design from the set where Hiroshige uses historical fantasy: Every New Year’s Eve foxes gathered at the ancient enoki tree to pay their respects to their fox patron in the nearby Inari shrine at Oji, in northern Edo. The shrine was dedicated to the god of the harvests and farmers would predict the outcome of a harvest by the amount of kitsunebi (fox flames) they saw emitted by the foxes. A popular print from the set.

                                                                   

                                                                  Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                   

                                                                  Status: Sold

                                                                   

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                                                                    Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)




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                                                                    Ishiyakushi from an aiban set Tokaido gojusantsugi no uchi, commonly called the Gyosho Tokaido because of the cursive script on title. Shows travellers entering and leaving the village in heavy snow. Published by Ezakiya Kichibei/Yamadaya, c. 1841-2. There are variant states: later editions lack the gradation on the horizon. The first state may have a Hiroshige seal after the signature.

                                                                    Very good impression and colour. Slight centre fold, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                    Status: Sold

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                                                                      Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                      Harima Tatsuyama, “Mount Tatsu [Dragon] in Harima [Province]” from a set of twenty prints Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Sea.” A fanciful and imaginative title lacking in other Hiroshige sets. Comprises of ten prints of mountains and ten prints of harbours. Published by Yamadaya Shojiro, 1858. The title is in a wrestling umpire’s fan (gunbai).

                                                                      Very fine impression of the first edition. Later printings have a solid red in the title cartouche instead of variegated colour and lack other subtleties. Fine colour. Very slight centre fold and minimal soil bottom left margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. Hiroshige ga.

                                                                      Status: Sold

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                                                                        Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                        Settsu Arimayama, “Mount Arima in Settsu [Province]” from a set of twenty prints Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Sea.” A fanciful and imaginative title lacking in other Hiroshige sets. Comprises of ten prints of mountains and ten prints of harbours. Published by Yamadaya Shojiro, 1858. The title is in a wrestling umpire’s fan (gunbai).

                                                                        Very fine impression of the first edition. Later printings have a solid red in the title cartouche instead of variegated colour and lack other subtleties. Fine colour. Very slight centre fold and minimal soil bottom left margin, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                        Status: Sold

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                                                                          Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                          Hoki, ono Daisen enbo, “Hoki [Province], Distant View of Mount Daisen.” Shows rice-planting in the rain, with the volcanic mountain in the background. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

                                                                          Very fine impression: This is the true first edition: Impressions with the bands of blue and yellow in the sub-cartouche are often catalogued as first editions but the impression must also have gradation on the top of the embankment at the bottom. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                          Status: Sold

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                                                                            Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                            Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” The 32 metre fall is 4 metres wide and is located in Yoro Park, near Nagoya. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

                                                                            Fine, very early impression with extensive blind-printing on the fall. Fine colour. Some wrinkling of the large margins, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                            Status: Sold

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                                                                              Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                              Mikawa, Horaiji sangan, “Mikawa [Province], Horai Temple.” The temple is situated in the Horai mountains. The 425 steps are shown here leading up to the temple. From a set of 69 prints [Dai Nihon] Rokujuyoshi meisho zue, “Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces [of Japan]” published by Koshimuraya Heisuke between 1853 and 1856, this being 1853.

                                                                              Fine, early impression. Fine colour and condition with large margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.

                                                                              Status: Sold

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                                                                                Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)



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                                                                                Shibaura, shiohigari no zu, “Low Tide [or Ebbtide, or catalogued in some instances as Shell-gathering] at Shibaura” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c. 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first oban landscape set with some outstanding designs. Shibaura is now an area with high-rise residential towers. The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the designs. These were removed on later editions. Extremely rare in this state.

                                                                                 

                                                                                Fine impression and colour. Very minor edge soil and slight centre fold. Slight trimming of decorative border on left, otherwise very good condition. Prints from this set are often missing or have the publisher’s name and address on the right border trimmed. Signed Ichiyusai Hiroshige ga. (The last set to be signed like this.)

                                                                                 

                                                                                Status: Sold

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

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