Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Etchu Tateyama, “Tateyama in Etchu [Province]” from a set Sankai mitate zumo, “Wrestling Matches Between Mountains and Seas.” The title is in a traditional sumo umpire’s fan (the gunbai) top right. A set of 20 prints: 10 of mountains, 10 of sea harbours. Published by Yamadaya Shojiro (Kinkyodo) in 1858. A mountainous region famous for its hiking trails and hot steam vents and sulfurous streams. The smoke from some seen here rising in juxtaposition to the mountain peaks. Fine impression and colour. This is the first edition with variegated cartouche. Slight centre fold, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: Available Price:  £2,800  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

The Yoro Waterfall, Mino, Yoro no taki, “Mino [Province], Yoro Waterfall” from Rokujuyoshu meisho zue, “Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces.” The 32 meters fall cascades down from Mount Tado. Legend has it that the water had rejuvenating properties with the Empress Gensho (A.D.683-748) having visited and likening the taste to that of sake. A cider, Yoro Sanroku, is produced here. Published by Koshimuraya Heisuke (Kohei), 1853-56, this being 1853. Numerous states exist of this design with colour variations and differences in gradation. Primarily the colouring of the fall changes: Some impressions have the waterfall completely blue, which obscures the blind-printing, while others, as here, have edge gradation only. Fine impression with strong blind-printing on the fall. Slight fading and toning in margins, otherwise very good condition. Very large borders. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: Available Price:  £2,800  

Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)

Click here to view image full size. Meisho hakkei: Enoshima seiran “Eight Celebrated Views: Clearing Weather at Enoshima” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Koyurugi no iso Morokoshi ga hara “Koyurugi Strand and Morokoshi Plain.” Shows a view of the famous island from Shichiri Beach and Mount Fuji in the distance. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche (as here), the other with cursive script. It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point. Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu. Status: Available Price:  £4,200  

Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)

Click here to view image full size. Meisho hakkei: Fuji bosetsu, “Eight Celebrated Views: Evening Snow on Mount Fuji” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Shimo Sengen atomiya nakamiya zenzu, “Complete View of the Inner and Middle Shrines at Shimo Sengen.” A majestic Fuji towers over the shrines. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point. Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu. Status: Available Price:  £6,800  

Utagawa TOYOKUNI II (TOYOSHIGE) (1777-1835)

Click here to view image full size. Meisho hakkei: Miho rakugan “Eight Celebrated Views: Returning Geese at Miho” in the oblong title cartouche and written below it: Suruga Kiyomidera Yoshiwara enkei, “Distant View of Yoshiwara Station and Kiyomi Temple in Suruga Province.” A blind-printed Mount Fuji is seen on the horizon. The “Eight Views” theme originates from 11th century China and the scenery of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers made famous by the scholar-painter Song Di. Here Toyokuni sets the views in Kanagawa. Published by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudo) c early 1830s. There are two editions of this set: one with regular block script in title cartouche, the other with cursive script (as here). It is unclear which is the earliest. Cursive script is extremely difficult to read now but in 1830 it was no problem. Comparison between editions on some other designs in the set show them to be almost identical, consequently it seems that the two states are almost contemporaneous and which is earlier is a moot point. Fine impression and colour with colour in title cartouche well retained. Fine condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu. Status: Available Price: £5,500  

Utagawa KUNINAO (1793-1854)

Click here to view image full size. A triptych Harugeshiki musume dochu sanmai Tsuzuki, “A Young Lady and her Maids Being Transported Across the River in Spring.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Enjudo), c 1814. Fine impression and colour. Lightly toned. Extremely large margins. Signed Kuninao ga. Status: Available Price: £2,000  

Shotei HOKUJU (Active 1787-1818)

Click here to view image full size. Kai no kuni Saruhashi no shinsha no zu, “A True View of the Monkey Bridge in the Province of Kai.” An impressive wooden bridge spans a deep chasm. It was called the “Monkey Bridge” because the original rickety plank structure was so precarious that only an agile monkey could cross it. Hokuju produced a number of these westernised landscapes and this is one of the best designs. Published by Nishimuraya Yohachi, c 1815. It is also known with variant colour schemes. Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed around and imperceptible centre fold. Signed Shotei Hokuju ga.     Status: Available Price:  £5,800    

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Seki and Kameyama from the chuban Muraichi Tokaido. The set of 56 prints published by Muraichi, 1852. Printed two-to-a-sheet uncut and probably from a complete proof set. Double censor’s seals Murata and Kinugasa and date seal 2ic/1852 top right.     Fine impressions with strong woodgrain showing. Fine colour. Very small binding holes in right border, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga on each print.     Status: Available Price:  £800    

Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)

Click here to view image full size. Kegon no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “ The Kegon Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Three travellers rather precariously perched on a ledge looking down at the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”   Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.   Status: Available Price: £7,200  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)

Click here to view image full size. Taishu kaigan, a Dutch ship off the seashore of Tsushima Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “One Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” The Japanese island is located off the west coast of the island of Kyushu north of Nagasaki. Published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 and 1861, this being 1860.   Fine impression of the first edition with variegated cartouche and burnishing on the boat. Fine colour. Album backing, otherwise fine condition. Full margins. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £2200  

Utagawa YOSHIKAZU (Fl. 1850-70)

Click here to view image full size. Triptych showing an American steamship. Amerika jokisen, nagasa yonjuken, haba rokken, “American Steamship: Measuring Two Hundred and Sixty Feet long and Forty Feet wide.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Enjudo), 1861. A fine depiction.   Very fine impression and colour; light burnishing on boat. Album backing; two sheets connected, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichikawa Yoshikazu ga.   Status: Available Price: £5800  

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. A triptych of Yokohama Honcho no zue, “Honcho [Main Street] in Yokohama.” Shows the busy street one year after the port opened to foreign trade on 2nd June 1859. The Mitsui store is seen at left and the street is thronged with tradesmen and Japanese and foreign visitors. Originally the fishing village was chosen to protect foreign residents from the hostile marauding samurai on the nearby Tokaido road. The town expanded rapidly speaking a fusion language of Japanese, Dutch and English. Photographs by Kusakabe Kinbei around 1880 show the street tree-lined. Published by Izumiya Ichibei (Kansendo), 1860.   Fine impression and colour. Album backing; two sheets connected, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.   Status: Available Price: £2800  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)

Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. The complete 6-sheet Kanagawa: Noge Yokohama, an evening scene showing an aerial view of Yokohama with an American ship entering the port on the far left. The two triptychs were published separately: the left 2/1861 and 6/1861 on the right but form a complete design. Very rare complete.   Fine impression and colour. Album backing; two sheets connected on each triptych and small pin holes on borders of two sheets, but otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price: £4200  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Seki from a Tokaido set published by Maruya Seijiro, 1850-51, hence it is often referred to as the Marusei Tokaido. Also known as the Reisho Tokaido because the title “Tokaido” is written in formal script. Below is the station number 48. Seki was located where the two highways of Tokaido and Ise-ji meet. Seki means “barrier checkpoint.” Figures pass beneath a torii gate on a snowy hillside.   Fine impression and colour. Minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £3,500  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Station Numazu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. An impressive view of Mount Fuji seen from the plains of Suruga. The village of Numazu is seen on the right amongst the trees.   Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £1,500  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Station Okitsu from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. The Kiyomi Barrier and Seiken Temple near Okitsu.   Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Station Ejiri from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Located on the west side of Suruga Bay, close to the famous beauty spot of Miho no Matsubara.   Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £1,500  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Station Kanbara from a set Tokaido gojusan tsugi, “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road,” aka the Reisho Tokaido from the clerical script used in the title, or the Marusei Tokaido after the publisher Maruya Seijiro (Marusei) who published the set 1847-52. Kanbara, Fujikawa funawatashi, “Kanbara, Ferryboat on the Fuji River.”   Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)

Click here to view image full size. Jakko Nunobiki no taki, “The Hanging Cloth Waterfall at Jakko Shrine.” So-called because it falls in seven-tiers. The shrine is seen below the fall. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”   Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Slight fading, otherwise very good colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.   Status: Available Price:  £6,800  

Keisai EISEN (1790-1848)

Click here to view image full size. The Kirifuri waterfall, Kirifuri no taki, santaki no sono ikkei, “The Falling Mist Waterfall, View of One of the Three Falls.” From a set Nikkosan meisho no uchi, “Celebrated Views in the Nikko Mountains.” A group of travellers admire the fall from below. From a set of five prints: It was probably intended to be a set of three prints but another two were added, possibly with the intention of going on to emulate Hokusai’s waterfall set. Published by Yamamotoya Heikichi (Eikyudo) c. 1843-47. In contrast to Hokusai’s set, Eisen’s have a more muscular appearance. See: The Japanese Print: A New Approach, J. Hillier, Bell & Son, 1960, Chapter XVI, where Jack Hillier discusses Eisen and his landscapes and considers this set “… is perhaps the crowning achievement of his career as a designer of landscape prints.”   Fine impression. (Late impressions are not known of this set, probably due to not having the popularity of Hokusai’s set.) Very good colour and condition. Signed Keisai Eisen utsusu.   Status: Available Price:  £9,000  

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing horse racing in Tokyo. Tokyo Shokonsha [the original name of the Yasukuni Shrine] naigaijin keiba no zu, “Horse Racing for Foreigners and Japanese in Shokonsha Tokyo.” From Tokyo kaika kyoga meisho, “Comic Pictures of Civilised Tokyo.” Published by Maruya Jinpachi (Marujin) 1871. The first Western-style horse racing was established by – mainly British – residents in the form of the Yokohama Race Club in 1862.   Fine impression: Later states lack the wood-pattern background on the title panel. Fine colour and condition. Signed Oju Keisai Yoshitoshi.   Status: Available Price:  £2,200  

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. A poem by the celebrated poet Minamoto no Shigeyuki from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). Shows the poet on a craggy outcrop with waves crashing around him; Fuji in the distance. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one: Waves that beat against the rocks Fanned by a fierce wind – It is I alone Who breaks, those times When I think of her Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Hiroshige ga. Status: Available Price:  £4,200

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. A poem by the celebrated poet Bunya no Yasuhide from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). The poet in the background watches as a fierce wind blows away some of the umbrellas that are being made. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one: The mountain wind in autumn time Is well called “hurricane”; It hurries canes and twigs along, And whirls them o’er the plain To scatter them again Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling of border but otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.   Status: Available Price:  £2,500  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Sumidagawa hazakura no kei, “Cherry Trees along the Sumida River” from a Toto meisho “Famous Places in the Eastern Capital” set of ten prints published c 1831-2 by Kawaguchiya Shozo. Hiroshige’s first landscape set. The first editions, as here, have decorative borders adding a western element into the design. These were removed on later editions. There are also variant states with different shading. Rare.   Fine impression and colour. Backed, 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: Available Price:  £5,800  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)

Click here to view image full size. The Dragon’s Maw Mountain, Bizen Province, Bizen tatsu-no-kuchiyama from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). Shows a lone figure battling a heavy rainstorm in a steep-sided canyon.   Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £4,900  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)

Click here to view image full size. Mino Ochiai-bashi. Mino (Noshu) Province from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1861). An evening rain scene with figures making their way across the torrential Chitose River, famous for its fishing.   Superb impression of the first edition. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price: £5,800  

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. A poem by the celebrated poet and monk Noin-hoshi from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teika (1162-1241). A group of travellers are caught in a torrential downpour. One of the best designs in the set published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one: The maples and leaves Of Mount Mimura – Making the Tatsuta River A fine brocade Very fine impression. Fine colour. Slight nibbling on one margin, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.   Status: Available Price:  £2,200  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1829-1869)

Click here to view image full size. Nikko Shimofuri no taki, “Shimofuri Waterfall in Nikko” from Shokoku meisho hyakkei, “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859-1861 (this being 1859).   Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £4,200  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. Fuchu from The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido published by Marusei, Maruya Seijiro, 1847-52. Called the Reisho Tokaido because of the angular style of Kanji used. Travellers coming and going at the entrance to the station. One of the best designs from the set. Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection with seal below title cartouche.   Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Available Price:  £1,900  

Utagawa HIROSHIGE II (1826-1869)

Click here to view image full size. Enshu Akiba enkei Fukuroi tako. Fukuroi, Enshu (Totomi) Province from the “Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Provinces.” An uncompleted set of 81 prints published by Uoya Eikichi between 1859 – 1861 (this being 1859). Shows kite flying with a distant view of Mount Akiba. It has been suggested that the release of confetti was to bring good luck for the forthcoming harvest.     Very fine impression of the first edition. Fine colour. Very slight soil, otherwise fine condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.     Status: Available Price:  £3,800