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. No. 82, Goto Matabei Mototsugu stopping a cannon shot with his shield from a large chuban series Taiheiki eiyuden “ Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki.” A fictional history written in the late 14th century. The set published by Hirooka Kosuke, 1 One of the four best designs from the set. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Chokaro Yoshiiku ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. 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. Very good impression and colour. Full margins with extensive mica. Offsetting visible au verso, otherwise very good condition. Signed Yoshitoshi. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The cat witch Ama Myochin. The best design from the set Hakkenden inu no soshi no uchi, biographies of the Eight Dog heroes. She peeps between two bamboo curtains, the silhouette of her true self – large hairy body and huge claws – being revealed through the curtains. Cherry blossom floats down. Published 1852 by Tsutaya Kichizo. The Hakkenden, Bakin’s famous novel, was a popular source for ukiyo-e artists. Very good impression and colour. Slightly trimmed round. Signed Ichiyosai Kunisada ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Oniwakamaru, the young Benkei, battling with the giant red carp that swallowed his mother. From a set Yoshitsune ichidai zu. Of the utmost rarity: Stewart in Subjects Portrayed in Japanese Colour-Prints, Kegan Paul, 1922, p. 318, states that only one design ( not this ) was known at that time. It is unknown how many prints were designed for this set. Published c. 1845. A wonderful design and shows that Hiroshige could excel in other areas apart from landscapes. Fine impression and colour. Slight discolouration in margins, otherwise good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige ga. 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. Trimmed at bottom, otherwise very good condition: This design is notorious for often being heavily trimmed and consequently for the three sheets not aligning properly. And also for being trimmed into the title at right. Signed Kyosai ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shinchunagon Tomomori clasping the great anchor and binding the rope about him prior to jumping into the sea after his defeat at the battle of Dannoura. From an untitled series of at least seventeen prints. This design published by Yamashiroya Heisuke, c. 1845. Extremely rare: Ex Robinson collection and illustrated by him in colour in Kuniyoshi, Phaidon, 1982, pl. 13, SIf.7. Sold by me to Robinson in 1980 and at that time it was the only impression he had seen. I have subsequently not seen another. Fine impression and colour. Trimmed round slightly and small repaired binding holes at right. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Mushashino no tsuki, “The Moon on Musashi Plain ” from the set Tsuki hyakushi, the “Hundred Phases of the Moon”. The set published between 1885 and 1892 ( this being 1892 ) by Akiyama Buemon. One of the three best designs from the set and the one that relies most on the printer’s art – using extensive bokashi. The fox was capable of transmogrifying into human form and vice versa and was popular in Japanese folklore. Very fine impression with beautiful gradation of the earliest printings on the grasses around the fox. ( See Beauty & Violence, 1992, 54.97, p. 75 for an example of the more prosaic later printing. ) Fine colour. Light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Yoshitoshi. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Inuzuka Shino on the roof of the pavilion Horyukaku fighting Kenpachi. A fine set based on Bakin’s Hakkenden, entitled “A Parody of the Hakkenden” published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1883. A rare series that shows, even at this late date, there are flashes of brilliance. Very fine impression of the first de-luxe edition with silver and beautiful bokashi. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Nakamura Shikan II as Inuyama Dosetsu battling with Inukai Kenpachi. A fine set based on Bakin’s Hakkenden entitled “A Parody of the Hakkenden” published by Fukuda Kumajiro, 1883. A rare series that shows, even at this late date, there are flashes of brilliance. Very fine impression of the first de-luxe edition with extensive burnishing and silver. Fine colour and condition. Full size. Signed Yasohachi Kunichika hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The best design from Rien kyokaku-den, ” The Story of a Chivalrous Man in the Theatrical World.” Shows the actor Kawarazaki Gonjuro as Danshichi, a fishmonger and otokodate ( “chivalrous commoner” ) in the play Natsu matsuri Naniwa kagami. “Summer Festival: Mirror of Osaka.” He is shown washing off the mud from his heavily tattooed body after killing Giheiji. Published 1863 by Hiranoya Shinzo. Superb impression of the first de-luxe edition with every embellishment: mica, embossing and the finest pigments. Fine colour. Very slight trimming and light album backing, otherwise fine condition. Signed Nanajuhachi sai ( “78 year old” ) Toyokuni hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Arashi Kichisaburo III as the bandit Akatsuki Hoshigoro, the son of of Nitta Yoshisada. Originally performed as Yotuya kaidan Chushingura. One of the best designs from Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” A night scene showing the bandit seated on the back of a giant bat, a large spider’s web above and holding a lantern in his right hand. Published by Hirayano Shinzo, 1863. Superb impression, colour and condition. The deluxe first edition on thick hosho and every refinement of printing using the finest pigments, burnishing, mica and gofun. Signed The 78 year old Toyokuni hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The best design from Toyokuni kigo kijutsu kurabe, “A Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni.” Shows the actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Mo’un Kokushi. The story is based on the Takizawa Bakin and Hokusai Chinsetsu yumiharizuki. The magician is seated on a rocky promontory with exploding rocks emanating from behind his head. A stunning design. Published by Hirayano Shinzo, 1863. Superb impression, colour and condition. The deluxe first edition on thick hosho and every refinement of printing using the finest pigments, burnishing, mica and gofun. Extra paper at left and top. Signed The 79 year old Toyokuni hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The best design from Kenjo reppuden, “Stories of Wise and Virtuous Women.” Shows Hatsuhana doing penance under the Tonozawa waterfall fulfilling a vow made on behalf of her sick husband, Katsugoro. She dies from the experience but Katsugoro is cured and kills his brother’s murderer near the waterfall observed by Hatsuhana’s ghost. Published c 1842 by Ibaya Sensaburo. Very good impression, colour and condition. Completely untrimmed with extra paper showing all round. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A design from the set Azuma nishiki ukiyo kodan, “Rough Tales of the Floating World.” Various publishers between 1867-1868, here Omi-Kyu in 1868. The prints interpret stories told by various well known storytellers, in this case Momokawa Enkoku. Shows the Monkey King (Son Goku) being catapulted into the air by the force of the large palm fan of Princess Iron Fan. (The fan was capable of creating strong winds and putting out fires.) She was a Rasetsunyo, a female protector of Buddhism. A comparatively rare set Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A hosoban showing the fight between Ushiwaka Maru ( Yoshitsune ) and Benkei on Gojo Bridge ( 1170 ). Arguably the most influential figure in ukiyoe, reputedly being the innovator of colour printing. An urushi-e, coloured by hand in yellow, tan, lilac, gofun and heavy sumi over embossed lines. Published c 1725. Ex collections Tony Straus-Negbaur and Walter von Scheven ( 1878 – 1950 ) and purchased by him at Cassirer & Helbing, 1928, lot 64, ( from Tony Straus-Negbaur ). Extremely rare. Very good impression. Slight soil and small repaired edge wormholes. But generally very nice condition for such an example. Signed Okumura Masanobu hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Saito Toshimoto and a Chinese general struggling underwater. The second best design from Taiheiki yeiyu den, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” Published by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi, 1848-9. Robinson S62.31. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Sasai Kyuzo Masayasu enveloped in smoke and avoiding musketry at the battle of Anegawa ( 1570 ). The best design from Taiheiki yeiyu den, “Heroic Stories of the Taiheiki.” Published by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi, 1848-9. Robinson S62.36. Fine impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. The battle of Miidera Temple. An early triptych, c. 1820-25. The temple became very prosperous but was at constant war with its rival, the Hieizan. Both temples kept armies of mercenaries. Published by Yamamoto-ya Heikichi. A later edition is illustrated in Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Exhibition to Commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s Birth, Nagoya City Museum et al, 1996, no. 5, p. 36. Probably Robinson T6. Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. A chubby red Kintaro acting as an umpire for two battling tengu. Other tengu in baskets behind him and at his side a bear also watches. These tengu – winged, beaked and clawed creatures – lived in the mountains and forests. It is narrated that as a toddler he was observed shaking and tearing at a large tree in which there was a nest of tengu fledglings, which he took home in a basket. Kiyonaga designed at least 28 of these Kintaro prints, see Kiyonaga, Chie Hirano, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1939, nos. 979 – 1006 ( this being 1005, PLLXV ). Published by Nishimura, 1812. Rare. Very good impression and colour. Minor edge soil and signs of mounting au verso. Signed Kiyonaga hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Takatsuna’s greatest exploit: Shown here ( centre ) swimming with his horse across the swollen Uji River to attack Kiso no Yoshinaka. His rival Kagesuye ( left ) and Shigetada further off to the right. Published by Yenshu-ya Hikobei 1849. A wonderful design. Robinson T217. Superb impression. Very fine colour and condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows the young warrior said to be as strong as an ox Sen-Kanja Usjiwaka Saburo Yoshitora. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ). Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows Ake Tamanosuke, a famous rider and archer with a wooden statue of his mentor Kansho behind him. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ). Fine impression and colour with mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows the boisterous Koo-maru, also known as “Hyonosuke” the Leopard Kid. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ). Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows Rokugi Suginosuke Norifusa, a robber-chief and magician, also known as Tengu-jiro as he could fly like the tengus. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ). Fine impression and colour with mica. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows Akashi Shiganosuke, the notoriously strong Yokozuma sumo-fighter, holding an opponent at bay with one hand. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ). Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows Oshima Tanzo, a member of the robber-chief Shindo Kajiro Nobuyuki’s tribe. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ). Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows the robber-chief Shindo Kojiro Nobuyuki being asked by the monkey spirit of Shinohaza to avenge his murder by Inaba Taro. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1867 ). Fine impression and colour with strong burnishing. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows Kinezumi Konoshi Kaiden, the muscular monk, killing a monstrous wild cat that had tormented a village. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ). Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows Sangoku Taro who travelled through India and China learning conjuring tricks. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866/7 ( this being 1866 ). Fine impression and colour with mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold
Click here to view image full size. Shows Satami Jirotaro Yoshishige collecting the head of his adversary Awa Katsegura that his faithful dog has retrieved. From the fine chuban set of fifty prints Biyu Suikoden, “Handsome Heroes of the Water Margin” published by Omiya Kyujiro, 1866 Fine impression and colour with gauffrage on the dog and mica ground. Very good condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu. Status: Sold