1764-65 – a pivotal year for Ukiyoe-e

The years 1764/5 are now recognised as the most pivotal in the development of Ukiyo-e. Prior to this year fully polychrome prints were rarely produced. The ability to ‘key’ more than one block been known had for some time using the simple expedient of kento marks cut in relief – a right-angle in the corner, and a horizontal line down the side. However, around 1764/5, a number of favourable circumstances – namely a period of permissiveness in the arts and the proliferation of literary and poetry clubs – gave rise to the e-goyomi print (calendar-print), probably instigated by Jinshiro Tadanobu (Kikurensha Kyosen), founder of the Kikuren Club.   Calendar-prints were a government-controlled monopoly. The none-government clubs this circumnavigated by hiding the dai-sho (long and short months) numerals in various parts of a print’s design. Also, in the development of the colour print process, a tweak was made to the kento marks by the insertion of a sliver of wood; this enabled finer adjustments to be made with the keying of the blocks to compensate for expansion or contraction of the paper (or indeed the blocks). This refinement made it possible for numerous blocks to be used. The clubs commissioned the printers to use the thicker more luxurious hosho paper and a wide range of new pigments. These luxurious prints also often used over-printing and blind-printing.   Harunobu was in the right place at the right time to fully exploit these advances and the next few years would see a huge increase in Harunobu’s output, from initially designing the private e-goyomi to having them commercially sold and going on to produce a large corpus via commercial publishers. Harunobu died in 1770 but the decade saw some of the most exquisite compositions by him that were seldom surpassed in the refinement of…

Suzuki HARUNOBU (1724-1770)

Click here to view image full size. A beauty standing beside a stream where wild chrysanthemums grow. A mitate-e (parody) of Kikujido, the Chrysanthemum Boy, who was the favourite of the Chinese Emperor Mu (c. 950 B.C.). However, because of court jealousy, he was banished but had his exile eased by the Emperor who gifted him the ability to read sacred Buddhist texts. He became an immortal, spending his days surrounded by chrysanthemums and inscribing words of peace on the flowers’ petals. This is the second state: The first (private edition) is a calendar print with a signature (of an amateur) Kinga Ko and seal and has the year and its cyclical signs for 1766. These Harunobu calendar prints, printed in small numbers, were commissioned by wealthy individuals between c. 1764 and 1766 and so popular that they were published commercially. Rare.   Very good impression and colour Very minor edge soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Suzuki Harunobu ga.   Status: Available Price:  £8,000  

Hosoda EISHI (1756-1829)

Click here to view image full size. Two beauties examining tanzaku poetry cards from a set Ukiyo Genji hakkei, “Eight Views of Genji in the Floating World.” The designs stand alone but also form diptychs. This series compares scenes from the famous Tale of Genji novel written by the Lady Murasaki in the early 11th century with the Eight Views of Omi [Lake Biwa]. In the present case, Maboroshi rakugan (viz Katata rakugan, “Descending Geese at Katata”) is compared to chapter 41, Spirit Summoner, of the Tale of Genji where a poem composed by the Akashi Lady is in response to the grieving Genji’s poem after the nocturnal encounter with Murasaki which refers to the wild goose (aka Genji) having flown away. Published by Eijudo c 1797-99. Another impression is in the B.M., reg. no. 1931, 0427,0.8 and an impression is illustrated in Klaus J. Brandt, Hosoda Eishi, 1977, 119, no. 301. Provenance: Sold Sothebys, New York, 28/10/1980, lot 866.   Fine impression. Very good colour with yellow ground. Slight centre fold and very slight trimming, otherwise very good condition. Signed Eishi zu.   Status: Available Price:  £6,500  

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

Yamamoto FUJINOBU (Active 1750-1770)

Click here to view image full size. An original painting, full colour on paper, image size 32.25 x 7 in; 82 x 18 cms. Shows a parading courtesan with her kamuro. A painter and print artist whose prints were always published by Yamamoto Fusanobu giving rise to the theory that Fujinobu was a pseudonym of the publisher. Much influenced by Harunobu. His prints are extremely rare. Slight creasing, otherwise good condition. Signed Fujinobu ga with indistinct seal.     Status: Available Price:  £3,200     Click here to view image full size.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Click here to view image full size. The great beauty Lady Kaoyo (Gozen) admires herself in a long morror. Lord Ko Moronao, the chief retainer of Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, hears of her beauty and connives to spy on her after her bath. He falls in love, but she is married to En’ya Hankan Takasada. The evil Moronao plots against En’ya although the outcome is that the family is put to death, including En’ya’s wife. The story forms the basis of the famous Chushingura tale. From the set Ikkai zuihitsu, “Essays by Yoshitoshi.” (Ikkai was an early name of Yoshitoshi’s.) A set of thirteen prints published by Masadaya Heikichi 1872 A fine set.   Extremely fine impression and colour from the first edition. Most designs from the set have red seals in the margin and red seals over the signature. These were removed on later editions. Trimmed on black border at left, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ikkaisai Yoshitoshi hitsu.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

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 KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. A poem by the celebrated poet Sutoku-in from the series Hyakunin isshu no uchi, “One Hundred Poems for One Hundred Poets” which was compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara Teiki (1162-1241). Shows the exiled Emperor Sutoku (1119-64) standing on a rocky outcrop above turbulent rapids. His wrath causes a thunderstorm with lightening. One of the very best designs from the set. Published by Ebisuya Shoshichi, Ebine, 1840-42. Only 58 of the 100 prints are known. Various translations of the poem exist, here is one:   Because the current is swift Even though the rapids Blocked by a boulder Are divided, like them, in the end We will surely meet, I know   Very fine impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga.   Status: Available Price:  £5,500  

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Click here to view image full size. A triptych from a set Bidan musha hakkei, “Eight Views of Warriors’ Fine Tales.” This design Togakushi no seiran, “Clearing Weather of the Togakushi Mountains.” Princess Sarashina, who is actually a female oni called Momji, “Maple Leaves,” having transformed herself, is seen screaming from behind a giant drum and raising a high wind scattering maple leaves against Taira no Koremori Ason who draws his sword to kill her. Published by Sanoya Tomigoro, 1868.   Extremely fine impression of the earliest state. Fine colour. Slight marks on first sheet, otherwise very good condition. Signed Gekko Yoshitoshi hitsu.   Status: Available Price:  £4,800  

Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)

Click here to view image full size. The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII as Shibuya Konnomaru Masatoshi from a set Edo meisho zue, “Famous Places of Edo.” This being Shibuya. Published by Iseya Chusuke 1852.   Very good impression. Good colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.   Status: Available Price: £900  

Utagawa KUNISADA (1786-1865)

Click here to view image full size. The actor Segawa Kikunojo III as the Spirit of the Komachi Cherry Tree from a set Mitate sanjurokkasen no uchi, “An Imaginary Thirty-six Poets.” A famous early compilation; in this case the image is inspired by a poem of Fujiwara no Motozane. The spirit is the courtesan Kurozome who appears to combat the evil plans of Sekibei (actually Otomo no Kuronushi) to cut the tree down. Published by Iseya Kanekichi, 1852.   Fine impression. Fine colour. Very small binding holes otherwise very good condition. Signed Toyokuni ga.   Status: Available Price:  £1,280  

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

Click here to view image full size. A triptych from a set of ten: Dai Nippon shiryaku zue, “Short Illustrated History of Great Japan.” Each print is in the form of an unrolled makimono. This design shows the third son of the twelfth century Emperor Keiko, Yamato Takeru no mikoto (Wo-usu). His father was constantly sending him on dangerous missions making him suspect that he wished his death. One such journey was to the Emishi in northeast Japan. On complaining about this to his high-priestess aunt, Yamatohime, she gave him the famous sword Ame no murakumo no hoken to aid him. On his arrival, the ruler of the Emishi lured him onto open grassland which he set on fire. Wo-usu used his sword to cut the grass, evade death, and start new fires to kill his enemy. Published by Kobayashi, 1880. A fine design.   Fine impression of first edition. Fine colour. Very slight crease bottom margin of centre sheet, otherwise fine condition. Signed Taiso Yoshitoshi.   Status: Available Price:  £2,800  

Ichirakutei EISUI (Active 1790-1823)

Click here to view image full size. A fine okubi-e (“large head”) portrait of the courtesan Shizuka of the Tama-ya House. Eisui, like the other main pupils of Eishi, produced some of the finest bust-portraits in Ukiyo-e. Published by Maruya Bunemon c late 1790’s. Other impressions illustrated in Klaus J. Brandt, Hosoda Eishi, page 72, 524, no. C35, catalogued p. 231, and the Library of Congress, FP2-JPD, no. 1912. Extremely Rare.   Very good impression. Good colour. Slight soil, otherwise good condition. Full sze. Signed Ichirakutei Eisui ga.   Status: Available Price:  £22,000  

Toyohara CHIKANOBU (1838-1912)

Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the Shinto Storm God Susanoo about to slay the eight-headed dragon, Yamata no Orochi, at the head of the Hi River in pouring rain. The dragon devoured virgins and had eaten the seven daughters of two earthly deities, seen top right. The eighth, Kushi-inada-hime, also on the right, is saved by Susanoo who encourages the dragon to drink eight-times brewed sake from eight vats which intoxicates it enough to be killed. Rare: Chikanobu is not known for this type of subject. Published c 1870s.   Fine impression, colour and condition. Mica applied to sky and the rain printed in silver. Full size. Signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu.   Status: Available Price:  £2,200  

Utagawa TOYOKUNI I (1769-1825)

Click here to view image full size. A surimono showing the actor Ichikawa Danjuro II as Soga no Goro Tokimune holding the giant arrow prior to sharpening it on the large wetstone from the play Yanone Goro. From a series of surimono that paid tribute to the various generations of the Danjuro family. There are two versions of this set of surimono and some ambiguity as to which is the earlier. They are known with blank borders, lacking metallic pigments and signed Ko Toyokuni hitsu (except one design signed Toyokuni II and probably issued in 1833). The other, as here, is signed Toyokuni hitsu, has metallic pigments and the emblem of the Gogawa Poetry Club around the border. The poets were also changed for this issue. It seems that the first version was issued by the Danjuro Fan Club in 1825 and that the reissue, c 1830s, was by the Gogawa. One poem by Ryueishi. The finest design from the set. Very fine impression with metallic pigments. Fine colour and condition. Signed Toyokuni hitsu.    Status: Available Price:  £6,500

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

Click here to view image full size. A fine chuban design showing Keyamura Rokusuke (aka Kida Magobee Muneharu), a famous farmer turned samurai and sumo wrestler of incredible strength, doing penance for seven days under the waterfall at Hikosan Gongen praying for his mother. Two Tengu watch from above. Waterfalls were one of the go-to-places to perform filial piety as they were considered to purify the soul in Shinto/Buddhist culture. From a set Honcho nijushiko, “Twenty-four Paragons of Filial Piety of our Country.” Published by Murataya Tetsu, 1843-6.   Fine impression and colour. Small nick out of top, otherwise very good condition. The signature Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga is on the extreme left edge and is often trimmed.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

Mori SOSEN (1747-1821)

An original painting, sumi and light colour on silk, 42.5 x 16 in; 108 x 40.5 cms. His life is not well documented but he is known to have studied under the Kano artist Yamamoto Joshunsai (?-1781) before being drawn into Maruyama Okyo’s (1735-1795) artistic circle and his style is more Shijo than anything else. His animal paintings were evidently highly valued by Okyo. He was an immediate favourite with eastern collectors because of his monkey paintings at which he excelled, although he was more versatile than literature implies and highly accomplished at painting other animals. But his images of monkeys take precedence and he is considered the pre-eminent painter, east or west, on this subject. It is alleged that he lived in the woods for three years eating fruit and nuts to study the monkeys and other animals, and is also supposed to have had a cage of monkeys at the back of his house to better observe them. This high quality painting shows two monkeys sitting on the branch of a cherry tree. Signed Sosen with two Sosen seals. In good condition.   Status: Available Price:  £2,800  

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  

Kitagawa UTAMARO (1754-1806)

Click here to view image full size. A design from a set of six prints Furyu ko-dakara awase, “Elegant Comparisons of Little Treasures.” About to breastfeed (chichi). Published by Izumiya Ichibei, c 1802.   Fine impression. Extremely well preserved colour. Very good condition. Signed Utamaro hitsu.   Status: Available Price:  £5,500  

Ikeda EISEN (1790-1848)

Click here to view image full size. A beauty, Ureshi so, “The Contented Type” from a set Imayo bijin junikei, “Twelve Views of Modern Beauties.” Above on a handscroll is a view of Fuji from Takanawa. She bites onto a tissue which has erotic connotations. Published c 1822-25 by Izumiya Ichibei.   Fine impression and colour. Very good condition. Signed Keisai Eisen ga.   Status: Available Price:  £2,800  

Utagawa YOSHITORA (1836-1887)

Click here to view image full size. A triptych showing the warrior Inukai Genpachi (the famous character from the Hakkenden) confronting a cat monster which has emanated from a horse on Mount Koshin. Other cat monsters stare in amazement. Published by Kojimaya Jubei, 1850.   Very fine impression. Fine colour. Imperceptible small binding holes, otherwise fine condition. Signed Ichimosai Yoshitora ga.   Status: Available Price:  £3,800  

Keisai MASAYOSHI (1764-1824)

Click here to view image full size. One volume complete Gyokai ryakugashiki, “Fishes and Shells in the Abbreviated Style of Drawing.” Published in Osaka by Fukusada Tobei, 1813. Originally published in 1802 with alternative title and poems by Ichiyosei Sogai and others. 31 sheets numbered 1-31. Initial page with title and illustrator Kuwagata Keisai (Kitao Masayoshi). Colophon with date Bunka 10 (1813), engravers and publisher.     Some minor soil and damage to covers, otherwise good condition. Extensive use of mica on various pages.     Status: Sold   Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size.

Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)

Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto beside an engawa with a bird cage. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.   Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.   Status: Available Price: £1,800  

Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)

Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.   Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)

Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.   Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)

Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.   Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

Hishikawa MORONOBU (?-1694)

Click here to view image full size. A large sumizuri-e from a shunga set of twelve published c 1680s. In each case the couples are enclosed in a Chinese-style fan border. A couple in flagrante delicto. Moronobu was possibly the single most influential artist and pioneered the ukiyo-e school. A painter, printer and illustrator.   Very good impression. Minor marks, otherwise good condition.   Status: Available Price:  £1,800  

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 KUNISADA (1786-1864)

Click here to view image full size. A beauty washing in a large tub of water. Kiku,”Chrysanthemum” from a set Tosei hana kurabe, “Contest of Modern Flowers.”Beauties compared to flowers. Published by Omiya Heihachi, c 1820. This appears to be the earliest state with the beauty’s undergarment printed red which is lacking in other impressions.   Very good impression. Fine colour. Very good condition. Signed Gototei Kunisada ga.   Status: Available Print:  £1,400