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    

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  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858) A bluebird and a branch of wild rose. A chuban print published c 1835-9. A very similar design with the same poem is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, acquisition number 21.9729 and also a chutanzaku design, acquisition number 21.7997. Rare.   Fine impression. Very good colour. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A Java sparrow on a clematis vine. A sanchogake format (three designs printed on a horizontal sheet and intended to be separated). Published c 1835-9. This is the first edition with the cube-shaped red Hiroshige seal. Two later impressions are in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, acquisition numbers 21.9590 and 65.1671. Rare.   Fine impression and colour. Minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A one third block (10 x 4.75 in; 25.3 x 12.1 cms) panel showing an oriole – probably a black-naped oriole – on a branch of a flowering apple tree. Published c. early 1830s.   Good impression. Very good colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare aiban print showing two kochi , bartail flatheads, (Platycephalus indicus) and an abalone, sea-ear, (Haliotus tuberculate). From a set of eight prints of various fish published c. late 1830s. Another impression is illustrated in Japanese Prints IV – Hiroshige and the Utagawa School, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, 1984, no. 45, p. 35.   Fine impression and colour. Slight soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An uncut fan print: Yoshiwara Naka-no-cho sakura doki, “Cherry Blossom at Naka-no-cho in the Yoshiwara.” Published 7 Exceptionally rare: One other trimmed impression is illustrated in Hiroshige Fan Prints, Rupert Faulkner, Unsodo, 2010, no. 55, p. 45.   Fine impression and colour. Extremely good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An uncut fan print: Ochanomizu no seiran, “Fine Weather but Windy.” From a set Edo hakkei, “Eight Views of Edo.” Published 1847-8 by Ibaya Senzaburo (who specialised in fans). Shows two beauties caught on a blustery day to the north of the Kanda River, the aqueduct lower left and Mt. Fuji in the distance. Exceptionally rare: The V & A museum has a complete (trimmed) set, see Rupert Faulkner, Hiroshige Fan Prints, 2001, nos. 23-30 (this being no. 25). And another impression is illustrated in Ukiyo-e Art, number eighteen, Memorial Exhibition of Hiroshige, 1968, no. 3. These appear to be the only other impressions known.   Fine impression. Very good colour. Slight centre fold and soil, but generally very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A shishi cub being taught to scale a vertical cliff. ( Shishi: ‘Chinese Lion’ [ Ch.: Shi-tzu ]. ) it was said that the shishi cast its young from a high rock to test whether it could scale the rock face in which case it became the perfect beast. Published by Sanoki, c 1839-40. Extremely rare: one other impression illustrated in The Art of Hiroshige, Tsuneo Tamba, no.410. Fine impression and colour. Small areas of expert restoration. Signed Hiroshige ga. Status: Sold

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. Ai or ayu, river trout, Plecoglossus altivelis. Poem by Haruzono Shizuo. From the first set of fish prints published by Eijudo, c 1832-4. This first series was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Due to their popularity this first series was published commercially and a second set was commissioned. The most sought after print in the series and probably the first to be designed.   Very good impression, colour and condition. Full size with with no centre fold. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A half- block print showing a small bird (possibly a bush warbler) and plum blossom. . Published by Kawasho (Kawaguchi Shozo) c. mid 1830s. Half-blocks were printed two-to-a-sheet and divided, either vertically or horizontally.   Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga with Utagawa seal.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A half-block print showing a sparrow and iris. Published by Kawasho (Kawaguchi Shozo) c. mid 1830s. Half-blocks were printed two-to-a-sheet and divided, either vertically or horizontally.   Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige ga with Utagawa seal.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An uncut fan print with title Shinkiro no zu which has a double meaning of being the Yoshiwara in the deep sea and also a chimera or mirage. The scene enclosed in a (dreaming ?) bivalve shows visitors in a watery Yoshiwara, all with fish heads. Of the utmost rarity: This appears to be the only impression known. There are also what appear to be keying marks on three sides that have not been removed. Published by Shinagawaya Kyusuke with censor seal for 1845.   Very fine impression. Fine colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige giga hitsu.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A Java sparrow on a clematis vine. A sanchogake format (three designs printed on a horizontal sheet and intended to be separated). Published c 1835-9. Rare.   Very good impression, colour and condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu. (There is an impression with a cube-shaped red Hiroshige seal which is the first state.)   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi and light colour on light green-coloured silk, 21.37 x 13.62 in; 51.8 x 34.7 cms. The location is unidentified but shows an inland sea with a promontory and shrine. A beautiful, lyrical landscape probably painted in Kaei era (1848-54). In good condition and has recently been remounted with a futo-maki wooden role. Signed Hiroshige with Ichiryusai seal.   Status: Sold    Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi on paper, 35 x 11 in; 88.9 x 28 cms. A view of Matsuchiyama from Imadobashi with bands of low lying mist. This area is depicted on many Hiroshige prints. Painted c. 1850. In very good condition. The mounting cloth is wasarasa, Japanese batik, made at about the same time as this painting was made.   Signed Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.   Status: Sold    Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

     Click here to view image full size. A fine and important painting of the autumn moon at Ishiyama. Ishiyama Temple seen to the left and Seta Bridge to the right with Mount Fuji in the distance. The view is very close to that for the design Ishiyama no shugetsu, from the Omi Hakkei no uchi print set published c 1834 but the viewpoint moved round and slightly closer. The strange rocks which give their name to the temple are given prominence using a spontaneous brush. As with so much in Japan, the Eight Views theme comes from China and is based on the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang. Fine condition. Painted in sumi with light sumi and blue washes on ( the usual ) grey silk. Image size 16.25 x 23 in; 41.25 x 58.5 cms Fine new mount with futo-maki ( thick wooden roll to preserve the painting from damage ). New box. Signed Hiroshige with Ichiryusai seal.   Status: Sold    Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An original painting, sumi and very light blue on silk, 40 x 15.25 in; 101.6 x 38.7 cms. Shows the moon reflected in the Tama river with spring ayu (sweet water fish) swimming beneath Japanese papyrus growing in the water.   A beautiful painting. One small foxing mark, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.   Status: Sold    Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An important original Hiroshige painting. Sumi and colour on grey silk, 22.5 x 13.75 inches, 57 x 35 cms. An atmospheric scene showing an evening view at Tamegawa. Villagers hurrying home across a bridge to avoid an approaching thunderstorm. Lightning flashing above. This is a well known painting and has been illustrated in a number of books, including Ukiyo-e Art, Number 18, Memorial Exhibition of Hiroshige, The Japan Ukiyo-e Society, 1968, pl.20. Very good condition; fully mounted with double box and ivory ends. Signed Hiroshige fude with Ichiryusai seal. Hiroshige signature c. 1848- 52.   Status: Sold    Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size. here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. An original painting showing the old lighthouse at Tempozan, Osaka. To the left is the mount which was formed by earth dredged from the Ajigawa in 1831 to allow easier access for ships. In the foreground masts of moored vessels. There appear to be few images of this lighthouse. It was replaced by a lighthouse designed by the British engineer Richard Henry Brunton, the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses” in 1872. Sumi and light colour on paper, 12.75 x 20.25 in ; 32.4 x 51.4 cms.     Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. Very good condition.     Status: Sold     Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. A charming small painting in shijo style obviously from a gajo of such sketches. Shows a flowering plum branch loosely tied to another branch. Sumi and light colour on paper, 5.5 x 8 in; 14 x 20.25 cms. Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. Slight centre fold (of course) otherwise good condition. Old mount with bamboo ends.     Status: Sold     Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A fine original painting by Hiroshige I, sumi on silk, image size 38 x 12.5 in; 96.5 x 31.75 cms. Shows an avenue of trees leading to a small bridge beneath a torii; bands of mist, and, in the distance, another torii and a lake or open sea with sails. A beautiful composition. I have not been able to identify the location: It was not unknown for Hiroshige to paint imaginary landscapes or use poetic license.   Signed Hiroshige ga with Ichiryusai seal. In very good condition having been recently remounted.   Status: Sold    Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

Click here to view image full size. An original fan painting mounted as a scroll. Shows a gorge with the fast flowing Nagatoro River in Musashi Province. (An area in western Saitama Prefecture northwest of Tokyo.) Sumi and light blue on paper, 7 x 20.5 in; 17.75 x 52 cms. Comes with a certificate from Aoki Shinzaburo (who had a large collection of Hiroshige drawings and paintings). In good condition. Signed Hiroshige with Ryusai seal.     Status: Sold     Click here to view image full size. Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. An extremely rare aiban print showing a shimadai, grouper, (probably Chilodactylus zonatus) and an aji, horse-mackerel, (Caranx trachurus). From a set of eight prints of various fish published c. late 1830s.   Fine impression and colour. Slight soil, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige ga.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. Koi, carp (Cyprinus carpio) 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 extra poems. Poem above by Makuzu. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Due to their popularity this first series was published commercially and a second set was commissioned. The best design from the second set. Other examples: Vignier and Inada, Vol. VI, pl. LXIX, no. 265 and Tamba, no. 424.   Very good impression. Early state: See Andon 49, Hiroshige: A shoal of red herrings, number 12. This is Kruml c with the b Ichiryusai seal. Fine colour. Slight trimming left and top, otherwise very good condition. Signed Hiroshige hitsu.   Status: Sold  

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. A newly discovered painting of a three-clawed Kano-style dragon amongst clouds. Although a subject popular with Japanese artists (and especially Chinese artists where the subject derives from), this appears to be the only such painting by Hiroshige extant. He did, however, produce two prints of the subject – a surimono and a large panel, both of around the same date. The signature indicates a date after 1840 and it was most likely painted for the Dragon Year 1844. Blue and brown ink on paper with extensive splashed ink. Image size 34.5 x 10.5 in; 87.7 x 26.7 cm. The mount uses a ryu-mon (dragon pattern) motif to match the subject. Very good condition. Signed Ichiryusai Hiroshige hitsu with Ichiryusai seal.   Status: Sold    Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Ichiryusai HIROSHIGE (1797-1858)

 Click here to view image full size. Tobiuo, flying fish (probably Prognichthys) and ishimochi also called guchi or shiroguchi, white croaker, (probably Argyrosomus argenatus). Together with a single lily. Poem by Toshigaki Maharu. From the second series of ten fish prints published by Yamasho, c1840-42.The first series was issued privately for a poetry group ( probably the Shingyoku Circle ) with judges’ names and extra poems. These prints are of the utmost rarity as probably only enough for the Circle were printed and they never come onto the market. Due to their popularity this first series was published commercially and a second set was commissioned. Fine, early impression with mica on the flying fish. Fine colour and condition. Full size and no centre fold. Signed Hiroshige ga in blue (which I have never seen).   Status: Sold