PRINTS OF JAPAN
June 11 - 27, 2015

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1 -  UTAMARO (1753-1806) 
The leading designer of bijin-ga; prints of beautiful women, from 1781-1806
From the series ‘Summer Outfits, Beauties of Today. Suited to Medium Sized Pattern Stocked by Daimaru’.
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Note the Daimaru sign top right. Signed Utamaro hitsu. Published by Izumiya 1804-06
A rare early print.    
$880 - SOLD

For a complete list of Japanese print sizes please scroll to the bottom of the page
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2 - Keisai EISEN (1790-1848) 
Leading designer of bijin-ga after Utamaro, 
The Famous Courtesan Hana-ogi with Two Attendants. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
The print has good and delicate colouring. c. 1830  
$1,250

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3 - Keisai iEISEN (1790-1848) 
Leading designer of bijin-ga after Utamaro,
A courtesan wearing an extraordinary obi of leaping carp. 
Oban vertical diptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 2)
Courtesans were fashion icons.    
$1,850 - SOLD
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4 -UTAGAWA KUNISADA (1786-1864) 
Toyokuni’s leading pupil. After 1843 he signed Toyokuni III.
Courtesans joining a summer boating party near Ryogoku Bridge. 
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
The title reads, Edo murasaki azuma genji, or Courtesans of the Kanto area. The advertising sign far left reads, Daikoku-ya Mizagashi – summer sweets ; possibly the sponser of this very lavish production. Published by Tsuru-ya Kiemon. C1840. A fine complete work.    
$2,650 - SOLD
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5 -  UTAGAWA KUNISADA (1786-1864) 
Toyokuni’s leading pupil. After 1843 he signed Toyokuni III.
A Courtesan from the ‘Hundred Beauties of Edo’
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Each beauty is compared with a natural beauty spot around the capital. In this case a view of Shinagawa drawn by Kuninao. This print is one of the best designs in the group. Signed Toyokuni. Dated 1857.    
$990 - SOLD
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6 - UTAGAWA KuniyoshI
Prince Genji viewing a garden with a small stream.
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Two women are placing blue and white pots of pinks by the stream. Genji is standing by a free standing screen with a painting of a Western women playing a flute .Note the tonal treatment of her clothing. Signed Kuniyoshi. Dated 1853 
$2,450 - SOLD
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7 - YOSHITSUYA ichiesaI (1822-66) 
A pupil of Kunyoshi.
A night scene of fire fighters in elaborately decorated and stitched jackets. 
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
The cinders in the air have been hand applied, a rarely seen affectation. Pub. 1860. A very fine, rare and highly collectible print. 
Night scenes are also relatively uncommon.   
$1,950  - SOLD
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8 - KUNIHISA 1832-1892
A Dutch soldier and his foreign servant. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
The script behind is translating Dutch into Japanese. From a series promoting the languages of the five nations of the treaty ports. Published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke 1861    
$890 - SOLD
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9 - UTAGAWA Yoshikazu 1833-1904 
Pupil of Kuniyoshi
Westerners with a large camera in Yokahama. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Printed 1870 
Wonderful depiction of westerners and the relatively new machine that was the camera.   
$1,350
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10 - UTAGAWA Yoshikazu 1833-1904  
Pupil of Kuniyoshi
A Russian couple at the port of Yokohama. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Note Russian ship with Russian flag behind them. The woman is holding a woodblock print of another western couple. Beautiful impression and condition. Printed in 1861. Illustrated in Meech-Pekarik, 1986. A rare work with Europeans depicted and a black ship behind.     
$1,850 -SOLD
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11 - UTAGAWA Yoshikazu 1833-1904  
Pupil of Kuniyoshi
A scene from the battle of Dan-no-ura, a major sea battle of the Genpei War in the Straits of Shiminoseki in 1185. 
Oban Triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Published 1858. 
Good colour and a print teaming with excitement.  
$1,450
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12 - UTAGAWA Yoshikazu 1833-1904  
Pupil of Kuniyoshi
A picture of Gankiro in the Miyozaki entertainment area of Yokohama. 
Oban Triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Also known as the house of fans, which decorate the walls. Published 1861. Europeans, Japanese and Chinese people can be seen in this print and interesting to see this international perspective.    
$2,350 - SOLD
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13 - UTAGAWA Kunikazu
A print advertising the sale of exotic birds including a sulphur crested cockatoo and king parrot from Australia. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
The name of the keeper is Troiyaku Kumakichi. Printed with woodblock and coloured using stencils. Published 1856. A rare print with its relationship to Australian subject matter.    
$990 -  SOLD
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14 - YOSHITORA (active 1850-1880)
Famous Cities of the World: Great Ching Dynasty Capital Nanking. 
Oban Triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Text translation: ”Nanking was the great city of China, and surrounded by the Ocean on its three sides, and over the city many tributaries and inlets were running, over which many bridges were built, and several ten thousands of merchant houses were lined up along these canals, and many foreign merchants were also built their facilities, here and there, and engaged in trading, which appeared not much different from our Yokohama Port City. Foreigners sent their ships in and out the port, and conducted prosperous business. In the 1.6 km square, there were red light district, and there were 3000 girls  dressed in brocades, and musics for dancing could be heard all day and night, and amongst 58 provinces of China, Nanking men and women were all good looking and good at musical skills, and concentrate on the business skill, which were all attributed to the culture of favourable climates and prosperous situations”. A wonderful historical print   
$1,750
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15 - YOSHITORA (active 1850-1880)
New steam train in Takashima, a station on the Yokohama line.
Oban Triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Rare subject matter and a wonderful historical print. A very interesting perspective on what must have been a hugely important event for the time. Many people have gathered to witness this great event and the "black ships" can be seen in the background.   
$1,750 - SOLD
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16 -UTAGAWA Kuniteru 
Scene in Shin Yoshiwara, the entertainment district of Tokyo. 
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
A group of women are playing music to three courtesans while many servants are busy in the background. The interior appears to be a hybrid of Japanese and Western styles. 
$990 - SOLD
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17 - UTAGAWA Kuniteru
View of a Steam Engine from Kanasugi Bridge at Shiba. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Published 1873.   
A rare subject with Europeans depicted. Note the wonderful perspective and square wheels!
$1,750 

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18 - KUNICHIKA Toyohara (1835-1900)
The actor Onoe Kikugro V as Spencer, the balloonist from the series, ‘One Hundred Roles of Baiko.
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Published by Kukuda Kumajiro and Osokuya Kahei in 1893. #71 in the set.    
$780
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19 - KUNICHIKA Toyohara (1835-1900)
The actor Ichikawa Sadanji I in the role of Danshiro Sankitchi, an heroic character from the series ‘Record of Chivalrous Actors’. 
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Published 1894    
$990 - SOLD
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20 - KYOSAI Kawanabe (1831-1889)
 An exhibition of samurai armour and weapons and taxidermied birds including birds of paradise. 
An eclectic group of international trade items
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
$890    
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21 - KYOSAI Kawanabe (1831-1889)
The enlightenment of Fudo Myoo (Fudo Myoo Kaika) from the series, ‘Drawings for Pleasure by Kyosai’. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Fudo is depicted reading Shimbun Zasshi a weekly paper published by the Education Ministry containing information about western culture and lifestyle including the consumption of meat which was now encouraged. One of Fudo’s attendants can be seen cooking meat in the flames of his mandorla. Published1874. Ref. Meech-Pekarik 1986    
$2,250
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22 - KYOSAI Kawanabe (1831-1889)
The Cattle Sheds at Takanawa from a Tokaido Road Series featuring the Shogun and his entourage travelling to Kyoto in 1863. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
The Shogun was summoned by the Emperor for the first time in 200years to discuss the situation with the ‘foreign barbarians’. Published in1863 by Okuraya Kinnoske  
Kyosai characteristically has humour and satire in his prints and this is demonstrated with his depiction of the little boy looking over the fence – an action that could have resulted in death as it would have been seen as a slight on the passing Shogun to be not kneeling in supplication.  
$1,350
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23 - UTAGAWA Yoshiku (1833-1904)
 A Nishiki-e Shimbun print relating a story from the occupation of Taiwan. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
These prints were news paper supplements. Published 1874  
$380
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24 - UTAGAWA Yoshiku (1833-1904)
Nishiki-e Shimbun, Samurai under attack. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
These prints were news paper supplements. Published 1874  
$380  
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25 - MOTOHARU (1858-1903) 
Osaka artist
The actor Ichikawa Sadanji I in the part of Watanabe no Tsuna and Onoe Kikugoro V as the Demon. 
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Watanabe severed the demons arm and the demon tricks him into getting it back. Ibaraki is the name of the play adapted for the Kabuki in 1883. This print was published in 1893. A beautifully executed woodblock with strong and exciting subject matter.
$2,450
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26 - TSUKIOKA Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
From the series Thirty Six Ghosts. The vengeful spirit of the priest Raigo who in life had been scorned by the Emperor, transforms into numerous rats and devours sacred texts belonging to the Emperor.
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Signed Yoshitoshi. Printed by Matsuki Heikichi in 1902  
Yoshitoshi works are highly collectible.  
$1,850
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27 - TSUKIOKA Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
The Moon seen through the fire, from the series One Hundred Views of the Moon. Signed Yoshitoshi. 
Published 1886
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Signed Yoshitoshi. Published 1886
A wonderful rare work showing the fire-warden at a house fire with firemen removing roof tiles to get at the fire.
Yoshitoshi works are highly collectible.      
$1,450
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28 - TSUKIOKA Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
Fujwara Morinaga in exile, playing the biwa to the autumn moon. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
From the series One Hundred Views of the Moon. 
Signed Yoshitoshi. Published in October 1889.  
Yoshitoshi works are highly collectible.  
$990  - SOLD  
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29 - TSUKIOKA Yoshitoshi (1839-1892)
The warrior Torii Suneemon Katsutaka leaving his masters castle to get help from Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) after it came under attack. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
From the series, 24 Accomplishments in Imperial Japan. 
Published by Matsuki Heikichi 1893-95 
Yoshitoshi works are highly collectible.  
$495
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30 -  TOYOHARU Chikanobu
Cherry Viewing in Shin Yoshiwara. 
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Note that one woman is in western  clothing which does not appear to be well received by the woman in Japanese clothing on the street with her. Published 1889    
$1,350 - SOLD
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31 -  MIGITA Toshihide 1863-1925
Beauty reading by a screen from the series, ‘Beautitful Women for the Twelve Months’ (Bijin Junishi) 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Published by Akiyama Buemon in 1901    
$890

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32 -  ADACHI Ginko active 1874-1897
Women making western clothing with sewing machines. 
Oban triptych (25.4 x 38 cm x 3)
Published 1887    
$2,750
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33 -  NAKAZAWA Horimitsu (1874-1964)
The heroine Matsukaze from a Chikamatsu Monzaemon play. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
A set of images from various plays was published from 1922-25 
A beautiful composition - woodblocks of woman swimming are particularly rare.
$685   
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34 - TAKAHASHI Hiroaki 1871-1945
Cormorant fishing in Sekiyado.
Hosban 14.5 x 33 cm
Published in 1925  by Watanabe Shosaburo    
$895 - SOLD
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35 -  OHARA  Koson 1877-1945
Chrysanthemums and Running Water in the Rimpa style.
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Published 1931 by Watanabe Shosaburo, Tokyo    
$1,450
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36 -  HASUI Kawase 1883-1957
Modern Pyongyang, Korea
The series is the Korean Views supplement. Published by Watanabe Shosaburo 1940. 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
Early edition in pristine condition from publishers archive    
$2,350
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37 -  KITANO Tsunetomi 1880-1947
Titled Rouge this print is from the series ‘Beauties for the Twelve Months in the Ukiyo-e style. This is March. Pub 1920’s 
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm
A beautiful impression
$2,250   - SOLD
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38 - KAMISAKA Sekka 1866-1942
Boy and an Ox 
Dai oban 34.5 x 45.5 cm
From a book of illustrations titled, ‘The World of Things’ (Momoyo-gusa) published 1909 by Unsodo in Kyoto 
$1,250  
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39 - KAMISAKA Sekka 1866-1942
Thunder God
Dai oban 34.5 x 45.5 cm
From a book of illustrations titled, ‘The World of Things’ (Momoyo-gusa) published 1909 by Unsodo in Kyoto 
$1,450
40 -  UTAGAWA Sadahide 1807-1878
6 sheet aerial view of Yokohama.
Published 1861   
Oban 25.4 x 38 cm (each)
An exceedingly rare print in its full 6 sheets format 
$2,250
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41 - Taniguchi Konan
Tree Peonies. 
Dai-oban 34.5 x 45.5 cm
The artist is one of the best botanical print designers of the 20th Century. 
Published by Unsodo, Kyoto. Meiji/Taisho Period  
$880
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42 - Taniguchi Konan
Tree Peonies.
Dai-oban 34.5 x 45.5 cm
The artist is one of the best botanical print designers of the 20th Century. 
Published by Unsodo, Kyoto. Meiji/Taisho Period  
$880 
Japanese Print Sizes:

Aiban 22.5 x 34.5 cm, Chuban 19 x 25.5cm, Chu-tanzaku 13 x 38 cm, Dai Oban 34.5 x 45.5 cm
Ebankiri 19 x 51.5 cm, Hashire-e 13 x 73 cm, Hosoban 14.5 x 33 cm, Kakemono-e 23 x 76 cm, Kakuban 7.8 x 20.3 cm, Kaku-Surimono 18 x 21.5 cm, Koban 17 x 23 cm, Ko-tanzaku 7.6 x 34.5 cm, Naga-ban 23 x 51.5 cm, Oban 25.4 x 38 cm, Ogata-chuban 21.7 x 29.3 , O-hosoban 17 x 38 cm, Tanzaku 12.7 x 43 cm, Shikishiban 20.5 x 23 cm, Sho-tanzaku 9.5 x 25.5 cm, Uchiwa 22.9 x 25.4 cm, Yatsugiri-ban 9.5 x 12.7 cm