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    Utagawa Toyokuni I. Portrait of Onoe Kikugorō III without Stage Makeup / Fan print, 1822.

    Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [初代豊国] (Japanese, 1769–1825)

    Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画]

    Publisher: Kojimaya Jūbei [小嶋屋重兵衛] (Japanese, c. 1797–1869); seal [十]; Marks 06-014 | 264a

    Date-Aratame Seal: 1822 (Bunsei 5, 文政五年)

    Media: Print (Uchiwa-e, うちわ絵, fan print); 223 × 250 mm

    Actor: Onoe Kikugorō III [三代目 尾上菊五郎] (Japanese, 1784–1849); other names: Onoe Baikō III (尾上梅幸), Ōkawa Hashizō I (大川橋蔵初代), Onoe Matsusuke II (二代目尾上松助), Onoe Eizaburō I (初代尾上栄三郎)

    Half-length, three-quarter-view portrait of Onoe Kikugorō III, depicted without stage makeup. The actor wears a kimono patterned with plum blossoms (梅, ume), symbolising perseverance and longevity. A neck scarf with a 格子 (kōshi) pattern is visible, and he holds a folding fan (扇, ōgi) decorated with chrysanthemums (菊, kiku).

    Above his head is the Onoe family crest (mon), embracing oak leaves on layered fans. This emblem, known as the crest of the Otowaya line, commemorates a shogunal gift of rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, placed on a fan, and presented to Onoe Kikugorō I.

    The background features a radiating red-line pattern, possibly representing the bamboo structure of an uchiwa fan. The absence of kumadori (歌舞伎隈取, kabuki makeup) suggests that the actor is not portrayed in a specific role.

    In 1822, Onoe Kikugorō III performed at Kawarazaki-za before month 11 and at Ichimura-za and Nakamura-za afterwards.

    The print has been backed for preservation with a sheet of paper featuring calligraphy, likely contemporary to the print itself. The backing paper appears to have been repurposed, a common historical practice in the Edo period, where discarded documents or manuscripts were reused to reinforce delicate prints.

    Kunisada portrayed the same actor in 1815 as Rokusaburō, the Carpenter (Daiku Rokusaburō).

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    Utagawa Toyokuni I. Kabuki actor Onoe Baikō III as Konjin Chōgorō / Fan print, 1815.

    Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [初代豊国] (Japanese, 1769–1825) Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画] Publisher: Iseya Sōemon [伊勢屋惣右衛門] (c. 1776 – November 1862); Marks 02-041 | 156a Gyōji Aratame Censor Seal: 行事改, 1810-18151 Media: Print (Uchiwa-e, うちわ絵, fan print), kira-zuri (きら摺り, mica printing); 222 × 250 mm

    Actor: Onoe Baikō III [三代目尾上梅幸] (Japanese, 1784–1849); Other names: Onoe Kikugorō III (尾上菊五郎), Ōkawa Hashizō I (大川橋蔵初代), Onoe Matsusuke II (二代目尾上松助), Onoe Eizaburō I (初代尾上栄三郎)

    Role: Konjin Chōgorō (金神長五郎) Play: Ku Kyōdai Shōbu Katabira (句兄弟菖蒲帷子) Theater: Nakamura-za (中村座), Edo, 1815 Half-length, three-quarter-view, facing to the left portrait of Onoe Baikō III as Konjin Chōgorō, in the play Ku Kyōdai Shōbu Katabira, staged at Nakamura-za in 1815. The actor wears a purple kimono with a plum blossom motif (梅, ume).

    A print from the Waseda University Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum also depicts Onoe Baikō III as Konjin Chōgorō, showing him holding a box inscribed with 神金 (Kane no Kami). The name Konjin consists of the same kanji reading right to left (金神).

    Konjin Chōgorō is a legendary figure in Japanese folklore, renowned as a formidable sumo wrestler. His tales often depict him engaging in supernatural feats, such as vanquishing demons and showcasing extraordinary strength.

    In the realm of kabuki theatre, Konjin Chōgorō's character has been portrayed in various plays, though specific details about Ku Kyōdai Shōbu Katabira (句兄弟菖蒲帷子) remain unknown.

    Notes

    1. A certain confusion regarding the attribution of this print arises from the statement by Andreas Marks (Publishers, 2011, p. 488), which asserts that the gyōji aratame seal was used exclusively for fan prints between 1810 and 1814. However, it is known that Onoe Baikō III performed the role of Konjin Chōgorō at Nakamura-za in the 5th month of 1815. Marks also notes that the earliest known fan print bearing this seal dates to 1810; based on this new evidence, we may now consider the latest known instance to be the 5th month of 1815.

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    Utagawa Toyokuni I. Kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō V as Kurenaiya Okan / Fan print, 1819.

    Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [初代豊国] (Japanese, 1769–1825) Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画]. Publisher: Iseya Sōemon [伊勢屋惣右衛門] (c. 1776 – November 1862); Marks 02-041 | 156a Date-Aratame Seal: 1819 (Bunsei 2, 文政二年) Media: Print (Yakusha-e, 役者絵); 221 × 253 mm Play: Ume Yanagi Wakaba no Kagazome (梅柳若葉加賀染) Theater: Tamagawa-za (玉川座), Edo, May 1819 Role: Kurenaiya Okan (紅屋おかん) Actor: Segawa Kikunojō V [瀬川菊之丞] (Japanese, 1802–1832); Other name: Segawa Tamon I (瀬川多聞初代) Bust-length, three-quarter-view portrait of Segawa Kikunojō V as Kurenaiya Okan in the play Ume Yanagi Wakaba no Kagazome, staged at Tamagawa-za in May 1819. The male actor Segawa Kikunojō V performs an onnagata role, portraying a courtesan. She is depicted adjusting her elaborate shimadamage-style coiffure, fixing a kanzashi (簪, hairpin) while holding onkotogami (御懲紙, tissue paper) in her mouth. The onkotogami was traditionally used for intimate hygiene, suggesting that the scene represents a moment after encountering a client. Her inner kimono is safflower-dyed and has a hemp leaf pattern (麻の葉, asa no ha). The top half of the background features a giant golden carp (鯉, koi), a recurring motif in this pair of prints often associated with strength, perseverance, and kabuki’s aragoto style. This print forms a pair with the portrait of Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Yushima no Sankichi [SVJP-0439.2025], but no conclusive information is available regarding the relationship between their characters. The carp also alludes to Boys' Day (Tango no Sekku, 端午の節句), celebrated on May 5th each year.
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    Utagawa Toyokuni I. Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Yushima no Sankichi / Fan print, 1819.

    Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [初代豊国] (Japanese, 1769–1825) Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画]. Publisher: Iseya Sōemon [伊勢屋惣右衛門] (c. 1776 – November 1862); Marks 02-041 | 156a Date-Aratame Seal: 1819 (Bunsei 2, 文政二年) Media: Print (Yakusha-e, 役者絵); 221 x 253 mm

    Actor: Ichikawa Danjūrō VII [七代目市川團十郎] (Japanese, 1791–1859); Other names: Ichikawa Ebizō V (五代目市川海老蔵), Ichikawa Hakuen II (二代目市川白猿), Ichikawa Shinnosuke I (初代市川新之助).

    Role: Yushima no Sankichi (ゆしまの三吉) Play: Ume Yanagi Wakaba no Kagazome (梅柳若葉加賀染) Theater: Tamagawa-za (玉川座), Edo, May 1819 Bust-length, three-quarter-view portrait of Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Yushima no Sankichi, in the play Ume Yanagi Wakaba no Kagazome, staged at Tamagawa-za in May 1819. The actor is depicted with his arms crossed over his chest, holding a pipe (kiseru, 煙管) in his right hand. The upper half of the background features a giant golden carp (鯉, koi), symbolizing Boys' Day (Tango no Sekku) (端午の節句), celebrated on May 5th each year. This print forms a pair with the portrait of Kabuki actor Segawa Kikunojō V as Kurenaiya Okan [SVJP-0440.2025], but no conclusive information is available regarding the relationship between their characters.
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    Utagawa Toyokuni I. Kabuki actor Bandō Mitsugorō III as Anno Heibei / Fan print, 1818.

    Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [初代豊国] (Japanese, 1769–1825)

    Publisher: Iseya Sōemon [伊勢屋惣右衛門] (c. 1776 – November 1862); Marks 02-041 | 156a

    Date-Aratame Seal: Bunsei 1 (文政元年, 1818)

    Media: Print (Yakusha-e, 役者絵); 223 x 250 mm

    Actor: Bandō Mitsugorō III [三代目 坂東 三津五郎] (Japanese, 1775–1831); also known as Bandō Minosuke I, Morita Kanjirō II, Bandō Mitahachi I, Bandō Minosuke I, Bandō Mitahachi I.

    Role: Anno Heiemon [安の平右衛門], also known as Anno Heibei [安の平兵衛].

    Play: Shiire Zome Karigane Gomon [仕入染雁金五紋] (しいれぞめかりがねごもん), staged in May 1818 at Nakamuraza Theatre in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).

    Bust-length, three-quarter-view portrait of actor Bandō Mitsugorō III as Anno Heibei, one of the gonin otoko [五人男]—a group of five chivalrous thieves. The actor is dressed in a red and purple robe, with a golden mon (family crest) on the shoulders, displaying the character 安 (An), which, in this case, represents the first ideogram in the name of his role. A shakuhachi (尺八), a traditional Japanese end-blown bamboo flute, is secured on his back.

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    Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III). Kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō V as Hanakawado no Sukeroku / Fan print, 1822.

    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貴] a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代歌川豐国] (Japanese, 1786–1865)

    Publisher: unknown (Ichi-To, 未詳); Marks 05-012 | U085a; seal (一、ト). Date-aratame seal: Bunsei 5 (文政五年, 1822). Media: Fan print (Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e, 合別横絵団扇絵); 234 × 264 mm. Actor: Matsumoto Kōshirō V [五代相本幸四郎] (Japanese, 1764–1838); other names: Ichikawa Komazō III [市川高麻蔵], Ichikawa Sumizō I [市川寿美蔵]. Role: Hanakawado no Sukeroku [花川戸の助六]. Play: Sukeroku sakura no futae obi [助六桜の二重帯].
    This bust-length portrait depicts kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō V in the role of Hanakawado no Sukeroku under a vast umbrella, in a three-quarter view, facing right, with his fist firmly clenched, and with an expression of intensity and determination. His protuberant nose is accentuated, a defining feature of Matsumoto Kōshirō V. The actor wears a black outer robe adorned with stylized peonies (牡丹, botan), a floral motif symbolizing strength, nobility, and elegance—qualities that define both the Sukeroku character and Kōshirō V’s acting style. The print belongs to the yakusha-e (役者絵, "actor print") genre, celebrating kabuki stars of the Edo period. The artist's signature, publisher’s seal, and censor’s seal are written on the umbrella. Play Sukeroku sakura no futae obi was staged in March 1822 (Bunsei 5) at Kawarazaki Theater (歌川戸室) in Edo (Tokyo). In this version of the Sukeroku narrative, the protagonist is revealed to be Jirō Suketoshi of Kyoto [京の次郎祐俊], a nobleman in disguise. Like other Sukeroku adaptations, the story centres on themes of chivalry, revenge, and romantic rivalry in Edo’s pleasure quarters. Another Kunisada's portraits of Matsumoto Kōshirō V as Sukeroku, in Ōban format:

    The History of Sukeroku in Kabuki Theater

    The play Sukeroku (English title Sukeroku: Flower of Edo), originally titled Hana Yakata Aigo Zakura (花館愛護櫻), premiered in the 3rd lunar month of 1713 at Yamamuraza in Edo. The script was written by Tsuuchi Han'emon (津打半右衛門) under the guidance of Tsuuchi Jihē II (津打治兵衛, 1679–1760). The inaugural performance featured Ichikawa Danjūrō II as Sukeroku, Tamazawa Rin'ya as Agemaki, Ikushima Shingorô as the shirozake seller (白酒売り) Shinbē, and Yamanaka Heikurô I as Ikyū. Three years later, in 1716, Tsuuchi Jihē II revised the play, integrating it into the well-known Soga brothers' revenge tale. In this adaptation, Sukeroku, Agemaki, and Shinbē were revealed to be Soga Gorō Tokimune, the courtesan Kewaizaka no Shōshō, and Soga Jūrō Sukenari, respectively. This revised version was staged at Nakamuraza in the 2nd lunar month of 1716, with Ichikawa Danjūrō II reprising the role of Sukeroku, joined by Nakamura Takesaburô I (Agemaki), Mimasuya Sukejûrô I (Shinbē), Sodeoka Masanosuke II (Soga’s mother Mankō), and Ôtani Hiroemon I (Ikyū). Over time, Sukeroku became closely associated with the Ichikawa Danjūrō acting lineage, captivating Edo audiences and securing its place in the kabuki repertoire. Though traditionally performed by members of the Naritaya guild, the role of Sukeroku was occasionally played by actors from outside the Ichikawa family. The play was later staged under the title Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura for the first time in the 4th lunar month of 1782 at Ichimuraza, with Ichimura Uzaemon IX portraying the titular role. Comparison to Toyokuni I’s 1816 Print Kunisada’s portrait can be viewed as a homage to his mentor, Utagawa Toyokuni I [初代歌川豊国] (1769–1825), whose earlier 1816 bust-length portrait of Iwai Hanshirō V [岩井半四郎] as Sukeroku (published by Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎]) shares a similar composition and dramatic pose. While Matsumoto Kōshirō V’s portrayal (Kunisada, 1822) emphasizes power and masculinity through the peony motif, Iwai Hanshirō V’s 1816 version (Toyokuni I) reflects grace and refinement, featuring a kimono adorned with irises (菖蒲, shōbu)—a flower symbolizing purity and elegance. Additionally, the word shōbu (iris) is a homophone for 尚武, meaning "martial spirit", subtly reinforcing Sukeroku’s strength beneath his stylish exterior. These contrasts highlight the differences in kabuki acting styles—with Kōshirō V specializing in strong, heroic roles and Hanshirō V excelling in onnagata (female-role) performances.
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    Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Peony, from the series Flower-colored papers / Fan print, 1843-46.

    Peonies (Shakuyaku) [芍薬] Series: Flower-Colored Papers (Hana Shikishi) [花色紙] Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi [歌川 國芳] (Japanese, 1798–1861) Signature: Chō-ō-rō Kuniyoshi ga (朝櫻楼 國芳 画) Publisher: Kojimaya Jūbei [小島屋 十兵衛] (Japanese, 1797 – 1869); seal 十, Marks 06-014 | 264a Date/Censorship Approval: Nanushi seal Yoshimura (吉村) for Yoshimura Gentarō (吉村 源太郎), VI/1843–XI/1846. Medium: Rigid fan print (Aiban Yoko-e Uchiwa-e, 合判横絵 団扇絵), 222 x 284 mm.

    Interpretation of the Inscription in the Floral Cartouche

    • 花色紙 (Hana Shikishi) – "Flower-Colored Paper" or "Decorative Shikishi Paper with Floral Motifs"
    • 芍薬 (Shakuyaku) – "Peony", a flower symbolizing prosperity, beauty, and romance in Japanese culture
    • 団扇絵 (Uchiwa-e) – "Round Fan Illustration" or "Picture on an Uchiwa (rigid fan)"

    Description & Symbolic Analysis

    This print, part of the Hana Shikishi (Flower-Colored Papers) series, depicts a woman washing a basin after brushing her teeth. She is positioned behind an indigo-colored folding screen, adorned with a repeating pattern of distant pines, presented in reverse printing technique (wyabori, 捺ぼり). The screen is a visual separator, adding depth and an intimate atmosphere to the scene. The woman is portrayed in a three-quarter view, facing left, her face delicately contoured. She is dressed in a safflower-dyed kimono (furisode, 振袖) featuring an asanoha (麻の葉, hemp leaf) shibori pattern, a motif often associated with purity and protection. Over this, she wears an outer garment decorated with an indigo bamboo motif, symbolizing strength and resilience. Additionally, the garment features:
    • Double gourd (瓢箪, hyōtan) symbolises longevity, fertility, and good fortune.
    • Strips of paper resembling “next-morning letters” (kinuginu no fumi, 衣衣の文) – These evoke romantic correspondence or the written wishes of the Tanabata festival.
    • Spools or reels of thread (chikiri, 糸巻き) – A motif reminiscent of Tanabata festival themes, often linked to the celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi. The phonetic pun with chigiri (契り, vow or romantic promise) reinforces themes of marriage, fate, and lifelong bonds.
    This alludes to the famous poem from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu: 契りきな かたみに袖を しぼりつつ 末の松山 波越さじとは (Chigiriki na, katami ni sode o, shibori tsutsu, Sue no Matsuyama, nami koso sashi to wa) “Did we not vow, through tears, our sleeves wet with grief, that the waves would never break over the tip of Matsuyama?” This poem by Minamoto no Toshiyori (c. 1055–1129) expresses a promise of eternal love, comparing it to the unshakable Matsuyama mountain, which remains firm despite the waves.

    Adornment & Hairstyling

    Her elaborate hairstyle features a red hair tie (musubi, 結び), signifying youth and romantic allure. It is further adorned with:
    • Golden kogai (笄) – A decorative hairpin, often used by courtesans or high-ranking women.
    • Tama kanzashi (玉簪) – A ball-tipped ornamental hairpin, reinforcing her refined status.
    These elements suggest she could be either a courtesan (oiran, 花魁) or an upper-class woman.

    Objects in the Scene & Their Symbolism

    The woman is holding a traditional Japanese toothbrush (fusa-yōji, ふさ楊枝) in her right hand, while pouring out water from the basin after brushing her teeth. This act symbolizes purity and preparation for intimacy. To her right, an ornate lacquered writing box (suzuribako, 硯箱) is placed near an inkstone (硯, suzuri). This object could also be interpreted as a dreamstone (梦石, mèng shí), a scholar’s object associated with nostalgia, love, or secret communication.

    Context in Ukiyo-e Tradition

    Tooth brushing was uncommon in bijin-ga (美人画, "beautiful woman prints"). Ukiyo-e frequently depicted women engaging in personal grooming rituals, reflecting ideals of elegance and self-care in Edo-period culture.
    Two additional fan prints from the Hana Shikishi series have been identified and can be found at the Kuniyoshi Project website:
    1. Morning Glory (Asagao, 朝顔)
    2. Clematis (Tessen, 鉄線)

    Morning Glory (Asagao, 朝顔)

    Clematis (Tessen, 鉄線)
    These prints, like Peonies (Shakuyaku), emphasize seasonal beauty and feminine refinement, themes central to Kuniyoshi’s bijin-ga oeuvre.
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    Utagawa Toyokuni I. Actor Iwai Hanshiro V in the role of Shirai Gonpachi / Fan print, 1823.

    Kabuki actor Iwai Hanshiro V, in the role of Shirai Gonpachi, stands under a willow tree (yanagi, 柳) to read a letter from the courtesan Komurasaki of the Miuraya [三浦屋小紫]. In this letter, Komurasaki laments their unfortunate love. This is a scene from the kabuki play The Floating World's Pattern and Matching Lightning Bolts (Ukiyozuka hiyoku no inazuma) [浮世柄比翼稲妻] written by Tsurya Namboku IV [鶴屋南北]; it was played for the first time in March 1823 at Ichimura Theatre [市村座] in Edo. This play was later divided into two individual pieces: Saya-ate [鞘当] and Fuwa [不破]. On the shoulders of the actor's garment is a character 井 in a circle — both names, Iwai 岩井 and Shirai 白井, use this character.

    "Ukiyozuka Hiyoku no Inazuma" is a kabuki play in nine acts, written by Tsuruya Nanboku IV. It premiered in Bunsei 6 (1823) at the Ichimura-za theatre in Edo.

    The play includes two particularly famous scenes:

    • "Suzugamori no ba" (The Scene at Suzugamori), which portrays the episode of Banzuiin Chōbei and Shirai Gonpachi
    • "Yoshiwara Nakanochō no ba" (The Scene at Yoshiwara Nakanochō), which depicts the story of Nagoya Sanza and Fuwa Banzaemon

    These scenes have been frequently performed under the well-known titles "Gozonji Suzugamori" (A Well-Known Suzugamori) and "Sayaate" (The Scabbard Clash).

    More information about the play and the real story behind it can be found at Lyon Collection. Actor: Iwai Hanshirō V [岩井半四郎] (Japanese, 1776 – 1847); other names: Iwai Tojaku, Iwai Kumesaburō I. Role: Shirai Gonpachi [白井権八] Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画]. Publisher: Enshūya Matabei [遠州屋又兵衛] (Enterprise, active c. 1768 – 1881); seal: “to” (ト) under roof (Marks 01-031 | 057a). Date-aratame censor seal: 未改, Bunsei 6 (1823). Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e 団扇絵), 233 x 260 mm.
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    Utagawa Kunimasa IV. Kabuki actor Ichikawa Sadanji I as Mannenya Kamei Tarō / Fan print, 1880 (Meiji 13).

    Title: Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Sadanji I as Mannenya Kamei Tarō
    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada III (Baido Kunimasa) [Japanese, 1848–1920]
    Signature: Baidō Kunimasa hitsu (梅堂國政筆)
    Actor: Ichikawa Sadanji I (市川左団次, also known as Ichikawa Shōjaku I, Ichikawa Koyone, Ichikawa Tatsuzō) [Japanese, 1842–1904]
    Role: Mannenya Kamei Tarō (万年屋家名太郎)
    Play: Unidentified
    Publisher: Shimōsaya Masukichi (下総屋升吉)
    Publisher’s Address: Asakusa, Kurofune-chō (浅草 黒舩)
    Date: [明治十三年三月] Meiji 13 (1880), 3rd month
    Medium: Uchiwa-e (団扇絵, fan print), ink and colour on paper, 245 × 282 mm

    This uchiwa-e (fan print) by Utagawa Kunisada III (also known as Utagawa Kunimasa IV) portrays the kabuki actor Ichikawa Sadanji I in the role of Mannenya Kamei Tarō. The figure is depicted in a dramatic stance, dressed in a striking blue kimono adorned with fish and wave motifs, suggesting a maritime or festival connection. He carries a large basket supported by a fabric strap around his neck, filled with small toy fish attached to sticks, along with round objects that could be festival sweets or miniature decorations. He holds one of these toy fish-on-a-stick items in his right hand, possibly demonstrating it as part of a vendor's performance.

    The background is a bold, deep red, contrasting with the detailed rendering of the actor’s expression and costume. The print was published in 1897 (Meiji 30) by Shimōsaya Masukichi, a publisher based in Asakusa, Kurofune-chō. Though the exact play remains unidentified, the composition captures a moment from a kabuki performance where street vendors and festival sellers were often featured as comic or supporting characters in Edo-period narratives.

    This work exemplifies the continuation of traditional kabuki actor portraiture into the Meiji period, reflecting both theatrical culture and popular printmaking traditions at the time.

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    Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Good tailoring, from the series ‘It’s an auspicious day to…’ / Fan print, 1842-46.

    A half-length portrait of a woman seated in an interior, winding red thread, dressed in a richly decorated kimono featuring intricate floral motifs in blue, green, and brown hues with a red underlayer. Her elaborately styled hair is adorned with a yellow comb and multiple hairpins. To her left is a partially visible wooden chest of drawers, to which a piece of red paper bearing calligraphy is affixed. A puppet or doll dressed in a patterned kimono with a striking red-painted face rests on her lap or a surface before her.

    An uncut fan print (aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e) entitled “Good tailoring” or “Good sewing [仕立ものよし] (shitate monoyoshi)” from the series "It’s an Auspicious Day to…" [最上吉日つくし] (Saijō [no] kichijitsu tsukushi).

    Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi [歌川 國芳] (Japanese, 1798 – 1861).

    Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi giga (一勇斎 國芳戯画, playfully drawn by Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi).

    Publisher: Enshūya Matabei [遠州屋又兵衛] (Enterprise, active c. 1768 – 1881); seal: "to" (ト) under roof (Marks 01-031 | 057a). Nanushi seal Watari (渡) for Watanabe Shōemon, VI/1842-V 1c/1846. Media: Fan print (uchiwa-e, 団扇絵), 224 x 290 mm. Reference: (1) Kuniyoshi project; (2) Tokyo Museum Digital Archive [Thanks to Horst Greabner]
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    Unknown. Carp swimming by water weeds / Fan print, late Edo period.

    An uncut fan print depicting a carp (koi) swimming amid aquatic plants against a deep blue background. Artist: unknown/unsigned, possibly Katsushika Hokusai [葛飾 北斎] (Japanese, 1760 – 1849). Publisher: Enshūya Matabei [遠州屋又兵衛] (Japanese, fl. c. 1768 – 1881) Date: No date seal, no censor seal (privately printed?) Media: Fan print (uchiwa-e, 団扇絵), 224 x 290 mm. Similar subject:    

    Katsushika TAITO II (fl. c. 1810-53)

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    Utagawa Sadahide. Thirty-Two Aspects of Female Manners (女風俗三十弐相之内, Onna Fūzoku Sanjūni-sō no Uchi) / Fan print, 1830s.

    Artist: Utagawa Sadahide [歌川貞秀] (Japanese, 1807 – 1879). Signed: Gountei Sadahide ga [五雲亭貞秀画] (Picture by Gountei Sadahide). Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, c. 1815 – 1869); seal 三 in a circle Published: 1830s – no date seal, no censor seal (privately printed?) Media: Fan print (uchiwa-e, 団扇絵), 235 x 298 mm Inscriptions in kanji with furigana readings: Top right: "The Handy Type" (手があり相, te ga ari sō) – A composed woman adjusting her clothing. Bottom right: "Images of Manners" (風ぞくが, fūzokuga) – Possibly referring to depictions of etiquette or courtesan behaviour. The additional phrase 宵闇 (yoyami) 相 (sō) suggests a connection to nighttime activities. Centre: "The Proper Type" (きまり相, kimari sō) – A well-dressed woman seated elegantly, signifying a composed demeanour. Top left: Unclear reading (ほう☆し そう or ☆ほし そう) – Possibly related to 奉仕 (hōshi, "service" or "devotion"), implying attentiveness or subservience. Bottom left: "The Popular Type" (はやり相, hayari sō) – A fashionable woman wearing a partially veiled head covering, reflecting contemporary trends. Thanks to Horst Graebner.
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    S. Watanabe. Catalogue of the memorial exhibition of Hiroshige’s works on the 60th Anniversary of his death. — Tokyo: Ukiyoye Association, 1918.

    Paperback volume with quarter red cloth backing 257 x 185 mm, black lettering in English and Japanese to front, red seals fac-simile to front and back; pp. [6] 1-6, 2-6 plates verso only, 7-26 [4] 1-66 [2]  7-88 plates verso only [2], some plates in colour with captioned tissue guards, incl. frontispiece memorial portrait of Utagawa Hiroshige [歌川 広重] a.k.a. Andō Hiroshige [安藤 広重] (Japanese, 1797 – 1858). Limited edition of 275 copies, this is copy № 254. Title-page: CATALOGUE | OF | THE MEMORIAL EXHIBITION | OF | HIROSHIGE'S WORKS | on the 60th Anniversary of His Death. | {red diamond} | Compiled and Published | BY | S. WATANABE. | (Ukiyoye Association) | TOKYO. | 1918. || Author: Shōzaburō Watanabe [渡辺 庄三郎] (Japanese, 1885 – 1962) Five fan prints: № 173. REFLECTED MOON ON THE SUMIDA. № 174. TOTO SHINAGAWA NO KEI. Shinagawa Beach, Yedo. № 179. ZUSÕ HAKONEYAMA YAKO NO ZU. Night Ascent of Hakone Pass. Published by Dansendo. № 180. TSUKI NO SANKEI. Beauties in a boat enjoying evening cool at Ryōgoku, from Three Moonlight Scenes. Published by Dansendo. № 182. SUMIDAGAWA HASHIBA WATASHI VUKI NO KEI. A Ferry Boat at a Sumida River Landing in Snow.
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    Gerard Ingold. Les boules presse-papiers et les sulfures : des cristalleries de Saint-Louis. — Paris: Hermé, 1985.

    Hardcover volume 290 x 225 mm, bound in blue cloth with red lettering to front and spine, pictorial endpapers, in glossy black pictorial dust jacket, pp.: [1-7] 8-126 [2], profusely illustrated in colour. Title-page: GERARD INGOLD | Les boules | presse-papiers | et les sulfures | DES CRISTALLERIES | DE SAINT LOUIS | {publisher’s device Hermé} || Author: Ingold, Gerard (French, 1922 – 2011)
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    Utagawa Kunisada. Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII at an Announcement Ceremony / Fan drawing, c. 1850.

    Rigid uchiwa fan, ink and colour on paper. Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII in a crimson red robe, on his knees in a ceremonial bowing position to the audience during a formal stage announcement before the performance (Kojo, 口上). The fan has been used, dismounted from the frame, and laid onto Japanese paper, hence the rib marks. Painted c. 1850. Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1823 – 1854); other names: Ichikawa Ebizō VI, Ichikawa Shinnosuke II. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signed: Toyokuni hitsu [豊国筆] with red toshidama seal. Dimensions: 280 x 325 mm Reference: Ichikawa Danjūrō VIII by Utagawa Kuniyoshi 歌川国芳, 1855.  
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    Utagawa Kunisada. Ichikawa Danjūrō VII as Kinugawa Iemon and Iwai Kumesaburō II as Tōfuya Kasane in kabuki play ‘Banzei okuni kabuki’ / Fan print, 1827.

    Ichikawa Danjūrō VII [市川団十郎] and Iwai Kumesaburō II [岩井粂三郎] as Kinugawa Iemon [絹川伊右衛門] and Tōfuya Kasane [とうふやヶさね], resp., in kabuki play Banzei okuni kabuki [万歳阿国歌舞妓], performed at Ichimura Theatre [市村座] on March, 21, 1827. References: Kunisada Project; Waseda University. Ichikawa Danjūrō VII [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1791 – 1859); other names: Ichikawa Ebizō V, Ichikawa Hakuen II, Ichikawa Shinnosuke I. Iwai Hanshirō VI [[岩井半四郎] (Japanese, 1799 – 1836); other names: Iwai Hanshirō VI, Iwai Kumesaburō II, Iwai Hisajirō I, Baiga (poetry name), Shūka (poetry name). Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signed: Gototei Kunisada ga [五渡亭國貞画]. Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. 1790s-1860s). Date seal and aratame seal: boar (亥), Bunsei 10 – 1827. Untrimmed fan print (aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e), 235 x 270 mm. Ichimura-za Kabuki Playbill (Tsuji banzuke):    
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    Utagawa Kunisada. Woman arranging the hairpins, from the series ‘The taste of the new type of woman’ / Fan print, c. 1835.

    Half-length portrait of a beautiful young woman wearing a chrysanthemum-patterned green kimono, face directed 3/4 to the right, holding her hands together and fingers spread, arranging the hairpins in her elaborate hairdo; garments of different colours and pattern designs on the background. Series: The taste of the new type of woman (Shingata bijin konomi) [新形美人好]. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signed: Kōchōrō Kunisada ga [香朝楼國貞画] in a yellow double-gourd cartouche. No publisher seal. No censor/date seal. Media: Untrimmed fan print (Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e), 228 x 305 mm.
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    Utagawa Kunisada. Woman holding a wine bottle, from the series ‘The taste of the new type of woman’ / Fan print, c. 1835.

    Series: The taste of the new type of woman (Shingata bijin konomi) [志んかた美人好]. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signed: Kōchōrō Kunisada ga [香朝楼國貞画] in a red double-gourd cartouche. No publisher seal. No censor/date seal. Media: Untrimmed fan print (Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e), 228 x 302 mm.
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    Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Beautiful woman appearing from beneath an awning, from the series ‘Moon and sun shells for tomobiki’ / Fan print, c. 1845.

    Series: Moon and sun shells for tomobiki (Tsukihigai ataru tomobiki) [月日貝あたるともびき] – hiragana inscription in the red cartouche. According to Kuniyoshi Project, Tomobiki (友引) is a fortuitous day for conducting business. There are also other meanings of the same notion of 友引. Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi [歌川 國芳] (1798 – 1861). Signed: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga [一勇斎 國芳戯画] (drawn by Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi) in a red double-gourd cartouche with a kiri-mon seal beneath. Publisher: Ibaya Kyūbei [伊場屋久兵衛] (Japanese, 1804 – 1851); seal [板元,久] – Hanmoto, Kyū; Marks 19-040|126e. Single nanushi censor seal: Mura [村] = Murata Sahei [村田佐右衛] (VI/1842 – V/1846). This series has five more known prints; some have Tanaka [田中] censor seal (I/1844–II/1845). Media: Fan print (uchiwa-e, 団扇絵), 230 x 297 mm.
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    Katsukawa Shun’ei. Sumo Wrestlers / Fan print, c. 1800.

    Artist: Katsukawa Shun'ei [勝川 春英] (Japanese, 1762 – 1819) Signature: Shun'ei ga [春英画] Dimensions: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e, 230 x 268 mm. Censor seal: absent (probably because before 1810). Publisher: Iseya Sōemon – 板元,上, Marks 21-216|156g: Hanmoto, Ue. A blue seal in the middle of the print.
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    Utagawa Hiroshige II. The Great Waterfall at the Twelve Shrines of Tsunohazu / Fan print, 1861.

    Title: The Great Waterfall at the Twelve Shrines of Tsunohazu (Tsunohazu juniso otaki) [角筈十二社大滝] from an untitled set of views of famous places in Edo. Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige II [二代目 歌川広重] (Japanese, 1826 – 1869) – a son-in-law of Andō Hiroshige. Signature: Hiroshige ga [廣重画] Dimensions: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e, 226 x 291 mm. Combined date/censor seal: tori, 酉 / kiwame 極 – 1861 (Man'en 2 / Bunkyū 1 from 19/II). Publisher: Yama-Ta; seal: [板元, 太] – Hanmoto, Ta; Marks 19-044 | U421b: An unknown publisher in Edo, fl. c. 1815-61. Provenance: Collection of Maroni, Albert (French, 1852 – 1923), red stamp in the bottom-left corner. Reference: [LIB-3429.2025] Christie’s, New York: Japanese Art, Thursday 24 April 1997 / Sales Catalogue; lot № 312.
    An aizuri-e (blue print) on a popular topic, many times depicted by Andō Hiroshige and Hiroshige II, including the below print by the latter No. 45, the Twelve Kumano Shrines at Tsunohazu (Tsunohazu Kumano jûnisha), from the series Forty-Eight Famous Views of Edo (Edo meisho yonjûhakkei)「江戸名所四十八景　四十五　角筈熊野十二社」
     
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    Utagawa Hiroshige. The secret meeting between Ushiwakamaru and the daughter of Kiichi Hōgen, from the series Scenes from the life of Ushiwaka / Fan print, 1849-52.

    Title: The Secret Meeting between Ushiwakamaru and the Daughter of Kiichi Hōgen (Kiichi Hōgen ga hisho o miro) [鬼一法眼が秘書をみる] Series: Scenes from the life of Ushiwaka (Ushiwaka zue) [牛若図会] Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige [歌川 広重] a.k.a. Andō Hiroshige [安藤 広重] (Japanese, 1797 – 1858) Signature: Hiroshige ga [廣重画] Dimensions: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e, 226 x 303 mm. Censor seal: Hama & Magome [濱 / 馬込]:  1/1849 – 2/1852 (Kaei 2-5) Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. C. 1845 – 1847), seal: San [三] (Marks 11-001 | 127c). According to Rupert Faulkner (2001), another copy of this fan print is housed at Ōta Memorial Museum (ŌMM 1998, № 258). There are four other known prints from this series: (1) The Meeting at Yahagi: The Beginnings of the Jorurijunidan Story (Yahagi no Shuku Jorurijunidan no Hajime); (2) Ushiwakamaru practising swordsmanship at Sojogatani (ŌMM 1998, no.256); (3) Ushiwakamaru's encounter with Benkei on Gojo Bridge (Matsuki 1924, no.93); and (4) Ise no Saburo swearing an oath of loyalty to Ushiwakamaru (Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History). Kiichi Hōgen [鬼一法眼] is a legendary monk and warrior who trained Ushiwakamaru (young Minamoto no Yoshitsune) in swordsmanship, tactics, and magic.  

    Rupert Faulkner (2001)

    Another print (Ushiwakamaru's encounter with Benkei on Gojo Bridge) from this series is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago under the title Killing One Thousand People at Gojo Bridge (Gojo no hashi sennin kiri).

    AIC Reference Number 1925.3802

    Reference: (1) Rupert Faulkner. Hiroshige Fan Prints / Victoria and Albert Museum, Far Eastern Series. — London: V&A Publications; NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2001. (2) Christophe Marquet. Hiroshige: Les éventails d'Edo / Estampes de la collection Georges Leskowicz. — Paris: In fine, 2022. [Thanks to Horst Graebner].
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    Utagawa Hiroshige. Flower calendar for the famous cherry blossoms / Fan print, 1842-46.

    Title: Flower calendar for the famous cherry blossoms (Hana goyomi meisho sakura) [花暦名所櫻]. A scene from an imaginary (mitate) kabuki play. Names of the characters (left to right): Kiyomizu/Shimizu Seigen [清水清玄]; Yakko (footman) Yodohei [奴淀平]; koshimoto (court lady) [こしもと];  Sakura hime (princess) [桜姫]. The same characters appear in a few real kabuki plays. Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige [歌川 広重] a.k.a. Andō Hiroshige [安藤 広重] (Japanese, 1797 – 1858) Signature: Hiroshige ga [廣重画] Dimensions: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e, 232 x 295 mm. Censor seal: "Mura" [村] for Murata Sahei [村田佐兵衛], used from VI/1842 to V/1846 (Tenpō 13 – Kōka 3). Publisher: Enshūya Matabei [遠州屋又兵衛] (Enterprise, active c. 1768 – 1881); seal: "To" (ト) (Marks 01-031 | 057a). [Thanks to Horst Graebner].
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    Utagawa Hiroshige II. Famous places in Bushū and Kanagawa: Gankirō Tea House in Yokohama / Fan print, 1860.

    In red cartouche: Famous places in Bushū and Kanagawa (Bushū Kanagawa meisho) [武州神奈河名昕] In yellow striped square: Gankirō in Yokohama (Yokohama Gankirō) [横濱巌亀楼] / new spelling 横浜岩亀楼. The three kanji [岩亀楼] (Gankirō) are also visible on the sign or lantern above the food tray, carried on the head by a man on the left. Gankirō – the largest 'tea house' (brothel) for foreigners in the Miyozaki pleasure quarters, similar to those in Yoshiwara, in Edo. Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige II [二代目 歌川広重] (Japanese, 1826 – 1869) – a son-in-law of Andō Hiroshige. Signature: Hiroshige ga [廣重画] Dimensions: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e, 223 x 289 mm. Combined date/censor seal: monkey (saru - 申) and kiwame (極), 1860. Publisher: Yama-Ta; seal: [板元, 太] – Hanmoto, Ta; Marks 19-044 | U421b: An unknown publisher in Edo, fl. c. 1815-61. Another Hiroshige II's print with the same subject and even the same characters, but in 3rd month, 1859: Entrance to the Gankirō Tea House in the Miyozaki District, Yokohama, Bushu (Bushu Yokohama Gankirō) [諸国名所百景　武州横浜岩亀楼]. Utagawa Yoshikazu's [歌川芳員] depiction of the place in c. 1861 from the inside: [Thanks to Horst Graebner].
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    Marcel Vertès / Anton Refregier: Improvisations – Spring Fantasia Masquerade Ball, Hotel Astor, May 15, 1953.

    Advertisement, cover sheet from the album “Improvisations” — Artists Equity Fund, Inc. presents Spring Fantasia Masquerade Ball, May 15, 1953, Hotel Astor. Comb-spine bound pictorial album of 66 colour plates; Limited Edition of 2000 copies; chromolithography on wove paper 305 x 234 mm; marginal holes after plastic comb-spine binding. Recto: Improvisations | ARTISTS EQUITY | MASQUERADE | BALL | 1953 | may 15 | HOTEL ASTOR | Vertès || Verso: “SCHENLEY | DISTRIBUTORS, INC | 350 – 5 AVE NYC. | A. Refregier || Reference: Laster's Fine Art & Antiques; The Cary Collection. Contributors: Marcel Vertès [Marcell Vértes] (Jewish-Hungarian-French, 1895 – 1961) Anton Refregier (Russian-American, 1905 – 1979) Bertram A. Goodman (American, 1904 – 1988)
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    Albert Samain. Hyalis, le petit faune aux yeux bleus / Eaux fortes et bois gravés originaux de C. Picart le Doux; Reliure de René Kieffer. — Paris: Auguste Blaizot, 1909.

    Hardcover volume 257 x 180 mm housed in marbled slipcase 265 x 180 mm with opening outlined in brown morocco, binding by René Kieffer in brown morocco, mosaic vignette in gilt and colours stamped to front and gilt vignette to rear board, spine with raised bands and gilt lettering, gilt corners and fillets, gilt bookbinder signature inside, bookbinder’s ticket to flyleaf verso, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt; printed on thick wove paper produced by Perrigot-Masure; nine coloured etchings and 45 woodcuts after C. Picart le Doux; original woodcut pictorial wrappers preserved, [1-6] 7-67 [4] plus nine plates; enriched with a suite of uncoloured etchings in two states and a suite of woodcuts in ochre. Limitation: The edition is limited to 100 copies, printed on October 20, 1909, at Imprimerie de l'Art Décoratif. This copy was printed for Mademoiselle E. Kieffer. Title-page (brown and black): ALBERT SAMAIN | HYALIS | Le petit Faune aux yeux bleus | eaux fortes et bois gravés originaux | de C•PICART•LE•DOUX | {woodcut vignette} | COLLECTION•ECLECTIQUE | A•BLAIZOT | EDITEUR | 26•Rue le Peletier / RENÉ KIEFFER | RELIEUR D’ART | 47•R.St André des Arts / PARIS • 1909 || Imprint: TIRAGE UNIQUE | de cette édition de grand luxe | à 100 Exemplaires | contenant : | Trois états des eaux-fortes, dont l'eau-forte pure | et un tirage à part des bois | Exemplaire imprimé spécialement pour : | Mademoiselle E. KIEFFER | {woodcut vignette} || COLLABORATEURS | C. PICART LE Doux, Peintre-Graveur | ~ | E. DURAND, Directeur de l'Imprimerie Typographique | MAGORIEC, Compositeur | AYRAULT, Pressier | ~ | Eaux-fortes tirées par A. ROUTY | ~ | CARACTÈRES DE GIRALDON | fondus par la maison DEBERNY | ~ | Papiers à la forme de PERRIGOT-MASURE | ~ || Colophon: {woodcut vignette} | ACHEVÉ D'IMPRIMER | le 20 Octobre 1909 | par l'Imprimerie de l'Art Décoratif || Contributors: Albert Samain (French, 1858 – 1900) – author. Charles Alexandre Picart Le Doux (French, 1881 – 1959) – artist. René Kieffer (French, 1876 – 1963) – bookbinder. Auguste Blaizot (French, 1908 – 1941) – publisher.
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    Octave‎ Uzanne. L’art dans la décoration extérieure des livres en France et à l’étranger : les couvertures illustrées, les cartonnages d’éditeurs, la reliure d’art (1 vol. in 2). — Paris: L.-Henry May; Société française d’éditions d’art, 1898.

    Two hardcover volumes 280 x 210 mm each, collated in-4to, with continuous pagination, total number of pages 431, uniformly bound by Pierre Ouvrard in ¾ morocco over marbled boards, spines are decorated with floral designs and gilt-lettered labels; floral diaper endpapers, top margin gilt; profusely illustrated in b/w and dual-tone. Limited edition of 1060 numbered copies with №№ 1-60 printed on wove paper (papeir Japon) and №№ 61-1060 on wove paper (papier vélin), of which this is copy № 138. Vol. 1: blue binding, original pictorial wrappers (colour woodcut) bound in; collation π4 a2 1-344: [2] h.t., [2] pictorial t.p., [i-iii] iv-vi, [1] 2-268. Engraved title-page by Leon Rudnicki, in red and black, in a frame: L'ART | DANS LA DECORATION EXTERIEURE DES LIVRES | en France et à L'Étranger | Les Couvertures illustrées | les Cartonnages d'Éditeurs | la Reliure d'Art | par | OCTAVE USANNE | {vignette} | Paris | Société Française d'Éditions d'Art | L-Henry May | 9 et 11 Rue Saint-Benoit 9 et 11 | 1898 || Imprint: Exemplaire N° 138. | IL A ÉTÉ TIRÉ DE CETTE ÉDITION | Mille Exemplaires SUR PAPIER VÉLIN | NUMÉROTÉS DE 61 A 1060 | ET | Soixante Exemplaires SUR JAPON | NUMÉROTÉS DE 1 A 60. ||

    Frontispice, en deux tons, de RICHARD WALLACE; Tire, Ornements, Tétes de Chapitres et Culs-de-lampe de Léon RUDNICKI.

    Vol. 2: brown binding; collation: one ffl, 64 leaves of plates printed on both sides, unpaginated, then [269] 270-272 [4] two ffls. Colophon: CE LIVRE | a été achevé d'imprimer | SUR LES PRESSES TYPOGRAPHIQUES | DE LA MAISON LAHURE | à Paris | {vignette} | Le vingt-cing Novembre | 1897 | PAR LES SOINS DE L'AUTEUR |POUR | LA SOCIÉTÉ FRANÇAISE D'ÉDITION D'ART | L.-H. MAY, ÉDITEUR || Contributors: Octave‎ Uzanne (French, 1851 – 1931) – author/compiler. L.-Henry-May (French, late 19th century) – publisher. Société française d'éditions d'art (Paris) – publisher. Léon Rudnicki (French, 1831 – 1958) – engraver/artist. Louis Rhead (British-American, 1857 – 1926) Pierre Ouvrard (Canadian, 1929 – 2008) – bookbinder.
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    Marcel Vertès. Nous les Abstraits [30 lithographs] / Préface de Roger Peyrefitte. — Paris: Éditions Léda, 1960.

    Half-bound green over grey cloth flapped folder 530 x 370 mm with laces, 3 in-folio folded leaves with text (6 pages) and drawn title-page plus 30 colour offset lithographs 510 x 350 mm after  Marcel Vertès. Print run limited to 331 copies with 278 on Sirène, of which this is copy № 51. Title-page: VERTÈS | Nous les Abstraits | Préface de | Roger Peyrefitte || Imprint: © 1960 BY ÉDITIONS LÉDA, 36, RUE ÉTIENNE-MARCEL, PARIS 2° || Colophon: ACHEVÉ D'IMPRIMER | LE 18 AVRIL 1960 |PAR | JACQUES LONDON, IMPRIMEUR | POUR LA PRÉFACE | ET | RENÉ GUILLARD | POUR LES LITHOGRAPHIES || Limitation: CET OUVRAGE A ÉTÉ TIRÉ A 331 EXEMPLAIRES | DONT : UN EXEMPLAIRE UNIQUE COMPORTANT TROIS DESSINS | ORIGINAUX ET DEUX DESSINS ORIGINAUX REFUSÉS, LA | SUITE COMPLÈTE DES PLANCHES AQUARELLÉES A LA | MAIN PAR L'ARTISTE ET QUINZE CROQUIS ORIGINAUX | DE PRÉPARATION. (EXEMPLAIRE NUMÉROTÉ UN.) | 5 EXEMPLAIRES SUR VÉLIN D'ARCHES COMPORTANT | DEUX DESSINS ORIGINAUX ET UN DESSIN ORIGINAL | REFUSÉ, TROIS PLANCHES AQUARELLÉES A LA MAIN, DEUX | PLANCHES REFUSÉES ET CINQ CROQUIS ORIGINAUX, | NUMÉROTÉS DE 2 A 6. | 17 EXEMPLAIRES SUR VÉLIN D'ARCHES COMPORTANT UN | DESSIN ORIGINAL, UNE PLANCHE REFUSÉE ET UN CROQUIS | ORIGINAL, NUMÉROTÉS DE 7 A 23. | 278 EXEMPLAIRES SUR OFFSET SIRÈNE, NUMÉROTÉS DE 24 A 301 | 30 | EXEMPLAIRES HORS COMMERCE NUMÉROTÉS H.C. I | A H.C. XXX. 51 || Marcel Vertès [Marcell Vértes] (Jewish-Hungarian-French, 1895 – 1961) – artist/author Pierre Roger Peyrefitte (French, 1907 – 2000) – author/preface. Imprimerie London (Paris); Jacques [Jankiel] London (Jewish-Ukrainian-French, 1910 – 2011) – printer/text. René Guillard (French, 1889 – after 1961) – printer/lithographs.
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    Pierre Harel-Darc. Quand on parle d’amour ou le vrai dialogue sentimental / Illustrations de Jean-Gabriel Domergue. — Paris : Collection du Lierre, 1948.

    Softcover volume 330 x 255 mm, cream French flapped wrappers with crimson lettering to front in glassine dust cover housed in gilt ivy-diapered 340 x 265 mm clamshell box with full-length label to vertical side, text and 18 in-text colour lithographs printed on 18 quarto unbound gatherings of thick paper watermarked BFK Rives, plus 10 full-page colour lithographs, hand-painted with watercolours. Copy enriched with an autographed dedication to half-title and a suite of the 18 in-text b/w (uncoloured) lithographs on Pur Fil Marais paper. The print run on November 22, 1948, limited edition of 350 copies, 40 copies on vélin de Rives paper, of which this is copy № 67. Title-page (red and black): PIERRE HAREL-DARC | QUAND ON PARLE | D'AMOUR | ou | Le Vrai Dialogue Sentimental | ILLUSTRATIONS DE | JEAN-GABRIEL DOMERGUE | {fleuron} | COLLECTION DU LIERRE | PARIS | 1948 || Colophon: Ce livre composé en caractères Garamond Corps dix-huit a été achevé d'imprimer le 22 novembre 1948 par Georges Girard pour la typographie, Maurice Beaudet pour la lithographie et « le coloris» pour les aquarelles le tirage se limite à trois cent cinquante exemplaires se décomposant comme suit : Dix exemplaires sur vélin de Rives avec suites en couleurs et une aquarelle numérotés de 1 a 10 ; Vingt exemplaires sur vélin de Rives avec suites en couleurs et un dessin, numérotes de 11 a 30 ; Quarante exemplaires sur vélin de Rives avec une suite en noir, numérotes de 31 a 70 ; Deux cent quatre-vingts exemplaires sur vélin Pur Fil du Marais, numérotés de 71 a 350 ; quelques exemplaires hors commerce ont été réservés a l'auteur, a l'illustrateur, a l'éditeur et a ses amis. Exemplaire 67. Contributors: Pierre Maurice Harel [Harel-Darc] (French, 1890 – 1965) – author Jean-Gabriel Domergue (French, 1889 – 1962) Georges Girard (French, 20th century) – printer/text Maurice Beaudet (French, 20th century) – printer/lithography
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    Aimé Van Rod. Nos belles flagellantes / Orné de 10 dessins de Martin van Maële. — Paris: Édition Parisienne [i.e. Roberts et Dardaillon], 1907.

    Hardcover volume 175 x 131 mm bound in red half-morocco over marbled boards, spine with faux raised bands with gilt lettering, marbled endpapers, 3 laid paper fly leaves in the front and 3 in the rear, publisher’s original wrappers preserved, pp.: [6] 1-302 [2], collated 18mo: π3 1-1518 178, i.e. 155 leaves incl. front and back wrappers and 10 photogravures after Martin Van Maële (pp. 21, 55, 81, 97, 133, 153, 197,226, 259 et 295), within collation; front wrapper with van Maële's vignette, signed. Title-page (red and black): AIMÉ VAN ROD | Nos Belles | Flagellantes | Orné de 10 Dessins | hors texte de Martin VAN MAËLE | PARIS | ÉDITION PARISIENNE | (sticker) 9, Rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, 9 | 1907 || Colophon: SAINT-AMAND (CHER). — IMPRIMERIE BUSSIÈRE. Catalogue raisonné: S. A. Perry (2015) № 44, p. 43; Luc Binet № 61, pp. 212-218; ibid. № 132, p. 850. Contributors: Van Rod, Aimé (fr. rod-lover) – anonymous writers collective on whipping. Maurice François Alfred Martin van Maële [Martin van Maële] (French, 1863 – 1926) – artist. Dardaillon, Jules (French, 1859-19..) and Mme Roberts – publishers. Carrington, Charles (British, 1867 – 1921) – publisher.
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    Nieszawer & Princ. Artistes juifs de l’école de Paris 1905-1939 / Préface Claude Lanzmann. — Paris: Somogy éditions d’art, 2015.

    Softcover volume 240 x 192 x 40 mm in publisher’s glossy wrappers with flaps, pp. [1-6] 7-576, profusely illustrated in b/w and colour, three language publications: French (7-393), English (395-469), Russian (470-551). 2nd edition; the 1st edition © Denoël, Paris, 2000 sous le titre « Peintres juifs à Paris, École de Paris, 1905-1939 ». ISBN 978-2-7572-0701-7. Title-page: NIESZAWER & PRINC | ARTISTES JUIFS | DE L'ÉCOLE DE PARIS | 1905-1939 | JEWISH ARTISTS | OF THE SCHOOL OF PARIS | ЕВРЕЙСКИЕ ХУДОЖНИКИ | ПАРИЖСКОЙ ШКОЛЫ | Sous la direction de | Nadine Nieszawer | Expert de l'École de Paris 1905-1939 | Deborah Princ – Arthur Princ – Boris Princ | Marie Boyé Taillan – Paul Fogel | Traduction du français vers l'anglais | Deborah Princ | Traduction du français vers le russe | Oleg Semenov | PRÉFACE | PREFACE | ПРЕДИСЛОВИЕ | Claude Lanzmann | SOMOGY | ÉDITIONS | D'ART ||
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    Caresse Crosby. The Passionate Years: an autobiography. — New York: Dial Press, 1953.

    Hardcover volume 211 x 141 mm, bound in quarter black buckram over green buckram boards, gilt lettering to spine, pictorial dust jacket with white lettering, ink inscriptions and paper clipping pasted to free endpaper, laid-in two newspaper clippings – January 26, 1970 and late 1950s; pp.: [1-10] [2] 3-342, plus 3 photo plates, extraneous to collation. 1st edition, 2nd printing, October 1953. Title-page: CARESSE CROSBY | THE | PASSIONATE | YEARS | {publisher’s device} | THE DIAL PRESS […] 1953 • NEW YORK || Imprint: Copyright, 1953, by Caresse Crosby | Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 52-10093 | FIRST PRINTING, MARCH 1953 | SECOND PRINTING, OCTOBER 1953 | DESIGNED BY WILLIAM R. MEINHARDT | PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY | THE HADDON CRAFTSMEN, SCRANTON, PA. Contributors: Caresse Crosby [Mary Phelps Jacob] (American, 1892 – 1970) – author. Haddon Craftsmen (Scranton, PA) – printer. The Dial Press – publisher (1923-85)
    honesterotica.com: Here is what Caresse wrote about May and Frans during their time together in interwar Paris, from the copy of her autobiography which she inscribed to them with the telling inscription ‘our most passionate years with you!’: ‘Frans de Geetere came to France dragging his barge behind him, and having manoeuvered the dikes of Holland and the frontiers of Belgium and the northern waterways of France, he strode into Paris one summer evening towing his dwelling with May den Engelsen, his timid blonde bride atop of it – he on the footpath, a stout rope about his lean and muscular middle. At twenty-one with the sunburned torso, a crest of wild black curls, and snapping black eyes, Frans was a storybook character, and May, his Netherlands wife, was as frail and honey-golden as some princesse lointaine. There were two tortoiseshell kittens aboard and a hold stuffed with paintings of flowers and nudes in profusion, for Frans had come to Paris for Art’s sweet sake, not to study because he was already confident and bold, but to compete in the marketplace with the greatest artists of the day.’
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    Dictionnaire des œuvres érotiques: domaine français / Préface de Pascal Pia. — Paris: Mercure de France, 1971.

    Hardcover volume 257 x 172 mm in a suede slipcase 264 x 175 mm, bound by Ateliers Babouot in yellow morocco, front board gilt-stamped with frames and borders, flat spine with gilt in compartments, brown label lettered in gilt, grey moire endpapers, yellow paper faux-titles, pp. [i-v] vi-x [xi] [3] [2] 1-531 [532] [4], i.e. 552 pp. total, profusely illustrated with full-page and in-text b/w and toned reproductions; top edge gilt. Title-page (gilt and black): DICTIONNAIRE | DES ŒUVRES | ÉROTIQUES | DOMAINE FRANÇAIS | PRÉFACE DE PASCAL PIA | {vignette} | MERCURE DE France || Imprint: Tous droits de reproduction, de traduction et d'adaptation réservés pour tous les pays. © MERCURE DE FRANCE, 1971. Colophon: Achevé d'imprimer le 11 octobre 1971 par Firmin-Didot Paris-Mesnil-Ivry sur couche job mat des papeteries Dujardin ; photogravure Haudressy-Ronan ; reliure de Babouot ; maquette de Gilbert Minazzoli et Virginia Silva. Imprint : № d'édition : 5398 – № d'impression : 6384; Dépôt légal : 4e trimestre 1971. Contributors: Pascal Pia [Pierre Durand] (French, 1903 – 1979) – author/compiler.
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    Leonor Fini, Severo Sarduy. Les Merveilles de la Nature. — Paris: Jean-Jacques Pauvert; Munich: Kurt Desch, 1971.

    Hardcover volume 343 x 268 mm, binding by Grimm et Bleicher (Munich) in red cloth with author’s gilt fac-simile to front and gilt lettering to spine, in matching red cloth slipcase, pink endpapers, pp. [1-6] 7-13 [14] [82] (i.e. 48 leaves) with 84 photomechanically reproduced drawings after Leonor Fini. A copy of an unlimited print run. Title-page: Léonor Fini | Les Merveilles de | la Nature || Colophon: JEAN-JACQUES PAUVERT, 8, rue de Nesle, PARIS-VI. © 1971 Editions Kurt Desch GmbH, Munich. Tous droits réservés, y compris ceux de reproductions partielles et de reproductions photomécaniques. Papier des Papeteries Scheufelen, Oberlenningen. Mise en page et impression des entreprises graphiques R. Oldenbourg, Munich. Reliure conçue par Christel Aumann, Munich, et réalisée par Grimm et Bleicher, Munich. Imprimé en Allemagne, 1971. Il a été tiré, spécialement pour Jean-Jacques Pauvert et la Librairie du Palimugre, cent exemplaires numérotés de 1 à 100 contenant une gravure originale de Léonor Fini. Reference: www.honesterotica.com Contributors: Leonor Fini (French, 1907 – 1996) – artist. Severo Sarduy (Cuban, 1937 – 1993) – author/poetry. Jean-Jacques Pauvert (French, 1926 – 2014) – publisher. Kurt Desch (German, 1903 – 1984) – publisher.
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    Prosper Jolyot de Crébillon. La nuit et le moment / imagé de 25 eaux-fortes originales par Louis Icart. — Paris: Georges Guillot, 1946.

    Hardcover volume 287 x 237 mm, bound by San Remo (signed) in red full straight-grained morocco, boards decorated with a frame of gilt and blind-stamped fillets with fleurons in the corners, spine with faux raised bands, gilt in compartments snd gilt lettering, top edge gilt, other untrimmed; pastedown with grey percaline in a red morocco frame with gilt fillet, grey percaline free endpaper; publisher’s original wrappers preserved and bound in, printed on wove paper with “Johannot” watermark. Collation: 4 fly leaves, 1st with the previous owner’s ‘EXLIBRIS JEAN PERISSE’ imprint, front wrapper, blank, h.t., t.p., pp. 1-161 [162], blank, plus 17 full-page and 2 in-text hand-coloured etchings, incl. frontispiece, A propos / Louis Icart fac-simile to verso, 6 leaves of cancelled plates, colophon, blank, rear wrapper, spine, 3 fly leaves. Title-page (red and black): PROSPER JOLYOT DE CRÉBILLON | LA | NUIT | ET LE | MOMENT | imagé de vingt-cinq eaux-fortes originales, en couleurs, | par | LOUIS ICART | {fleuron} | GEORGES GUILLOT, ÉDITEUR | 7, RUE PERRONET | PARIS || Colophon: La nuit et le moment de Prosper de Crébillon, réalisé par les éditions d'art Georges Guillot, est image de vingt-cinq eaux-fortes originales en couleurs, dont cinq en suite libre, gravées par Louis Icart. — Son tirage a été limité a 525 exemplaires, a savoir : un exemplaire unique sur Japon Super Nacré portant le n° 1, comprenant trois dessins originaux, une suite sur chine avec trois états des eaux-fortes, les gravures dans leur état définitif et un cuivre encré. — Quinze exemplaires sur Japon Impérial numérotés de 2 a 16, et neuf sur Japon Ivoire numérotés de 17 a 25, comprenant un dessin original, deux états des eaux-fortes, les gravures dans leur état définitif et un cuivre encré. — cent exemplaires sur Rives a la Forme numérotés de 26 a 125, comprenant un dessin original, une suite sanguine et les gravures dans leur état définitif. — Cent-cinquante exemplaires sur Arches a la Forme numérotés de 126 a 275, comprenant les eaux-fortes dans leur état définitif en couleurs. — Deux-cents cinquante exemplaires sur Johannot a la Forme numérotés de 276 a 525, comprenant les eaux-fortes dans leur état définitif en couleurs. — Quinze exemplaires sur différents papiers, comprenant les eaux-fortes dans leur état définitif en couleurs, réservés a l'artiste et a l'éditeur, dénommés exemplaires d'artiste et numérotés de I a XV. — Cette édition a été achevé d'imprimer a paris. Pour la typographie, sur les presses de Pierre Gaudin ; et pour les eaux-fortes, dans les ateliers en taille-douce de Manuel Robbe, le 30 avril 1946. Limitation: Print-run on April 30, 1946, limited to 525 copies plus 15 copies reserved for artist and publisher (I-XV); copies №№ 276-525 on Johannot paper, of which this is copy № 367. Catalogue raisonné: honesterotica.com; William R. Holland pp. 133-147. Contributors: Claude-Prosper Jolyot de Crébillon [Crébillon fils] (French, 1707 – 1777) – author. Louis Icart (French, 1888 – 1950) – artist. Georges Guillot (French) – publisher. Pierre Gaudin – printer/text. Ateliers en taille-douce de Manuel Robbe (French, 1872 – 1936) – printer/plates. Jean Périssé (French, b. 1947) – provenance.
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    Marquis de Sade. Histoire de Jérôme / illustrée d’eaux-fortes originales par un artiste inconnu [i.e. Schem]. — Paris: Chez tous les libraires, 1936.

    Softcover volume 245 x 195 mm in cream French flapped wrapper with blue lettering to front, printed on wove paper with Arches watermarkes, header and footer framed in blue arabesque; pp.: ffl [1-4] 5-124 [125] [3] ffl, i.e. 64 leaves plus 12 colour lithographs by Schem (Raoul Serres), incl. frontispiece. A print run of 325 copies, of which this is copy № 69 on Arches vellum. Title-page (blue and black): MARQUIS DE SADE | HISTOIRE | DE JÉRÔME | ILLUSTRÉE D'EAUX-FORTES ORIGINALES | REHAUSSÉES DE COULEURS | PAR UN | ARTISTE INCONNU | PARIS | CHEZ TOUS LES LIBRAIRES | MCMXXXVI || Colophon: JUSTIFICATION DU TIRAGE. Cette édition du Marquis de Sade, illustrée de 12 eaux-fortes originales d'un artiste célèbre, a été strictement limitée à 325 exemplaires sur grand vélin d'Arches à la forme. N° 1. Exemplaire unique sur Japon impérial, comprenant l'état définitif en couleurs des I2 eaux-fortes, une suite en noir avec remarques un cuivre et les 12 dessins originaux. Nos 2 et 3 sur Japon impérial, comprenant l'état définitif en couleurs des 12 eaux-fortes, une suite en noir avec remarques et un dessin de l'artiste. Nos 4 à 12 sur grand vélin d'Arches à la forme, comprenant l'état définitif en couleurs des I2 eaux-fortes, une suite en noir avec remarques un cuivre et un dessin de l'artiste. Nos 13 à 50 sur grand vélin d'Arches à la forme comprenant l'état définitif en couleurs des 12 eaux-fortes et suite en noir avec remarques. Nos 51 à 325 sur grand vélin d'Arches à la forme avec l'état définitif en couleurs des 12 eaux-fortes. Catalogue raisonné: Dutel III № 1697, p. 199. Contributors: Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade (French, 1740 – 1814) – author. Schem [real name Raoul Serres] (French, 1881– 1971) – artist.
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