• NEW
    Two softcover volumes, 295 × 210 mm each, uniformly bound in wrappers with black and grey lettering and a vignette to the front, lettering to the spine, and vignette to the back; both housed in a black cloth slipcase with gilt lettering in a gilt octagonal frame. Vol. 1: Pale yellow wrappers, vignette in colour, lettering, two green flyleaves in the front and back, pp.: [1] 2–167 [1]; contains a detailed study of Hiroshige’s travel prints, including the Tōkaidō and Kisokaidō series. Title-page: PRINTS | BY UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE | IN THE JAMES A. MICHENER | COLLECTION | VOLUME 1 | Essay by Kobayashi Tadashi | Catalogue by Howard A. Link | {publisher’s device} Honolulu Academy of Arts 1991 || Vol. 2: Cream wrappers, vignette in black and white, lettering, pp.: [1] 2–64; provides additional analysis, notes, and a selected bibliography. Title-page: PRINTS | BY UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE | IN THE JAMES A. MICHENER | COLLECTION | VOLUME 2 | Essays and Catalogue Commentaries | by Howard A. Link | {vignette portrait} | {publisher’s device} Honolulu Academy of Arts 1991 || Contributors: Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797–1858) – artist. James A. Michener (American, 1907–1997) – collector. Kobayashi Tadashi (Japanese, born 1941) – essayist. Howard A. Link (American, dates unknown) – catalogue compiler. Honolulu Academy of Arts (now Honolulu Museum of Art) – publisher.

  • NEW
    Softcover auction catalogue, 267 x 209 mm, pictorial wrappers with red lettering to cover, black and white lettering to spine; pp. [2] 3-179 [1]; auction held at Christie’s New York on Thursday, 24 April 1997, featuring lots 60-340, with properties from Japan Society, Inc., N.Y., Mary Griggs Burke, a lady, a European private collection, and various sources; includes descriptions and images of Japanese paintings, prints, ceramics, lacquer, and other works of art.

    Title-page: JAPANESE ART | Properties from | JAPAN SOCIETY, INC., N.Y. | MARY GRIGGS BURKE | A LADY | A EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTION | AND FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | Auction | Thursday, 24 April 1997 at 11.00 a.m. approx. (Lots 60-194) | and at 2.00 p.m. (Lots 195-340) | 502 Park Avenue at 59th Street | New York, New York 10022 | Sale Code | In sending written bids or making inquiries, this sale should be referred to as #8670 | Viewing | […] |Christie's | 502 Park Avenue at 59th Street | New York, New York 10022 | Telephone: (212) 546 1000 | Internet: | http://www.christies.com | (40) Registered at the above address No. 1128160 | {CHRISTIE'S device} ||

    Sixteen Fan Prints in this catalogue. 248. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.5 × 29.4 cm.); entitled Hana no nishiki "Flower brocade", a half-length portrait of a beauty on a peony-decorated ground", signed Kuniyoshi ga and dated 4/1855—very good impression and color, some minute worm holes, binding holes on right. — Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 280. HIROSHIGE: aiban yoko-e, uchiwa-e (21.8 x 28.4 cm.); Tokaido, zuso Hakone sanchō kosui no zu “View of the lake in mountains at Hakone on the Tokaido between Izu and Sagami province”, and subtitled Bōsetsu “Evening snow”, from the series Omote ura chiji hakkei “Eight views of stations of the Tokaido and Kiso-kaidō”, signed Hiroshige ga—very good impression and color, faint vertical center fold restored on reverse, slightly soiled near corners. PROVENANCE: Theodor Scheiwe, sold in these Rooms, March 21, 1989, lot 264. PUBLISHED: Rose Hempel, Ausstellung Japanische Holzschnitte (Munster, 1959), no. 244, p. 145; Rose Hempel, Kunst Aus Japan (Essen: Villa Hügel, 1972), no. 496, p. 273; For another impression see Suzuki Juzo, Hiroshige (Tokyo: Nihon keizai shimbun, 1970), pl. 46. — Estimate: $10,000-15,000. 281. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.2 x 28.1 cm.); Yotsuya Shinjuku tsutsumi no hana “Cherry blossoms on the bank at Shinjuku, Yotsuya”, three women on a terrace overlooking cherry blossoms on the opposite bank in the night, signed Hiroshige ga, dated 1856, second month, and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—very good impression, color and condition. —Estimate: $8,000-10,000. 282. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 29.2 cm.); Sugita no baien "Plum garden at Sugita", signed Hiroshige ga and published by Sanoya Kihei—very good impression and color, binding holes on right restored, a minute repair on lower left. — Estimate: $8,000-10,000. 283. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.2 × 29.7 cm.); Buya Tsukuda no isaribune "Fishing boats at Tsukudajima in Musashi province", from the series Shokoku meisho "Famous places in the various provinces", signed Hiroshige ga over the publisher’s seal, published by Dansendō [Ibaya Senzaburō]—very good impression and color, faint center fold reinforced on the reverse, margins slightly soiled. PROVENANCE: Alexis Rouart, sold American Art Association, New York, February 6, 1922, lot 210; This impression was sold in these Rooms, December 4, 1984, lot 212. — Estimate: $10,000-15,000. 284. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.6 × 29 cm.); a tree and branches of yaezakura (double cherry blossoms) on a yellow background, signed Hiroshige hitsu and published by Dansendō [Ibaya Senzaburō]—very good impression and color, slightly stained, restoration on right. EXHIBITED: Pratt Graphics Center, New York, "Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books" (February 26—March 19, 1983); PUBLISHED: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books (New York: The Ukiyo-e Society of America, 1983), no. 77. — Estimate: $6,000-8,000 285. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (23.2 × 29.4 cm.); Rokugo no watashi "The ferry at Rokugō", from the series Meisho fūkei "Famous landscapes", signed Hiroshige ga—very good impression and color, a worm hole in lower left margin, pasted on paper on upper corners; EXHIBITED: Pratt Graphics Center, New York, "Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books" (February 29—March 19, 1983); PUBLISHED: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books (New York: The Ukiyo-e Society of America, 1983), no. 60. — Estimate: $6,000-8,000. 286. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 29 cm.); Shinshu, Suwako yukihare "Clear weather after snow at Lake Suwa in Shinano province", from the series Fuji sanjūrokkei no uchi "The thirty-six views of Mount Fuji", signed Hiroshige ga, dated 1842, and published by Ibaya Kyubei—very good impression and color, margins slightly soiled, vertical center fold restored.. EXHIBITED: Pratt Graphics Center, New York, "Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books" (February 29—March 19, 1983). PUBLISHED: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books (New York: The Ukiyo-e Society of America, 1983), no. 51. — Estimate: $5,000-7,000. 287. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.4 × 28.7 cm.); Kodai buto "Classical dance", signed Ryūsai and published by Maruya Seijiro—good impression and color, slightly foxed, some minor worm holes, slightly creased, mat stain along edges, pasted on paper on upper corners, minor tear on upper edge. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 288. HIROSHIGE: chūban uchiwa-e (24.6 × 18.6 cm.); Kai Kawaguchi kosui no zu "View of the lake at Kawaguchi in Kai province", signed Hiroshige hitsu—good impression and color, slightly soiled, faint vertical center fold, binding holes on right restored. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 289. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 28.2 cm.); Karasaki no hitotsu matsu "Single pine tree at Karasaki", from the series Omi hakkei "Eight views of Lake Biwa", signed Hiroshige ga, dated 1852, seventh month, and published by Enshuya Matabei—very good impression and color, minute stains in lower right, pin holes on upper corners, vertical center fold. — Estimate: $5,000-7,000. 290. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (23.4 × 30 cm.); three stems of peonies on a blue background, signed Hiroshige ga, dated 1857, second month, and published by Marukyudo—very good impression and color, holes on right restored, some minor worming restored, otherwise good condition. EXHIBITED: Pratt Graphics Center, New York, "Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books" (February 26—March 19, 1983). PUBLISHED: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books (New York: The Ukiyo-e Society of America, 1983), no. 76. — Estimate: $10,000-15,000. 291. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22 × 29.8 cm.); Kodai meiyo shiki no hana "Flowers of the four seasons with historical associations", subtitled Natsu, Mikawa Yatsuhashi no tojaku "Summer, Iris at Yatsuhashi in Mikawa province" and a rectangular cartouche with a portrait of the poet Ariwara no Narihira, signed Hiroshige ga and published by Surugaya—very good impression and color, margins slightly soiled, binding holes on left restored. EXHIBITED: Pratt Graphics Center, New York, "Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books" (February 26—March 19, 1983). PUBLISHED: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books (New York: The Ukiyo-e Society of America, 1983), no. 52. — Estimate: $10,000-15,000. 292. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.1 × 26 cm.); a seated woman taking a sake cup from a boat-shaped porcelain bowl under a night river landscape with full-moon, signed Hiroshige ga, dated 1852, fourth month, and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—very good impression and color, slightly stained, a minute worm hole restored. EXHIBITED: Pratt Graphics Center, New York, "Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books" (February 29—March 19, 1983). PUBLISHED: Sebastian Izzard, Hiroshige: An exhibition of selected prints and illustrated books (New York: The Ukiyo-e Society of America, 1983), no. 69. — Estimate: $4,000-6,000. 312. HIROSHIGE II: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.1 cm.); an aizuri-e “blue print”, Tsunohazu juniso otaki “Great waterfall of the twelve shrines at Tsunohazu”, signed Hiroshige ga, dated 1861—very good impression and color, corners slightly soiled, binding holes and minor worming on left restored. PROVENANCE: A. Maroni. — Estimate: $4,000-6,000. 313. HIROSHIGE II: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.7 cm.); Owari, Atsuta kaigan “Atsuta Beach in Owari province”, from the series Shokoku meisho zue “Illustrations of famous places in the various provinces”, signed Hiroshige ga, seal dated [1862], and published by Iseya Soemon—very good impression and color, slightly browned along lower edge. — Estimate: $8,000-10,000.
  • NEW
    Softcover auction catalogue, 267 x 209 mm, pictorial wrappers with white lettering to cover, black and white lettering to spine; pp. [2] 3-171 [1]; auction held at Christie’s New York on Monday, 24 November 1997, featuring lots 1-297, with properties from Sir Valentine Abdy and various owners; includes descriptions and images of Japanese prints, paintings, and screens. Sheet with realized prices laid in. Title-page: JAPANESE PRINTS, PAINTINGS AND SCREENS | Properties of | SIR VALENTINE ABDY | VARIOUS OWNERS | Auction | Monday, 24 November 1997 at 10.00 a.m. (Lots 1-297) | 502 Park Avenue at 59th Street | New York, New York 10022 | Sale Code | In sending written bids or making inquiries, this sale should be referred to as #8782 | Viewing | […] | Christie’s | 502 Park Avenue at 59th Street | New York, New York 10022 | Telephone: (212) 546 1000 | Internet: http://www.christies.com | (30) Registered at the above address No. 1128160 | {CHRISTIE’S device} || Sixty Fan Prints in this catalogue. 39. TOYOKUNI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.9 × 26.6 cm.); Nakanocho yozakura no zu "Picture of cherry blossoms by night in Nakanocho", a courtesan and two kamuro strolling under cherry trees, signed Toyokuni ga, the censor’s seal corresponding to 1817, published by Ibaya Senzaburo—good impression, very good color, slightly soiled, upper right corner torn and restored. — Estimate: $2,000-3,000. 40. TOYOKUNI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.8 cm.); a bust portrait of a beauty holding the edge of a hand-towel flung over her shoulders, signed Toyokuni ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1822—very good impression, good color, slightly soiled and rubbed along edges, a minor stain by the edge. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 79. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (23.2 × 30.1 cm.); a bust portrait of a woman dyeing her teeth black against a light-blue background sprinkled with mica, the facial lines printed in deep red, signed Kunisada ga—fine impression and color, slightly soiled along edges, binding holes on right restored, a few minute holes on right. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 80. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (23.8 × 30.1 cm.); a bust portrait of a beauty in a flower-patterned purple robe exposing the left shoulder against a light-blue background sprinkled with mica, the facial lines printed in deep red, signed Kunisada ga, square kiwame censor’s seal and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—fine impression and color, slightly soiled and stained along edges, a few minor stains on right. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 82. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 26.3 cm.); a woman in a kimono patterned with blue seals against a background of purple and black checks and green stenciled “deerskin” patterned with horses and grasses, signed Kunisada ga, the censor’s seal corresponding to 1826, published by Ibaya Senzaburo—fine impression and color, slight stain along right edge, binding holes on right, a minute worm hole in the lower margin. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 83. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.9 × 27.1 cm.); a woman wiping her neck before an iris-patterned background, signed Kunisada ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1826, published by Ibaya Senzaburo—very good impression and color, corners slightly soiled, minor damage and binding holes on right edge, a minute worm hole on the lower margin. — Estimate: $2,500-3,500. 84. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.9 cm.); a woman holding a bamboo basket against a background of tie-dyed fabric patterned with hagi (bush clover), from the series Mutamagao “Six jewel faces”, the pattern on the background alluding to the Jewel River in Noji (Hagi no Tamagawa) in Ōmi province, suggested by the title, signed Kunisada ga—fine impression and color, binding holes on right. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 85. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.8 cm.); Prince Mitsugi against a background of tie-dyed fabric patterns holding a spray of yamabuki, from the series Mutamagao “Six jewel faces”, the flower alluding to the Jewel River in Ide (Yamabuki no Tamagawa) in Yamashiro province, signed Kunisada ga—fine impression and color, slightly stained along side edges, binding holes on right. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 86. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 30 cm.); a woman against a background of tie-dyed fabric patterns holding a sake cup and a paper toy figure of a monk, from the series Mutamagao “Six jewel faces”, the monk alluding to the Jewel River in Kōya (Koya no Tamagawa) in Kii province, signed Kunisada ga—fine impression and color, binding holes on both sides, slightly soiled along the lower edge. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 87. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 30 cm.); a woman washing clothes in a basin against a background of tie-dyed fabric patterns, from the series Mutamagao “Six jewel faces”, alluding to the Jewel River in Chōfu (Chōfu no Tamagawa) in Musashi province, signed Kunisada ga—fine impression and color, binding holes on both sides, a few minute worm holes near edges. — Estimate: $2,000-3,000. 88. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 30.2 cm.); a courtesan against a background of tie-dyed fabric patterns looking at a book illustration of a woman pounding cloth, from the series Mutamagao “Six jewel faces”, the book illustration alluding to the Jewel River in Mishima (Toi no Tamagawa) in Settsu province, signed Kunisada ga—fine impression and color, slightly soiled along left edge, binding holes on right, a few minor worm holes on left. — Estimate: $2,500-3,500. 89. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.8 cm.); a beauty against a background of tie-dyed fabric patterns holding a pipe looking at toy birds hanging from bamboo, from the series Mutamagao “Six jewel faces”, the bird decorations alluding to the Jewel River in Noda (Chidori no Tamagawa) in Rikuzen province, signed Kunisada ga—fine impression and color, binding holes on both sides, slightly stained along lower edge, a few minute worm holes. — Estimate: $2,500-3,500. 97. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 29.2 cm.); Fune kara agari “Disembarking from the boat”, signed Toyokuni ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—fine impression and color, binding holes and minor damage on right. — Estimate: $2,500-3,500. 98. KUNISADA: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.34 cm.); Shinkei atsurae zome “Modern form of custom-dyeing”, illustrating a beauty before a background of textile patterns fishing clams from a bowl with a stem of flower, signed Kocho Toyokuni ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—fine impression, color, and condition. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 103. KUNISADA AND HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.1 × 29.5 cm. ea. approx.); a complete set of seven prints from the series Sohitsu nanato meguri “Twin-brush journey to the seven hot springs [of Hakone]”, comprising Kiga, Tonosawa, Yumoto, Miyanoshtia, Dogashima, Ashinoyu and Sokokura, each of a beauty or a male figure before a landscape of a separate hot spring, signed Toyokuni ga and Hiroshige hitsu and published by Ibaya Senzaburo, censor’s seal corresponding to 1854, second month—fine impressions and color, slightly soiled along bottom edges, some with fold line and minute worm hole along the left edge with restoration on reverse. This landscape series appears to be unrecorded. — Estimate: $15,000-20,000. 110. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22 × 29.9 cm.); Suika no suisho “Watermelon, water”, a beauty extracting seeds from a slice of watermelon, from the series Gogyo no uchi “The five natural elements”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Surugaya Sakujiro—very good impression and color, binding holes on right, slightly soiled and stained along edges, some minute worm holes, upper left corner torn. — Estimate: $1,500-2,000. 111. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22 × 29.9 cm.); Chochin no kasho “Lantern, fire”, a beauty lighting a lantern, from the series Gogyo no uchi “The five natural elements”, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and published by Surugaya Sakujiro—very good impression and color, slightly soiled and stained along edges, binding holes on left, minor worm holes on upper corners, upper right corner torn. — Estimate: $1,000-1,500. 112. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 29.1 cm.); Zato no seiran “Fine weather for a blind man” from the series Otsu hakkei “Eight views of Otsu-e”, illustrated by a beauty and a dog, the small cartouche depicting a blind man attacked by a dog, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, published by Tsujya Yasubei—fine impression and color, binding holes partly torn on right, a minute worm hole on upper right margin. Two other images from the same set are illustrated in Narazaki Muneshige, Victoria and Albert Museum II, Ukiyo-e masterpieces in European collections (Tokyo: Kodansha, 1989), pls. 34 and 35. — Estimate: $2,000-3,000. 113. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.4 cm.); a woman standing by a lantern and holding an umbrella under cherry petals falling against the night sky, from the series Ukiyo hakkai “Eight nocturnal trysts”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—fine impression and color, paper slightly toned and stained, minor damage on left edge, a pin hole on upper left margin. — Estimate: $2,500-3,500. 115. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.4 cm.); a woman putting her hand on a palanquin in the lantern-light, from the series Ukiyo hakkai “Eight nocturnal trysts”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—fine impression and color, a minute hole in the upper right margin, otherwise very good condition. — Estimate: $3,000-4,000. 116. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.6 cm.); a woman beside a bath tub, from the series Ukiyo hakkai “Eight nocturnal trysts”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburo—very good impression and color, a minute hole in upper right margin, a minor tear in the lower margin on right edge, otherwise good condition. — Estimate: $2,000-3,000. 117. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.5cm.); a woman in the evening on a boat enjoying green soybeans, from the series Ukiyo hakkei “Eight nocturnal trysts,” signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—Fine impression and color, minute hole on upper right margin, a few minute ink smudges. Another image from the same set of the Niwaka festival in the Yoshiwara, is illustrated in Narazaki Muneshige, Ukiyo-e Masterpieces in European Collections (Tokyo: Kodansha, 1989), pl. 36, and in R. A. Crighton, The Floating World, Japanese Popular Prints 1700-1900 (London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1973), no. 11. — Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 118. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.4cm.); an ochazuke (rice with tea) shop waitress carrying a tray and teapots, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—very good impression and color, a worm hole on upper edge, otherwise very good condition. — Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 119. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.6cm.); a beauty in a mirror with a sprinkled mica background arranging her hair, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—fine impression and color, binding holes on left, two minute holes in the upper right margin. Other images from the same set, of a mother and baby, and a woman trimming her hairline, are illustrated in Suzuki Jūzō, Kuniyoshi (Tokyo: Heibonsha, 1992), pls. 280 and 281; and Suzuki Jūzō, Kunisada/Kuniyoshi/Eisen, Ukiyo-e Taikei, vol. 10, (Tokyo: Shueisha, 1974), pl. 44; A beauty applying powder is in Utagawa Kuniyoshi ten (Utagawa Kuniyoshi exhibition) (Tokyo: Riccar Art Museum, 1978), no. 172. — Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 120. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.9 × 29.5cm.); a beauty smoking reflected in a mirror, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—very good impression and color, a minor worm hole in the lower left margin. See lots 119 and 121 for other images in the set. — Estimate: $4,000–6,000. 121. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.2cm.); a beauty reflected in a mirror with a sprinkled mica background frightening a cat with her reflection, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—fine impression and color, very slight glue stain along top and left edge, minute pin holes on upper right margin. Another impression of this print was sold in these Rooms, June 27, 1985, lot 106. See lots 119 and 120 for other images in the set. — Estimate: $6,000–8,000. 122. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (23.7 × 30.7cm. ea. approx.); two prints from the series Dogai kesho no tawamure “Brushes with make-up off the beaten path,” one titled Omori illustrating animated cosmetic utensils strolling on the seashore at Omori; and the other watching fireworks on a river bank, titled Hanabi “Fireworks”, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi giga and the other signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi giga, published by Kogaya Katsugorō—very good impression, slightly faded, trimmed and laid down, the first with a few minute worm holes on top. — Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 126. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.4 × 28.5cm.); illustrating figures on a blue ground forming spinning tops, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi giga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—very good impression and color, extensive wood grain, trimmed into the shape of the fan. — Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 127. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 30.5cm.); Tōsei musume katagi “The spirit of modern young women”, a beauty repapering shōji while a child peeks through the frame, signed Chooro Kunisada ga and published by Ebiyu Rinnosuke—very good impression and color, slightly soiled and rubbed along bottom and left edge, minute worm holes in upper left margin, a minute stain in the center. — Estimate: $1,500–2,000. 128. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 29cm.); a beauty standing by a stone lantern in a moonlit garden, subtitled Tsuki “Moon”, from the series Setsugekka no uchi “Snow, moon and flowers”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga—fine impression, very good color, damaged binding holes on left edge, some minor worm holes on edges. — Estimate: $2,000–3,000 129. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 30.1cm.); Kaze “Wind”, a beauty on a boat enjoying the evening cool on the river, from the series Kachōgetsu “Flowers, birds, wind and moon”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Sanoya Kihei—very good impression and color, some minor stains, binding holes on left, a minute worm hole on upper right margin. — Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 130. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (23.3 × 29.6cm.); a beauty dedicating a hand towel at a washing trough in a shrine, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga—fine impression and color, slightly soiled and rubbed along edges, vertical center fold. — Estimate: $2,000–3,000 131. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.6 × 29.3cm.); Sumidagawa “Sumida River”, a beauty under a cherry tree by the river bank putting her hand on a figure of Daruma, representing cherry blossoms, from the series Rokkakusen “Six flower rivers”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Iseya Sōemon—very good impression and color, slightly stained along edges, slightly soiled, binding holes on right, corners trimmed, a minute worm hole in the upper right margin. Other images from the same set: Ayasegawa, with hydrangea, in Suzuki Jūzō, Kuniyoshi (Tokyo: Heibonsha, 1992), pl. 288; and Okawa, with morning glory, in Tokyo kokuritsu hakubutsukan zuhan mokuroku, Ukiyo-e hanga hen (Illustrated catalogue of the Tokyo National Museum, Ukiyo-e prints), vol. 3, (Tokyo: Tokyo bijutsu, 1974), no. 3063. — Estimate: $1,000–1,500. 132. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 28.9cm.); a beauty with a partially unrolled letter before a portrait of Sōjōbō, king of the tengu, in a decorated frame, entitled Imayō gakumen awase “Collection of modern framed pictures”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga—very good impression and color, very slightly stained on the bottom, binding holes on right, a minor worm hole in upper right margin. — Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 133. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (21.9 × 28.9cm.); a beauty holding a fan and burning a taper beside a portrait of Soga no Jūrō in a decorated frame, entitled Imayō gakumen awase “Collection of modern framed pictures”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga—very good impression and color, binding holes on both sides, a minor worm hole in the upper right margin. Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 134. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.9 × 29.3cm.); a woman biting the edge of her kerchief before a backdrop of a cart and clematis vines, entitled Mitate Konkai “Parody of Konkai” (the alternate title for the kyōgen farce, Tsuri gitsune), signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—fine impression and color, two minute worm holes on upper left margin, otherwise very good condition. Another impression of this print was sold in these Rooms, November 2, 1996, lot 612. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 135. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (23.7 × 30.1cm.); Aishō kagami “Mirror of compatibility”, a beauty against a stylized wave-and-fish-patterned background reading a letter, below a round mirror cartouche enclosing a bust portrait of Shirai Gonpachi, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Kyūbei—fine impression and color, minor glue stain along upper edge, few minute worm holes in margins. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 136. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.4cm.); a beauty with an umbrella beside a playbill, entitled Imayō sugata “Modern style”, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and published by Iseya Sōemon—fine impression and color, a minute worm hole on left edge, a minute hole on left, binding holes on right. Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 137. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.2cm.); a woman on a bridge under an umbrella throwing paper votive slips printed with Buddhist figures into the wind, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga—very good impression, color and condition. Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 138. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.5 × 28.9cm.); Koshikibu, from the series Reppuden “Legends of heroic women”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—very good impression and color, binding holes on left, minute worm holes on top in the center. Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 139. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.6cm.); Kitsune “Fox”, from the series Mitsuboshi no uchi, a beauty wiping her hands with a towel at a washing trough at an Inari shrine, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1852, second month, published by Kojimaya Jūbei—very good impression and color, binding holes on left, very slight stain along edges and in lower margin, otherwise good condition. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 140. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.6cm.); Karudo “Hunter”, from the series Mitsuboshi no uchi, illustrating a beauty in a thick overcoat holding a piece of wood, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1852, second month—very good impression and color, binding holes on right, otherwise good condition. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 141. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.5cm.); Atsurae zome konomi no irodori “Favorite colors for custom-dying” and subtitled Fuji nezumi “Mount Fuji gray”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month, published by Iseya Sōemon—fine impression and color, binding holes on left edge, otherwise good condition. Two other images from the same set, entitled Edo murasaki “Edo purple” and Ai miru cha “Tea-hut brown”, are illustrated in Uragami Toshirō, Ukiyo-e Utagawa-ha san kyōsho ten - Kunisada Kuniyoshi Hiroshige no sekai (Exhibition of three masters of the Utagawa school - the world of Kunisada, Kuniyoshi and Hiroshige -) (Hagi: TYS, 1991), pls. 74, 75, 109; and Tokyo kokuritsu hakubutsukan zuhan mokuroku, Ukiyo-e hanga hen (Illustrated catalogue of Tokyo National Museum, Ukiyo-e prints), vol. 3, (Tokyo: Tokyo bijutsu, 1974), no. 3053. Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 142. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29cm.); Natsu no yugure “A summer evening”, a beauty on a veranda with overhanging branches of a flowering tree, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month, published by Enshūya Matabei—very good impression and color, slightly soiled along bottom edge, minor stains on the bottom. Two other images from the same set, featuring hydrangea and peony, were sold in these Rooms, April 26, 1995, lots 247A and 248. Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 143. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (20.8 × 29.9cm.); a woman on a terrace reading a libretto, from the series Enkyoku zōui “Collection of charming music”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month—very good impression and color, binding holes on left, paper thinned in upper left margin, otherwise good condition. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 144. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (20.7 × 29.3cm.); a woman by a koto reading a libretto, from the series Enkyoku zoroi “Collection of charming music”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month—very good impression and color, very slight stain along side edges, otherwise good condition. Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 145. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.4cm.); a woman on a terrace dancing with a fan, from the series Enkyoku zoroi “Collection of charming music”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month—very good impression, color and condition. Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 146. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.4cm.); a woman reading a libretto and a cat dozing on her back, from the series Enkyoku zoroi “Collection of charming music”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month—very good impression and color, slightly stained along side edges, binding holes on left edge. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 147. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.5cm.); a beauty on a terrace overlooking the flowering plum and bushes of a garden in snow carrying snow on a tray, the snow image from the series Bijin gekka setsu “Beauties, moon, flower and snow”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month, published by Kojimaya Jūbei—very good impression and color, slightly stained along edges, minute tear on upper left margin, otherwise good condition. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 148. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (23.2 × 30cm.); Ryo “Cool”, a woman dipping her wrists in the river over the edge of a boat, from the series Imayō rokkasen “Six modern choices for summer”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, the censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month, published by Izumiya—fine impression and color, left edge very slightly soiled, minute worm holes on lower margins, otherwise good condition. Estimate: $2,500–3,500. 149. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.5cm.); Mizuhan “Water guard”, a woman standing by a tank of goldfish, from the series Imayō rokkasen “Six modern choices for summer”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, the censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month, published by Izumiya—very good impression and color, very slight stain along side edges, otherwise good condition. Another image from the same set, titled Hirune “Afternoon nap”, is illustrated in Suzuki Jūzō, Kuniyoshi (Tokyo: Heibonsha, 1992), p. 289, and in Nakau Ei, Edo onna ukiyo-e meisaku ten (Exhibition of masterpieces of ukiyo-e of Edo women), (Osaka: D square, 1993), no. 66. Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 150. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.8 × 29.7cm.); Doyo mairi “Midsummer visit”, a woman carrying a tea cask beside a patterned screen, from the series Imayō rokkasen “Six modern choices for summer”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, the censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month, published by Izumiya—fine impression and color, binding holes on left edge, a minute worm hole in right margin, otherwise very good condition. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 151. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.5cm.); Sensōji no yuki “Snow at Sensōji temple”, from the series Mutsu geshiki “Six views”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1854, second month, published by Iseya Sōemon—fine impression and color, slight stain along both side edges, otherwise good condition. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 152. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 30.1cm.); two geisha in identical costume on a terrace dancing with folding fans, signed Kuniyoshi ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1854, fourth month, published by Ibaya Senzaburō—fine impression and color, slightly stained along side edges, binding holes on right. Estimate: $1,500–2,000. 153. KUNIYOSHI: aiban uchiwa-e (17.3 × 27.6cm. ea. approx.); a group of four prints comprising: a woman at a goldfish seller’s booth, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga; Sakura no seirei ryakuden “Abbreviated biographies of charming women”, signed Chooro Kuniyoshi ga and published by Tsujiyama Yasubei; and Hajimetsuki and Shunju from the series Gosekku no uchi “The five seasonal festivals”, signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga and Chooro Kuniyoshi ga, published by Kojimaya Jūbei—very good impressions and color, binding holes, the third and fourth with minor worm holes on top, the third with some minor stains. Estimate: $1,500–2,000. 167. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.5 × 29cm. ea. approx.); three figures with their facial features composed by the Chinese characters for zen (good) and aku (evil), entitled Zen aku hana no ayatsuri “Puppets manipulated by good and evil”, signed Hiroshige gihitsu and published by Ibaya Senzaburō; and Kyo Arashiyama, Togetsukyō “Togetsu bridge, Arashiyama, Kyoto” from the series Santo fūkei “Views of three cities”, signed Hiroshige ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1854, fifth month—good impressions, the first slightly faded and toned, the second slightly soiled, rib marks with slight glue stains, some minute worm holes restored, pasted on paper on edges, both trimmed into the shapes of the fans. Estimate: $4,000–6,000. 168. HIROSHIGE: aiban uchiwa-e (21.8 × 29.5cm.); illustrating a riverbank and boats, signed Oju (by order) Hiroshige sha—good impression and color, slightly soiled, vertical centerfold line restored, restoration on corners and at the bottom near the center. Estimate: $3,000–4,000. 182. KUNIMARU: aiban uchiwa-e (22.5 × 29.3cm.); a bust portrait of a beauty with a pipe looking at a mirror stand against a purple and black-check background holding a pipe, signed Kunimaru ga and published by Ibaya Senzaburō—good impression, very good color, slightly soiled, rubbed and stained along edges, binding holes on right, a few minor worm holes. Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 183. KUNIHIDE: aiban uchiwa-e (22.7 × 29.5cm.); a beauty with a shamisen before a background of iris, entitled Meisho Kihōji Horikiri hanashobu “Famous place, Iris at Kihō Temple in Horikiri”, signed Kunihide ga, censor’s seal corresponding to 1853, second month, published by Masugin—very good impression and color, very slight stain along edges, binding holes on left edge. Estimate: $2,000–3,000. 184. KUNIYOSHI, KUNICHIKA AND YOSHITSUYA; three uchiwa-e of umbrellas, one of blue ground with Yoshikuni seal of Kuniyoshi, another with inscription Tokiwazu uta and crest, and another of the reverse of the second, the second and third published by Ibaya Kyūbei; a diptych of a theatrical scene, actor Ichikawa Danjūrō IX in the Shibaraku role within a mimasu crest border, signed (by order) Toyohara Kunichika hitsu, dated Meiji 11 (1878) and published by Tanaka Shōzō; and a sumizuri-e of a theatrical scene, including the name of the stage-carpenter and property man, signed Ichieisai Yoshitsuya ga—very good impressions and color, slightly soiled, slight stain along upper edges and minor worm holes near edges, the second, very good color, slightly creased on upper left corner on the left panel, the third, slightly toned, soiled, creased and rubbed, some restorations. Estimate: $2,000–3,000.
  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (歌川国貞) (1786–1865) Signed: 豊国画 (Toyokuni ga) in a red toshidama cartouche Publisher: Iseya Sōemon (伊勢屋惣右衛門), Marks reference 19-047 | 156d, seal Hanmoto, Ue (板元, 上) Censor Seal: Double nanushi (Watanabe & Kunigasa) Date: Kaei 2-3 (1849–1850), based on censor seals. Media: Uchiwa-e (fan print), color woodblock print, 230 × 297 mm

    An elegant moonlit conversation unfolds between a man and woman beneath blossoming cherry branches. The full moon and falling petals create a romantic yet fleeting atmosphere, reminiscent of courtly themes in The Tale of Genji (源氏物語).

    The woman on the left wears a multi-layered kimono featuring pinwheel floral motifs and geometric patterns in red, blue, and gold. She lifts a hairpin (kanzashi, 簪) to adjust her hair, suggesting modesty, refinement, or quiet engagement in conversation.

    The man on the right wears a dark purple haori (羽織, outer robe) adorned with gentian (rindō, 竜胆) mon, a crest associated with nobility and refinement. His red and white obi features Genji-mon, further reinforcing the aesthetic and symbolic ties to Genji Monogatari.

    The gentian mon and purple hues evoke Heian-era literary aesthetics, aligning with Genji Monogatari's visual traditions. Though the characters in this fan print are not explicitly named, the composition closely resembles the scene "At moon-viewing night, Genji visits Yūgao," presented below.

  • NEW
    Artist: Attributed to Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾 北斎) (1760–1849) – unsigned. Publisher: Unknown, seal Hei (平); Marks 05-004 | U377a (1848) Censor Seal: Double nanushi Hama (濱) & Kunigasa (衣笠) Date: Kōka 4–5 / Kaei 1 (1847–1848) Media: Rigid fan print (Aiban Yoko-e Uchiwa-e, 合判横絵 団扇絵), 239 × 301 mm The legendary elderly couple Jō and Uba (尉と姥), spirits of the paired pines of Takasago (高砂) and Sumiyoshi (住吉), are known as the Aioi-no-Matsu (相生の松). They symbolize marital harmony, longevity, and the enduring bond of love. The Takasago legend is one of the oldest in Japanese mythology, famously portrayed in the Noh play Takasago no Uta (高砂の歌).

    Aioi-no-Matsu – The Paired Pines of Takasago and Sumiyoshi

    The Aioi-no-Matsu refers to two pine trees growing separately but intertwined at the roots, representing an unbreakable union.
    • The Takasago pine (高砂の松) grows in Harima Province, while the Sumiyoshi pine (住吉の松) stands in Settsu Province.
    • Though physically distant, these trees are spiritually connected, like Jō and Uba, the aged couple who embody their spirits.
    • The phrase "The wind that blows through Takasago reaches Sumiyoshi" symbolizes the continuity of love and harmony across time and space.

    Aioi-no-Matsu in the Noh Play Takasago

    The Noh play Takasago, attributed to Zeami, popularized this imagery.
    • Jō and Uba appear as an elderly couple raking pine needles, revealing themselves as the spirits of the Aioi-no-Matsu.
    • The play conveys the theme of eternal harmony between husband and wife, making Aioi-no-Matsu a symbol of auspicious blessings for weddings and longevity celebrations.

    Symbolism in the Print

    This print incorporates traditional symbols of longevity and prosperity:
    • A minogame (蓑亀, "straw-cloaked turtle"), representing immortality, rests near the shore.
    • A crane (鶴, tsuru), a symbol of marital fidelity.
    • The rising sun over the ocean represents renewal and hope for the coming year.
    • Jō and Uba’s presence under the Aioi-no-Matsu (Paired Pines) evokes the traditional New Year’s wish for long life and unity.
    • The minogame and crane further reinforce New Year’s themes of prosperity and fortune.

    Comparison to MFA Boston Prints

    This print shares strong visual and thematic connections with two works attributed to Hokusai in the MFA Boston collection:
    • Accession No. 21.10269 – "Jō and Uba, the Spirits of the Pine Trees of Takasago and Sumiyoshi"
      • Depicts the couple sweeping pine needles, reinforcing themes of domestic harmony and renewal.
      • Includes a minogame and a flying crane, similar to this print.
    • Accession No. 21.7869 – Another version of "Jō and Uba"
      • Shows Jō and Uba standing, gazing at the sea, in a more expansive composition.
      • Features a large pine tree, crashing waves, and a red sun, mirroring the background elements in this print.

    MFA-B № 21.10269

    MFA-B № 21.7869

  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) (1797–1861) Signed: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga [一勇斎 國芳画] in red cartouche Date: VI/1842 – V ic/1846, single nanushi censor seal Murata (村) for censor Murata Sahei [村田佐兵衛]. Publisher: Unknown, Izuzen (Bei, 米); Marks 06-028 | U103a Media: Rigid fan print (Aiban Yoko-e Uchiwa-e, 合判横絵 団扇絵), 224 x 290 mm

    Half-length portrait of a woman facing slightly to the right. She wears a patterned kimono with multiple floral and seasonal motifs, including uchiwa (round fans), plum blossoms, maple leaves, chrysanthemums, snow-covered bamboo, pine branches, and peonies. Her obi is tied in front, and a red collar is visible beneath the layers. Her hair is arranged in an elaborate updo and is adorned with a hairpin featuring a rabbit and a crescent moon, referencing lunar symbolism. She dedicates a hand towel at a washing trough (手水舎, temizuya) in a shrine. Inscriptions on the towels.

    In the background, several towels are hanging, featuring various mon (family crests) and symbols:

    • Three oak leaves
    • Crossed or intersecting hawk feathers
    • Kiri-mon (Paulownia crest, associated with Kuniyoshi)
    • Toshidama (seal of the Utagawa school)
    • Masu (枡, measuring box) motif – a square with diagonal lines
    1. Kuniyoshi Project
    2. [LIB-3428.2025] Christie’s, New York: Japanese Prints, Paintings, and Screens, Monday, 24 November 1997 / Sales Catalogue, № 130, p. 63.
  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada II (歌川国貞) (1823–1880), also known as Kunimasa III (国政三代) or Toyokuni IV (四代歌川豊国)

    Signed: 国貞画 (Kunisada ga) with red toshidama

    Series: Genji Karuta (げんじかるた, Genji cards), in blue cartouche, right

    Title: Hana Chiru Sato (花ちる里, The Village of Falling Flowers – Chapter 11 of The Tale of Genji), in yellow-green cartouche, left

    Publisher: Enshūya Matabei (遠州屋又兵衛); Marks reference 22-009 | 057c; seal To, Hori Ni Enmata (ト堀貳遠又) (active 1845–1860s)

    Block Carver: Matsushima Fusajirō (松島房次郎), seal Matsushima Hori Fusa (松嶋彫房) (Gordon Friese, 2009, № 137)

    Censor Seal: Combined date and kiwame (極) seal; 1867 (Keiō 3, 慶応三年)

    Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 233 × 294 mm

    The composition is inspired by Chapter 11, Hana Chiru Sato (花散里, The Village of Falling Flowers) from The Tale of Genji. The title cartouche (花ちる里, Hanachirusato) confirms this reference. The series title, Genji Karuta (げんじかるた, Genji Cards), refers to a traditional matching game based on Genji Monogatari. Genji Karuta sets were used for literary and poetic matching games, where players paired cards featuring text, poetry, or symbolic motifs from The Tale of Genji. These games were part of aristocratic culture, reinforcing familiarity with the novel and classical poetry. Genji Cards feature Genji-mon (源氏紋), stylized crests representing each chapter of The Tale of Genji, which were historically associated with the incense-matching game Genji-kō (源氏香).

    The elegantly dressed woman, likely the younger sister of Nyōgo Reikeiden (女御麗景殿), holds a blue double-gourd-shaped sake bottle. Her indigo black (藍黒, Aiguro) haori (羽織) is adorned with white wisteria mon and hollyhock leaves and blossoms (葵, Aoi)—the latter motif being closely associated with Chapter 11.

    The man, likely Genji himself, referenced in Chapter 11 as Daishō (大将), wears a red under-kimono with hexagons enclosing blossoms, a blue outer garment with large tsuba motifs, and an obi featuring waves and wheels. He offers the woman a red lacquered sake cup.

    A delicate pink tint between the man’s and woman’s eyes and eyebrows hints at mutual tender emotions.

    The background features a pink fabric design incorporating Genji-mon (源氏紋, stylized crests representing chapters of The Tale of Genji, historically associated with Genji-kō) and asanoha (麻の葉, hemp-leaf motifs), reinforcing the Heian court aesthetic. At the lower right, a black lacquer hexagonal container holds an assortment of unknown items, possibly sweets or ritual objects.

  • NEW

    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞) / Toyokuni III (三代豊国) (1786–1865)

    Signed: 七十九歳豊国画 (Nanajūkyū-sai Toyokuni ga) – "Drawn by Toyokuni at the age of 79"

    Publisher: Unknown: 和泉屋 (Izumiya), active 1845–1870, Marks 02-053 | U101a

    Block Carver: Matsushima Daijirō (松嶋大次郎), active 1861–1865; seal: 松嶋彫大 (Matsushima hori-Dai)

    Censor/Date Seal: 丑極 – Year of the Ox (1865, Keiō 1), with 極 (Kiwame) approval seal

    Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 218 × 270 mm

    Series: Mitate Sangokushi [見立三國志]

    Actor: Ichimura Kakitsu IV [市村家橘] (Japanese, 1844 – 1903); other names: Onoe Kikugorō V [五代目尾上菊五郎], Onoe Baikō V, Ichimura Uzaemon XIII, Ichimura Kurōemon.

    A half-length portrait, three-quarter view of the actor Ichimura Kakitsu IV in a female role. The character wears a richly decorated purple kimono adorned with mandarin orange flowers, maple, ginkgo, and oak leaves and holds a sake cup in her right hand. Under her left arm, we see a roll of hygienic paper (onkotogami, 御髪紙)—a detail that, combined with her hair decoration, suggests a geisha profession. The background features a gradient transitioning from red to green, with cherry blossoms framing the upper portion of the composition. Dishes with food are visible on the left.

    The cartouches indicate that this print belongs to the Mitate Sangokushi (見立三國志, Parody of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms) series, suggesting a kabuki-related or literary allusion. The three lines of inscription in the white cartouche remain unread.

    This print was produced posthumously. Kunisada passed away on January 12, 1865, according to the Western calendar. In the Japanese calendar, this corresponds to the 15th day of the 12th month in the year Genji 1. This date still falls within the Year of the Rat, which, according to the Western calendar, lasted until January 26, 1865. The Year of the Ox and the first year of the Keiō era (Keiō 1) began on January 27, 1865.

  • NEW

    Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni III (歌川豊国, 1786–1865)
    Signed: 豊国 (Toyokuni) [Toshidama cartouche, with "画" (ga) absent after repair]
    Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō (伊場屋仙三郎)
    Censor Seals: 福・村松 (Fuku, Muramatsu) – 1849–1851
    Block Carver: Yokokawa Takejirō (横川竹二郎, fl. 1845–1863) [彫竹 (Hori Take) seal trimmed away]
    Media: Uchiwa-e (fan print), color woodblock print, 213 × 265 mm

    Title: [Unclear, in red cartouche]

    Half-length portrait of a woman, turned to the left, wearing an outer garment with olive, brown, and yellow stripes. The inner kimono collar features a wisteria (fuji 藤) pattern, and her obi is decorated with scalloped roundels. She holds an object under her arm, wrapped in yellow and purple covers. Behind her, a possible folding fan adorned with chrysanthemums is visible. A container with flowing water and pink and white flowers, possibly daisies, is also present.

    Her hair is styled traditionally, secured with a blue ribbon and an ornamental hairpin. The censor seals are faint but identifiable to the right of the title cartouche. The print has been heavily over-trimmed on the left side, cutting into the carver’s seal. A repair in the bottom left corner has removed the "画" (ga) character from the toshidama cartouche containing the artist’s signature.

    Full image:

  • NEW

    Artist: Keisai Eisen [渓斎 英泉] (Japanese, 1790 – 1848)

    Signed: Keisai Eisen ga (渓齋英泉画)

    Publisher: Masudaya Ginjirō [増田屋銀次郎] (Japanese, 1830s – c.1871); seal name Masugin (増銀); Marks: 08-005 | 304a

    Date: No date/censor seal (privately printed?)

    Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 230 x 295 mm

    Description:
    Half-length portrait of a young woman in three-quarter view, turned slightly to the left, holding a handheld paper lantern (tesage andon, 手提行灯, which casts light on her face. She wears a blue kimono adorned with chrysanthemum roundels over a red under-kimono, with a blue collar featuring a meander pattern. Her hair is elaborately styled with combs and kanzashi hairpins, indicative of her profession as a geisha. A willow tree is depicted in the background. The design on the lantern likely repeats the publisher's device in red.

    Estimated production date: c. 1830s.

  • NEW
    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. Date: No censor/date seal. Publisher: No seal. Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 217 x 283 mm. Series: The taste of the new type of woman (Shingata bijin konomi) [新形美人好].

    A half-length portrait of a young woman in three-quarter view, turned slightly to the right. She is elegantly dressed in a blue kimono adorned with floral motifs, worn over a red under-kimono with a blue collar featuring a lattice pattern. Her elaborately styled hair is adorned with kanzashi hairpins and a comb, indicative of her status, possibly as a courtesan or geisha. The background is filled with intricate textile patterns, including a central pink scroll embellished with golden embroidery of waves and plovers. She holds a rolled scroll featuring a snowflake-like pattern, possibly a stencil used for dyeing fabrics. The blue cartouche on the right reads: 新形美人好 (Shingata bijin konomi) – the series title.

  • NEW
    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) Date seal: Year of the Boar (亥), Bunsei 10, 1827. Censor seal: kiwame (極) Publisher: Unknown; seal ト本 (to, hon); not in Marks. Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 225 x 292 mm.

    Kabuki Actor: Segawa Rokō (瀬川路考), a.k.a. Segawa Kikunojō V [瀬川菊之丞] (Japanese, 1802 – 1832); other names: Segawa Tamon I.

    A half-length portrait of the actor Segawa Rokō (瀬川路考) in a three-quarter view, turned slightly to the left. He is depicted in a female role (onnagata), dressed in a vibrant green kimono with a subtle wave-like pattern and scattered floral motifs. The red under-kimono features a white design of waves and a waterwheel (suisha, 水車). A blue towel draped over his shoulder is adorned with white chrysanthemums and pine needles, possibly alluding to The Seven Grasses of Winter (Fuyugusa Nana-kusa, 冬草七草). His hair is styled with a decorative ribbon and a gilt kanzashi hairpin.

    The background consists of bold diagonal stripes in alternating shades of black, blue, and lavender, strikingly contrasting the figure. A red and gold toshidama cartouche in the upper right contains the actor’s name, 瀬川路考.

    [Thanks to Horst Graebner of Kunisada Project]

  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signed: ōju Kunisada ga (應需國貞画) – "Drawn by Kunisada on commission" Date: No date Censor seal: kiwame (極) Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi [西村屋与八] (enterprise, op. c. 1751 – 1860); Marks: 01-008 | 391a Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 225 x 292 mm.

    Kabuki Actor: Onoe Kikugorō III [尾上菊五郎] (Japanese, 1784 – 1849); other names: Ōkawa Hashizō I, Onoe Baikō III, Onoe Matsusuke II, Onoe Eizaburō I

    Role: Nagoya Sanza (名古屋山三)

    A half-length portrait of Onoe Kikugorō III (尾上菊五郎) in the role of Nagoya Sanza (名古屋山三), depicted in a three-quarter view, turned slightly to the right. His chonmage (丁髷) hairstyle, with a neatly tied topknot and wrapped hair cords, reflects his status as a samurai.

    He wears a purple kimono decorated with swallows (燕, tsubame), bamboo umbrellas (唐傘, karakasa), and streaks of rain—a dynamic and symbolic pattern. Swallows are often associated with change, travel, and perseverance; the umbrellas and rain may evoke a sense of wandering and hardship, themes relevant to the character of Nagoya Sanza, a disgraced samurai seeking revenge. The inner collar features green and gold-striped layers, contrasting the outer robe.

    The background is a muted yellow-green monochrome, highlighting the rich details of the actor’s costume and facial expression. To the left of the figure, the inscriptions identify the character’s name (名古屋山三, Nagoya Sanza) and the actor (尾上菊五郎, Onoe Kikugorō III). The artist’s signature, 應需國貞画 (Ōju Kunisada ga), appears in the lower left, indicating that the print was created on commission.

    This uchiwa-e likely dates to the late Bunsei era (c. 1820s–1830s). Onoe Kikugorō III played this role in 1823, 1827, 1831, and 1836, with the closest match in kimono design traced to 1827. That year, the play Ōichiza Soga no shimadai (群曽我島台) was staged at Kawarazaki-za in the 1st lunar month, suggesting this print may be associated with that performance.
    MFA Accession Number 11.43447a-c Waseda 100-9683

    Nagoya Sanza (名古屋山三) is a legendary samurai and a central figure in the classic kabuki and bunraku play Meiboku Sendai Hagi (伽羅先代萩). His story is rooted in historical events from the Date clan of Sendai, although it has been highly dramatized in Edo-period theatre.

    Sanza is a loyal retainer falsely accused of stealing a valuable sword and subsequently banished. Stripped of his honour, he takes on the appearance of a wandering samurai dressed in a distinct kimono with a cloud and dragonfly pattern. Meanwhile, his rival, Fuwa Banzaemon (不破伴左衛門), flaunts the stolen sword and openly taunts him. Their encounters, particularly the famous rainy night duel scene, are among kabuki's most visually striking moments. Sanza’s story is of perseverance and revenge, as he ultimately seeks to restore his name and expose the true culprit behind the theft.

    [Thanks to Horst Graebner of Kunisada Project]
  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signed: Kunisada ga (國貞画) in a double tosidama cartouche Date: Year of the Rat (子, Ne); Bunsei 11, 文政十一年), 1828. Censor seal: kiwame (極) Publisher: Ibaya Kyūbei [伊場屋久兵衛] (enterprise, op. c.1804-69); Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 222 x 293 mm.

    Actor (not stated): Onoe Kikugorō III [尾上菊五郎] (Japanese, 1784 – 1849); other names: Ōkawa Hashizō I, Onoe Baikō III, Onoe Matsusuke II, Onoe Eizaburō I

    Role (not stated): Nuregami Chōgorō (濡髪長五郎), a sumo wrestler.

    A half-length portrait of Onoe Kikugorō III (三代目尾上菊五郎), shown in a three-quarter view, turned slightly to the left. He wears an elaborate kimono with a geometric pattern adorned with round pine crests (matsu mon, 松紋). His under-kimono, visible at the sleeves and neckline, features red and black tones, strikingly contrasting. A white towel draped over his shoulder signifies his role as a sumo wrestler.

    The background consists of a checkerboard pattern in two shades of purple, filled with alternating butterflies (chō, 蝶), plovers (chidori, 千鳥), and melon flowers (mokko, 木瓜).

    In 1828, there is only one documented performance in which Onoe Kikugorō III played a male role:

    The role of Nuregami Chōgorō was played by the Third-Generation Onoe Kikugorō (濡髪の長五郎が 三代目尾上菊五郎,  Nuregami no Chōgorō ga Sandai-me Onoe Kikugorō.

    The play is mentioned as Chōchō no itohan (also Chōchō futago no kyōdai) (蝶々☆梅菊) by Kunisda Project. However, the paper accompaneying my print it is called  二番目「蝶蝶亀菊のちょうようふたまたさいかく」, Nibanme "Chōchōkyō Kiku no Chōyō Futamata Saikaku" (The second feature: "Butterflies, Turtles, and Chrysanthemums: A Tale of Dual Wisdom". It was performed at Kawarazaki-za in the 1st lunar month of Bunsei 11 (1828).

    Nuregami no Chōgorō was a composed sumo wrestler, in contrast to his counterpart Washi no Chōkichi (鷲の長吉), or Hanaregoma Chōkichi (放駒長吉), who was more hot-tempered. The play revolves around themes of duty, loyalty, and conflict between sumo wrestlers in the pleasure quarters (kuruwa, 廓). In one of the key moments of the drama, Chōgorō takes responsibility for a crime he did not commit, accepting blame out of a sense of duty. His role embodies bushidō-like loyalty and self-sacrifice, making him a compelling character in kabuki performance.

  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni II [歌川豊国二代] a.k.a. Toyoshige [豊重] (Japanese, (1777 – 1835) Signed: Toyokuni ga (豊國画) Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c.1815–1869); seal: san (三) in circle. Additional publisher red stamp in the form of a double gourd. Date and Censor Seal: 1830 / Aratame seal (改) plus (tora, 寅) = Year of the Tiger, Bunsei 13 (文政十三年) Media: Uchiwa-e (fan print), color woodblock print, 227 x 267 mm Actor: Iwai Kumesaburō II [岩井粂三郎] (Japanese, 1799 – 1836); other names: Iwai Hanshirō VI, Iwai Hisajirō I, Baiga (poetry name), Shūka (poetry name). Role: Osono (おその), wife of Amakawaya Gihei (天川屋義平) Play: Kanadehon Chūshingura, performed at Ichimura-za in the 4th lunar month  of 1830

    This uchiwa-e (団扇絵) depicts Iwai Kumesaburō II (岩井粂三郎) as Nyōbō Osono (女房おその), the wife of Amakawaya Gihei (天川屋義平), in Act 10 of Kanadehon Chūshingura (仮名手本忠臣蔵). Osono is shown in a half-length portrait, three-quarter view, turned to her left. Behind her, an arrow (矢, ya) has pierced a target (的, mato) in the bullseye. In her hand, she holds a severed lock of her own hair. She wears a green-spotted kimono patterned with white plum blossoms (梅, ume), with a red under-kimono featuring a blue lattice-decorated collar (襟, eri). Her hair is adorned with a gilt comb (櫛, kushi) and hairpins (簪, kanzashi).

    In Act 10, Gihei (義平), recognizing that the rōnin’s attack on Moronao is imminent, sends Osono (おその) back to her parents, an act equivalent to divorcing her. Since a divorced woman would typically be remarried by her family, Ōboshi Yuranosuke (大星由良之助) orders Ōwashi Bungo (大鷲文吾) to cut her hair, ensuring that this does not happen, leaving her unmarriageable and still tied to her husband during their separation. "Once we finish our business of killing the enemy, you can celebrate your reunion," said Ōboshi Yuranosuke.

    A red slip of paper (短冊, tanzaku) with the actor’s name and role is placed near the upper right.

  • NEW
    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) Date and Censor Seal: 1830 / Aratame seal (改) plus (tora, 寅) = Year of the Tiger, Bunsei 13 (文政十三年) Publisher:  Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1815 – 1869); seal: san (三) in a circle. Additional publisher red stamp in the form of a double gourd. Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 228 x 266 mm.

    Actor: Bandō Minosuke II [坂東蓑助] (Japanese, 1802 – 1863); other names: Morita Kan'ya XI, Bandô Mitsugorō IV.

    Role: Momonoi Wakasanosuke (桃の井わかさ之助)

    Play: Kanadehon Chūshingura, performed at Ichimura-za in the 4th lunar month  of 1830

    This uchiwa-e (団扇絵, fan print) by Utagawa Kunisada (歌川国貞), also known as Toyokuni III (三代歌川豊国), depicts the actor Bandō Minosuke II (坂東蓑助) in the role of Momonoi Wakasanosuke (桃の井若狭之助) from Kanadehon Chūshingura (仮名手本忠臣蔵), performed at Ichimura-za in the fourth lunar month of 1830 (Bunsei 13, Year of the Tiger, 文政十三年寅). The actor is shown in a half-length portrait, three-quarter view, facing right, with his hand lifting the hilt of his sword (刀, katana), signalling a moment of restrained fury. His narrowed eyes and pursed lips suggest inner turmoil, reflecting Wakasanosuke’s frustration with Kō no Moronao in Act 1 of the play. He wears a black kimono richly decorated with chrysanthemums (菊, kiku) over a lattice motif. On his sleeve, a heraldic crest (家紋, kamon) features a standing mulberry leaf (梶の葉, kaji no ha) enclosed in an octagon, the emblem of Tsuruoka Hachiman Shrine in Kamakura, where his historical counterpart, Wakisaka Yasumasa, had his residence. Beneath the black outer garment, he wears a red under-kimono with floral designs and a blue collar. In his right hand, he grips the hilt of his sword, adorned with gold menuki. A red cartouche framed with golden mulberry leaves in the upper left contains the inscription — right: Momonoi Wakasanosuke (桃の井わかさ之助), left: Bandō Minosuke (坂東蓑助).
  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞] a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代歌川豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signature: Kunisada ga [国貞画] in a red double-gourd cartouche. Publisher:  Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1815 – 1869); seal: san (三) in a circle to verso. Date seal: Year of the Snake (巳, mi), Tenpō 4 , 1833, to verso. Censor seal: kiwame (極, approved), to verso. Media: Double-side fan print (uchiwa-e); 226 x 291 mm. Series: Tosei rok’kasen or Tosei rokkasen [當世六花撰]  – two translations: (1) by Sebastian Izzard: Six choice modern flowers, (2) by Horst Graebner: Modern Six [Immortal] Poets. Character: Nakamura Shikan II [中村芝翫] (Japanese, 1796 – 1852); other names: Nakamura Utaemon IV [中村歌右衛門], Nakamura Tsurusuke I, Nakamura Tōtarō, Nakamura Kanjaku I, Fujima Kamesaburô (dance), Hirano Kichitarō; nicknames: Narikomaya Utaemon, Shijaku Utaemon; Poetry names: Kanjaku, Shishô [芝賞]. Poet: Kisen Hōshi [喜撰法師] (Japanese, fl. 810-824 CE)  – one of Six Immortal Poets (六歌仙rokkasen) A double-sheet uncut fan print featuring a half-length, three-quarter view, turned to the left portrait of Kabuki actor Nakamura Shikan II (中村芝翫 二代目) engaged in a tea ceremony (chanoyu, 茶の湯). He holds a chashaku (茶杓, tea scoop) in his right hand and a natsume (棗, tea caddy) in his left. The natsume is red lacquer, adorned with gilt karakusa (唐草, arabesque) and a meander motif. He wears a black robe with blue-patterned details, and a white mokkō-mon (木瓜紋, family crest) is visible on his sleeve. A red scroll with an inscription hangs behind him; the inscription reads: Kisen Hōshi (喜撰法師). The name of Nakamura Shikan II (中村芝翫) is written in hentaigana and hiragana as Narikomaya Shikan (なりこまやしかん), reflecting his guild name. The series title Tōsei Rokkasen (当世六歌撰) appears in the red cartouche to the left, and the artist’s signature is in the double-gourd red cartouche to the right. The background features a green and purple gradient decorated with floral roundels. The reverse side features a decorative design with floral roundels in blue and green. A paper slip (tanzaku, 短冊) with a red cloud-like gradient at the edges is positioned diagonally across the composition. It contains a calligraphic inscription in cursive script. Three standard seals—publisher, approval, and date—are in the bottom right quadrant of the print.  

    Mokko-mon of Narikomaya guild

    Ref: (1) [LIB-2967.2022] Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1865): His world revisited / Catalogue № 17, Exhibition March 17-21, 2021. — NY: Sebastian Izzard, LLC., 2021; p. 130-1. (2) [LIB-1212.2017] Robert Schaap. Kunisada: Imaging, drama and beauty. — Leiden: Hotei Publishing, 2016, p. 58. [With tremendous help from Horst Graebner of Kunisada Project].
  • NEW
    Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞] a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代歌川豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signature: Kunisada ga [国貞画] in a red double-gourd cartouche. Publisher:  Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1815 – 1869); seal: san (三) in a circle to verso. Date seal: Year of the Snake (巳, mi), Tenpō 4 , 1833, to verso. Censor seal: kiwame (極, approved), to verso. Media: Double-side fan print (uchiwa-e); 225 x 292 mm. Series: Tosei rok’kasen or Tosei rokkasen [當世六花撰]  – two translations: (1) by Sebastian Izzard: Six choice modern flowers, (2) by Horst Graebner: Modern Six [Immortal] Poets. Character: Ichikawa Danzō V [市川団蔵] (Japanese, 1788 – 1845); Ichikawa Shikō I, Ichikawa Danzaburō IV, Ichikawa Danjirō I, Ichikawa Morinosuke I. Poet: Fun'ya/Bunya Yasuhide [文屋康秀] (Japanese, ? – c.885) – one of Six Immortal Poets (六歌仙rokkasen)

    A double-sheet uncut fan print with a half-length, three-quarter view, turned to the right, portrait of kabuki actor Ichikawa Danzō V holding a sensu (扇子, folding fan) with a yellow and red design in his right hand, gripping it close to his chest. He wears a blue kimono with circular floral motifs and a white undergarment with a purple geometric pattern; a white hexagonal crest with three stripes is visible on his sleeve. A red scroll with an inscription is hanging behind him. The inscription on a red background reads: Fun'ya (or Bunya) Yasuhide (文屋康秀). Ichikawa Danzō V (市川団蔵) is written with hentaigana and hiragana as Mikawaya Shikō (みかわやしこう), the guild and poetry names of Danzō. The series title Tōsei Rokkasen (当世六歌撰) appears in the red cartouche to the left, and the artist's signature is in the double-gourd red cartouche to the right. The background features a green and purple gradient decorated with floral roundels.

    The reverse side features a decorative design with floral roundels in blue and green. A paper slip (tanzaku, 短冊) with a red cloud-like gradient at the edges is positioned diagonally across the composition. The slip contains a calligraphic inscription in cursive script. Three standard seals, publisher, approval, and date, are in the bottom right quadrant of the print.

    Ref: (1) [LIB-2967.2022] Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1865): His world revisited / Catalogue № 17, Exhibition March 17-21, 2021. — NY: Sebastian Izzard, LLC., 2021; p. 130-1. (2) [LIB-1212.2017] Robert Schaap. Kunisada: Imaging, drama and beauty. — Leiden: Hotei Publishing, 2016, p. 58. [With tremendous help from Horst Graebner of Kunisada Project].