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Title: Eleventh lunar month (Chuto no zu); Series: Fashionable Twelve Months (Imayo juni-kagetsu). Another version of translation: Modern Beauties of Twelve Months. Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Pubisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, 1815 – 1869), seal: Dansendō [伊場仙]. Signed: Toyokuni ga and sealed with toshidama. Date-kiwame seal: Ushi (ox), Bunsei 5 (1822). Size: double-sheet uncut fan print ( aiban uchiwa-e), 219 x 295 mm.
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Artist: Utagawa Kuniyasu [歌川 国安] (Japanese, 1794–1832). Publisher seal: [太] (Ta): Marks 02-050 | U421b: An unknown publisher in Edo, fl. c. 1815-61; name assigned according to seal shape “Yama-Ta“. Signed: Kuniyasu ga [国安 画]. Date-aratame seal: Bunsei 9 (1826). Actors: 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) — as Shirai Gonpachi [白井權八]. Ichikawa Danjūrō VII 市川団十郎 (Japanese, 1791 – 1859), other names: Ichikawa Ebizō V, Ichikawa Hakuen II, Ichikawa Shinnosuke I — as Banzui Chōbei [幡随長兵衛]. Kabuki play: Suzugamori [Suzu-ga-Mori, 鈴ヶ森], a.k.a. Ukiyozuka Hiyoku no Inazuma written by Tsuruya Nanboku IV (Japanese, c. 1755 – 1829). First staged in 1823 at Ichimura-za [市村座] in Edo. Plot: "A gang of evil palanquin bearers are stationed near the Suzugamori execution grounds, where they lay in wait to rob travellers passing through. Gonpachi, who killed a man in his home province, is being sought by the police. He is fleeing to Edo when the bearers attack him in hopes of claiming a reward. He beats them off with great skill. Banzui Chōbei, who is being carried by in a palanquin, sees the attack, admires Gonpachi's ability, and promises to aid him if he is going to Edo". [Samuel L. Leiter. Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre. — Rowman & Littlefield, 2014; p. 382-3.; LIB-2110.2019]. Ref.: Sotheby's.
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Hardbound, 25.3 x 22 cm, blue cloth, pictorial dust jacket lettered: HIROSHIGE | FAN PRINTS | RUPERT FAULKNER | {image} | VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM • FAR EASTERN SERIES ||; silver lettering to spine, green endpapers, description of 136 items with colour illustrations; pagination: [1-6] 7-160, ils. Utagawa Hiroshige [歌川 広重] a.k.a. Andō Hiroshige [安藤 広重] (Japanese, 1797 – 1858).
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Kominato in Awa province (Bōshū Kominato) [房州小淡] – one of five fan prints in the series Famous places in the Bōsō peninsula (Bōsō meisho) [房粉名所], devoted to the trip undertaken by Hiroshige in 1852 to Bōsō peninsula (present-day Chiba prefecture). “Two fashionably dressed women beside the veranda of a wayside inn gaze out over Uchiura Bay toward the Tanjō Temple on the far shore as a boat sets out to the sea from the fishing hamlet of Kominato. …Hiroshige’s viewpoint is from the lower slopes of Mount Kiyosumi” (Izzard, 2020). Reference: (1) [LIB-2398.2020] Sebastian Izzard. Important Japanese Prints 1830–1860 March 14–20, 2020 exhibition, №. 52. (2) Christophe Marquet. Hiroshige: Les éventails d'Edo / Estampes de la collection Georges Leskowicz. — Paris: In fine, 2022, № 30, p. 94. Artist: Utagawa Hiroshige [歌川 広重] a.k.a. Andō Hiroshige [安藤 広重] (Japanese, 1797 – 1858). Signed: Hiroshige ga [広重 画] in a red cartouche. Publisher: Iseya Ichiemon 伊勢屋市右衛門] (Japanese, c. 1823 – 1864); seal Kaku-Tsuji 角辻 / Marks 16-023|143a. Date seal and double nanushi censor seal: Mera & Watanabe [米良 & 波邊]; Kaei 5, 12th month of the year of the Rat (1852). Dimensions: Fan print (Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e); 225 x 292 mm.
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An uncut fan print showing a young woman checking her makeup in a mirror from the series The pride of Edo [江戸じまん] (Edo jiman). The head portrait in the red circle is of kabuki actor Danjūrō VII. Ichikawa Danjūrō VII [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1791 – 1859); other names: Ichikawa Ebizō V, Ichikawa Hakuen II, Ichikawa Shinnosuke I. Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞] a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Publisher: Ibaya Kyūbei [伊場屋 久兵衛] (Japanese, fl. 1804 – 1851). Artists signature: Ōkō Kunisada ga [應好国貞画] (Drawn to satisfy the taste of Kunisada) Publisher’s seal:久 – Ibakyū [伊場久]. Censor's seal: Kiwame; date seal: Bunsei 10 (1827). Saze: Aiban uchiwa-e; 23.2 x 28.9 cm. Ref.: [LIB-2967.2022] Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1865): His world revisited / Catalogue № 17, Exhibition March 17-21, 2021. — NY: Sebastian Izzard, LLC., 2021; p. 102, Cat. 28–fig. a.
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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. No publisher's seal, no date or censor's seal is present on this print. Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1815 – 1869) (inferred) Date: 1833 (inferred) Media: Fan print (aiban uchiwa-e); 232 x 289 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: Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII [七代目 市川 團十郎]; other names: Ichikawa Ebizō V, Ichikawa Shinnosuke I (Japanese, 1791 – 1859). Poet: Ōtomo no Kuronushi [大友 黒主] (Japanese, dates unknown) A fan print featuring a half-length, three-quarter view, turned to the right portrait of Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō VII. He wipes off his stage makeup with a white towel (tenugui, 手拭い) held to his face. He wears a black kimono with bold geometric motifs of nested squares, referencing the Mimasu-mon (三升紋, Mitsumasu-mon), the Ichikawa Danjūrō family crest, visible on his sleeves and shoulders. He is seated in front of a lacquered mirror stand, adorned with gilt peonies (牡丹) and arabesque (唐草, karakusa). The background features a blue and purple gradient decorated with floral roundels, with a red hanging scroll inscribed with Ōtomo no Kuronushi’s 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. This print does not have a reverse side with publisher and date seals, but based on similar prints from the series, it is likely a double-sheet composition originally produced with these details on the back. Izzard: "... six prints make up this set of fan prints, which compares contemporary artists with classic poets, in this case, Ichikawa Danjūrō VII with Ōtomo no Kuronushi [大友 黒主] (Japanese, dates unknown)". Rok'kasen [六歌仙] – six poetry immortals. According to Izzard, identification of the portrayed person is made possible by mimasu-mon [三升] on the robe, scrolling peony on the back of the mirror, and cloth decorated with the characters Yauan, one of the actor's poetry names, and other signs and symbols, including the inscription of the acter's guild name Naritaya. The absence of the publisher’s emblem and censorship seals may indicate that this was a privately issued print, not for public use. Update – 03 March 2025: After acquiring three additional prints from this series, it became evident that these fan prints are actually double-sheet compositions, with the publisher’s seal, date seal, and censor’s seal located on the reverse side of the fan. See SVJP-0469.2025, SVJP-0470.2025, and SVJP-0471.2025 for reference. 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, fig. 42). (2) Lyon Collection.Provenance: Paul F. Walter.
Mimasu-mon, or Mitsumasu, is the Ichikawa Danjūrō family crest – three wooden measures, nested square boxes.
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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 [国貞画] in a red double-gourd cartouche Publisher: Unknown (no seal). Date: c. 1832 Izzard: "... red cloth decorated with the characters Yauan, one of Ichikawa Danjūrō VII [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1791 – 1859) poetry names, and the name of his residence in Fukagawa. The absence of publisher's emblem and censorship seals may indicate that this was a privately issued print, not for public use". Ref.: [LIB-2967.2022] Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1865): His world revisited / Catalogue № 17, Exhibition March 17-21, 2021. — NY: Sebastian Izzard, LLC., 2021; p. 112-3, fig. 32). Size: Fan print (aiban uchiwa-e); 235 x 295 mm.
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Title: Third lunar month [弥生] (Yayoi no zu); Series: Fashionable Twelve Months (Imayo juni-kagetsu). Another version of translation: Modern Beauties of Twelve Months. Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Pubisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, 1815 – 1869), seal: Dansendō [伊場仙]. Signed: Toyokuni ga and sealed with toshidama. Date-kiwame seal: Ushi (ox), Bunsei 5 (1822). Size: double-sheet uncut fan print ( aiban uchiwa-e), 219 x 295 mm.
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Title: Fourth lunar month [卯月] (Uzuki no zu); Series: Fashionable Twelve Months (Imayo juni-kagetsu). Another version of translation: Modern Beauties of Twelve Months. Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Pubisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, 1815 – 1869), seal: Dansendō [伊場仙]. Signed: Toyokuni ga and sealed with toshidama. Date-kiwame seal: Ushi (ox), Bunsei 5 (1822). Size: double-sheet uncut fan print ( aiban uchiwa-e), 219 x 295 mm.
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Title: Seventh lunar month [初秋] (Hatsuaki no zu); Series: Fashionable Twelve Months (Imayo juni-kagetsu). Another version of translation: Modern Beauties of Twelve Months. Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Pubisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, 1815 – 1869), seal: Dansendō [伊場仙]. Signed: Toyokuni ga and sealed with toshidama. Date-kiwame seal: Ushi (ox), Bunsei 5 (1822). Size: double-sheet uncut fan print ( aiban uchiwa-e), 219 x 295 mm.
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Title: Ninth lunar month [菊月] (Kikuzuki no zu); Series: Fashionable Twelve Months (Imayo juni-kagetsu). Another version of translation: Modern Beauties of Twelve Months. Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Pubisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, 1815 – 1869), seal: Dansendō [伊場仙]. Signed: Toyokuni ga and sealed with toshidama. Date-kiwame seal: Ushi (ox), Bunsei 5 (1822). Size: double-sheet uncut fan print ( aiban uchiwa-e), 219 x 295 mm.
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Artist: Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838 – 1912) Signed: Chikanobu hitsu [周延筆] Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En’ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b Media: Fan print (uchiwa-e, 団扇絵), 192 x 172 mm Date: No seal Play: No play/performance found Inscription: Kisen [喜せん] / Shikan [芝翫] ; Komachi [小町] / Taganojō [多賀之丞]. Actors and Roles: — Onoe Taganojō II 尾上多賀之丞 (Japanese, 1849-1899); other names: a.k.a. Onoe Kikumatsu [尾上菊松]; Poetry names: Baishi, Baika.
Role: Ono no Komachi [小野乃小町]
— Nakamura Shikan IV [中村芝翫] (Japanese, 1831 – 1899); other names: Nakamura Fukusuke I, Nakamura Masanosuke I, Nakamura Komasaburō, Nakamura Tamatarō I.Role: Kisen Hōshi [喜せん法師], modern wrighting [喜撰法師]
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Title: Early Spring [初春之図] (Hatsuharu no zu); Series: Fashionable Twelve Months [今様十二ヶ月] (Imayo juni-kagetsu). Another version of translation: Modern Beauties of Twelve Months. Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Pubisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, 1815 – 1869), seal: Dansendō [伊場仙]. Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画] and sealed with toshidama. Date-kiwame seal: Ushi (ox), Bunsei 5 (1822). Size: double-sheet uncut fan print ( aiban uchiwa-e), each 217 x 288 mm. Ref: Tokyo Museum Collection.
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Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Pubisher: Enshūya Matabei (遠州屋又兵衛) (c. 1768 – 1881), seal name: Enmata [ 遠又]. Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画]. Date-aratame censor seal: 未改, Bunsei 6 (1823). Size: uchiwa-e; 233 x 262 mm. Ref: Israel Goldman. Japanese Prints, Paintings and Books / Catalogue 28, 2022: № 14.
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Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代 歌川 豊国] (Japanese, 1786 – 1865). Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国 画] in a yellow double-gourd cartouche. Publisher unknown (privately printed?) Media: Rigid fan print (Aiban Yoko-e Uchiwa-e, 合判横絵 団扇絵), 228 x 298 mm. Series title: Six Jewel Faces (六玉颜, mu tama-gao), a pun on Six Jewel Rivers (六玉河, Mu Tamagawa). The date seal and censor seal are absent. Another print from the same series in the Metropolitan Museum of New York reads:
The colorful background, with explosions of tie-dyed floral motifs, is a reminder of how Kunisada made all his thousands of Genji-print designs a visual record of different textile patterns of the day. The title Six Jewel Faces (Mu tama-gao), along with its allusion to the literary theme of Six Jewel Rivers, suggests that this set of fan prints captures the appearance of a half-dozen attractive individuals, and, indeed, the other five works in the set show images of beautiful women, mostly courtesans of the pleasure quarters.
Mitsuuji with Mountain Roses (Yamabuki), from the series “Six Jewel Faces” (Mu tama-gao). MET Accession Number:2019.3 References: 1) [LIB-2967.2022] Utagawa Kunisada: His world revisited / Catalogue 17, Exhibition March 17-21, 2021. — NY: Sebastian Izzard, LLC., 2021. 2) [LIB-3428.2025] Christie’s, New York: Japanese Prints, Paintings, and Screens, Monday, 24 November 1997 / Sales Catalogue, №№ 84-89. Description by the latter: "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".
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NEWTitle: 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.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).
Rupert Faulkner (2001)
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].AIC Reference Number 1925.3802
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NEWHardcover volume 245 x 355 mm blue pictorial cardboard with lettering to spine and front board, in pictorial dust jacket, housed in 360 x 255 mm blue cloth over cardboard slipcase with gilt lettering to spines and boards, pp. [1-7] 8-285 [286]; catalogue of the exhibit of the Georges Leskowicz collection of Andō Hiroshige fan prints, held at Museé Guimet in Paris from February 15, 2023 to May 29, 2023, with 119 item entries with descriptions and bibliography. Title-page (blue and black): CHRISTOPHE MARQUET | avec la collaboration de Toshiko Kawakane | HIROSHIGE | Les éventails d'Edo | ESTAMPES DE LA COLLECTION | GEORGES LESKOWICZ | in fine {publisher’s device} || Contributors: Utagawa Hiroshige [歌川 広重] a.k.a. Andō Hiroshige [安藤 広重] (Japanese, 1797 – 1858) – artist. Leskowicz, Georges [Jerzy Tadeusz] (Polish-French, b. 1946) – collector. Musée national des Arts asiatiques - Guimet – exhibitor. Marquet, Christophe (French, b. 1965) – author.
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NEWTitle: Tenth lunar month (Shoto no zu) [初冬の図]. Series: Fashionable Twelve Months [今様十二ヶ月] (Imayo juni-kagetsu). Another version of the translation: Modern Beauties of Twelve Months. Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825). Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国画] and sealed with toshidama. Pubisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, 1815 – 1869), seal: Dansendō [伊場仙]. Date-kiwame seal: Ushi (ox), Bunsei 5 (1822). Size: double-sheet uncut fan print (aiban uchiwa-e), each 220 x 289 mm.
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NEWPaperback 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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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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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 mmThis 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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NEWKabuki 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).
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NEWPeonies (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.
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.
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.- Morning Glory (Asagao, 朝顔)
- Clematis (Tessen, 鉄線)
Morning Glory (Asagao, 朝顔)
Clematis (Tessen, 鉄線)
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NEW
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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NEWArtist: 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. -
NEWArtist: 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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NEWArtist: 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
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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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NEWHardcover volume 295 x 240 mm, blue cloth spine over paper boards; front pictorial with lettering, back blue with white lettering, red lettering to spine; pp. [1–6] 7–527 [528]; catalogue of the Alan Medaugh collection of Utagawa Hiroshige prints, featuring an annotated catalogue of 500 works, divided into nine thematic sections, with essays by leading scholars.
Title-page: HIROSHIGE | NATURE AND THE CITY | PRINTS FROM THE ALAN MEDAUGH COLLECTION | — | CATALOGUE BY JIM DWINGER | ESSAYS BY JOHN T. CARPENTER | ANDREAS MARKS | RHIANNON PAGET | SHIHO SASAKI | COLLECTION PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYOKO MATSUBA | — | PUBLISHED BY LUDION ||
Contributors:
- Utagawa Hiroshige [歌川 広重] a.k.a. Andō Hiroshige [安藤 広重] (Japanese, 1797–1858) – artist.
- Medaugh, Alan (American, 1963 – 2024) – collector.
- Dwinger, Jim – catalogue compiler.
- Carpenter, John T. – essayist.
- Marks, Andreas – essayist.
- Paget, Rhiannon – essayist.
- Sasaki, Shiho – essayist.
- Matsuba, Ryoko – collection photographer.
- Ludion – publisher.
ISBN: 978-9493039988.
For more information, you can refer to the publisher's page: accartbooks.com
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NEWTwo 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.
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NEWSoftcover 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. -
NEWSoftcover 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.
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NEWArtist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) (1797–1861) Signed: 一勇斎 (Ichiyūsai) in a yellow cartouche, 國芳画 (Kuniyoshi ga) in a red cartouche Publisher: 未詳 (Yama-Ta), seal [板元, 太] – Hanmoto, Ta; Marks 19-044 | U421b Censor Seal: Aratame + Ansei 3 (3rd lunar month, 1856) Block Carver: 彫竹 (Hori Take), identified as Yokokawa Takejirō (横川竹二郎) (fl. 1845–1863) Media: Rigid fan print (Aiban Yoko-e Uchiwa-e, 合判横絵 団扇絵), 227 × 286 mm Half-length portrait of a high-ranking courtesan (oiran, 花魁) seated in a three-quarter view, holding a porcelain sake cup decorated with a blue mon of stylized oak leaves (kashiwa, 柏). She gazes downward at a partially unrolled letter resting on her lap. Her elaborate hairstyle, adorned with multiple kogai (ornamental hairpins) featuring golden floral motifs, signifies her elevated status within her profession. Her layered kimono displays a combination of red, blue, and black geometric patterns, emphasizing the luxurious textiles associated with courtesans of her rank. The stylized oak leaves on the sake cup may allude to the family mon of Onoe family of kabuki actors, evoking the overlap between theatre and the pleasure quarters. The background portrays a night scene in the Yoshiwara Pleasure District (吉原), where figures move beneath lantern-lit buildings, showing the vibrant nightlife of Edo.
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NEWArtist: 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
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NEWArtist: 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
- Kuniyoshi Project
- [LIB-3428.2025] Christie’s, New York: Japanese Prints, Paintings, and Screens, Monday, 24 November 1997 / Sales Catalogue, № 130, p. 63.
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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.
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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 mmTitle: [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:
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NEWArtist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代歌川豊国] (Japanese, 1786–1865). Signed: 五渡亭国貞画 (Gototei Kunisada ga). Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1820–1850). Date-Aratame Seal: 寅改, Tora-aratame, Tenpō 1 (1830). Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 229 × 266 mm. Actors and Roles:
- Bandō Minosuke II [坂東蓑助] (Japanese, 1802–1863); other names: Morita Kan'ya XI, Bandō Mitsugorō IV.
- Depicted as a goldfish vendor (kingyo-uri, 金魚売).
- Iwai Kumesaburō II (二代目 岩井 粂三郎) (Japanese, 1799–1836); other names: Iwai Hanshirō VI, Iwai Hisajirō I, Baiga (poetry name), Shūka (poetry name).
- Depicted as a geisha.
- Bandō Minosuke II [坂東蓑助] (Japanese, 1802–1863); other names: Morita Kan'ya XI, Bandō Mitsugorō IV.
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NEWArtist: [画工] (Gakō): Murai Seima [村井 静馬], address: Honjo-Sotodechō, 18 [本所外手丁十八番地], a.k.a. Utagawa Fusatane [歌川房種] (Japanese, fl. 1854 – 1889) Signed: Ōsai Fusatane Hitsu [桜斎房種筆] in a cartouche with a red round stamp Block carver: Wada Yūjirō (和田勇次郎), seal: 彫勇 (Hori Yū), Friese 2009, № 225 Publisher: Kawaraski Sotokichi [河原崎外吉]
Round Nengō Seal: Year of the Ox, Meiji 15 (1882)
Media: Uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 253 x 260 mm
Actors and Roles:
- Actor: Nakamura Shikan IV (中村芝翫)
- Role: Ōtaku Tarō (大屋太郎)
- Actor: Suketakaya Takasuke IV (助高屋高助)
- Role: Princess Takiyasha (滝夜叉姫)
Nakamura Shikan IV, as Ōtaku Tarō, wears a richly decorated kimono with floral patterns and grips a sword. Suketakaya Takasuke, as Princess Takiyasha, appears in a layered kimono with cloud motifs, her hair adorned with multiple ornaments. The actors are depicted in imagined roles.
Iwai Hanshirō VIII as Princess Tsuruhime, Onoe Kikugorō V as Ushiwakamaru
Onoe Kikugorō V as Princess Wakana, Ichikawa Sadanji I as Toriyama Shusaku
Iwai Hanshirō VIII as Tamagohime, Ichikawa Danjurō IX as Jiraiya
Here is Kunisada's print from 08/1856, featuring the same characters: The Syllable Ma(ま)as in Masakado (まさかど): Iwai Kumesaburō III (岩井粂三郎) as Takiyasha-hime (瀧夜叉姫) and Nakamura Fukusuke I (初代中村福助ヵ) as Ōtaku Tarō (大屋太郎) from the series Seven Calligraphic Models for Each Character in the Kana Syllabary (Seisho nanatsu iroha - 清書七伊呂波) – from Lyon Collection.
- Actor: Nakamura Shikan IV (中村芝翫)
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NEW
Artist: Toyohara Kunichika (豊原国周, 1835–1900)
Signed: 豊原国周筆 (Toyohara Kunichika hitsu) with a red toshidama seal
Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō (伊場屋仙三郎)
Censor seal: kiwame (極), no date seal
Media: Uchiwa-e woodblock print, 235 x 294 mm Actors:- Nakamura Kanjaku III [中村翫雀] (Japanese, 1841-1881), a.k.a. Arashi Kakuzô I [嵐珏蔵]
- as Saijō Kichinojō [最上吉之丞]
- Sawamura Tosshō II [沢村訥升] (Japanese, 1854 – 1879); other names: Sawamura Genpei II, Sawamura Sōjūrō, Suketakaya Takasuke IV, Sawamura Tosshi VI ; Poetry names: Kōga, Tosshi VI, Tosshō
- as Keisei Takao (けいせい高尾)
Sawamura Tosshō II as Keisei Takao
Nakamura Kanjaku as Saijō Kichinojō
- Nakamura Kanjaku III [中村翫雀] (Japanese, 1841-1881), a.k.a. Arashi Kakuzô I [嵐珏蔵]
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Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga)
Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b
Date: No date seal
Media: Fan print (uchiwa-e, 団扇絵), 182 x 173 mm
Actors and Roles:
- Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
- as Fuwa Banzaemon Shigekatsu [不破伴左衛門重勝]
- Onoe Kikugorō V [五代目尾上菊五郎] (Japanese, 1844 – 1903); other names: Onoe Baikō V, Ichimura Kakitsu IV, Ichimura Uzaemon XIII, Ichimura Kurōemon.
- Nagoya Sanza [名古屋山三]
Kabuki21: "May 1879: Sawamura Tosshô II took the name of Suketakaya Takasuke IV at the Shintomiza, playing the role of Nagoya Sanza Motoharu in the drama "Mukashi Moyô Sato no Sayaate"; the role of Fuwa Banzaemon Shigekatsu (Sanza's rival in the sayaate scene) was played by Ichikawa Danjûrô IX."
Hankyu Culture Archives:Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Fuwa Banzaemon Onoe Kikugorō V as Horimono-shi Unji (Tattoo Artist Unji) Suketakaya Takasuke IV as Nagoya Sanza Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Fuwa Banzaemon Onoe Kikugorō V as Nagoya Sanza - Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
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NEW
Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (歌川国貞) (1786–1865)
Signed: By the brush of the old Toyokuni (Toyokuni rō hitsu, 豊国老筆)
Publisher: Iseya Sōemon (伊勢屋惣右衛門), Marks reference 19-047 | 156d, seal Hanmoto, Ue (板元, 上)
Date/Kiwame Seal: 丑 極 (Year of the Ox & kiwame, Kieō 1, 1865)
Media: Uchiwa-e (fan print), color woodblock print, 218 × 280 mm
Title: Musashi (むさし)
Series: Collection of the Dinner Plates of Enchanting Appearances (艶色 さら づくし, Enshoku sara tsukushi), figuratively meaning "Collection of the Dinner Plates of Charming Looking Women."
Half-length portrait of a woman seated indoors, facing slightly right. She wears an elaborate hairstyle adorned with multiple kanzashi hairpins. Her kimono is red with a white tie-dye (shibori) pattern, similar to examples in museum collections. A deep purple background features cherry blossoms and flowing water motifs. The sleeves are adorned with embroidered gourd or squash flowers over green fabric. She rests her cheek on her left hand while frying tempura on a small stove with a wire mesh, using chopsticks in her right hand. A lacquered tray to her left holds a blue-and-white porcelain bowl and several pieces of cooked tempura. A candle on a stick stand burns to her left.
Musashi refers to the Musashiya restaurant in Susaki, a well-known establishment depicted by Hiroshige.
The print is trimmed on the left, partially cutting off the publisher and date/kiwame seals. It is possible that this print was published posthumously.
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Artist: 楊洲周延 (Yōshū Chikanobu, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga) Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b Date: No seal. Media: Uchiwa-e (団扇絵), multicolor woodblock print, 195 × 175 mm Actors and Roles:- Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
- Role: Omiwa (おみわ)
- Ichikawa Sadanji I [市川左団次, old writing 市川左團次] (Japanese, 1842 – 1904); other names: Ichikawa Shōjaku I, Ichikawa Koyone, Ichikawa Tatsuzō.
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- Role: Kanawa Gorō (金輪五郎)
Play: Imoseyama onna teikin (妹背山婦女庭訓), Shintomi-za, Tokyo, 10/1883
Half-length view of two actors. The female figure on the left is identified as Ichikawa Danjūrō IX, shown in a richly decorated kimono, slightly turning her face. The male figure on the right is identified as Nakamura Shikan IV, dressed in a bold-patterned outfit, gazing forward with an intense expression. His face is adorned with kumadori (隈取) makeup, emphasizing his dramatic role and reinforcing his imposing stage presence.
Lyon Collection: Roger Keyes in The Theatrical World of Osaka Prints wrote on page 74: "Act IV of Imoseyama is a domestic subplot. Omiwa, the daughter of a sake seller, falls in love with the son of Kamatari, one of the leaders of the anti-Soga party. When he refuses to reveal his identity, she attaches a spool of thread to his cloak and follows him, winding the reel. Her lover is following an unidentified princess with the same device, and all finally find themselves at Iruka's palace. Omiwa is noticed by one of Kamatari's subjects, Kanawa Gorō, who is loitering nearby disguised as Fukashichi, the fisherman. He stabs her. As she dies, he reveals that her lover was a courtier and that she will now be helping him to overthrow Iruka. Fukashichi then mixes her blood with the blood of a black-toed deer and smears it on his magic flute, making it possible to recover a certain Sacred Sword from Iruka at last, and sap his power."
Images from Hankyu Culture Archive:
Ichikawa Sadanji I as Fukashichi; Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as Omiwa; Nakamura Shikan IV Tōfu Goyō (とうふ御用)
Ichikawa Danjūrō IX as as Omiwa Ichikawa Sadanji I as Fukashichi (ふか七) - Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
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NEW
Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga) Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b Date: No seal. Media: Uchiwa-e (団扇絵), multicolor woodblock print, 195 × 175 mm Play: No play, no performance/theatre identified. Actors and Roles:- Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
- Role: Shigetada (重忠)
- Suketakaya Takasuke IV [助高屋高助] (Japanese, 1838 – 1886); other names: Sawamura Tosshô II, Sawamura Genpei II, Sawamura Sôjûrô VI, Sawamura Tosshi VI.
- Role: Akoya (あこや)
- Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
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NEW
Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延筆 (Chikanobu hitsu)
Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En'ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b
Date: No seal
Media: 団扇絵 (uchiwa-e, fan print), 190 × 175 mm
Play: No play, no performance/theatre identified.
Actors and Roles:
- Ichikawa Sadanji I [市川左団次, old writing 市川左團次] (Japanese, 1842 – 1904); other names: Ichikawa Shōjaku I, Ichikawa Koyone, Ichikawa Tatsuzō.
- Role: Watōnai (和藤内)
- Bandō Kakitsu I [初代 坂東 家橘] (Japanese, 1847 – 1893); other names: Ichimura Kakitsu V, Ichimura Uzaemon XIV, Ichimura Kakitsu V, Ichimura Uzaemon XIV, Ichimura Takematsu III.
- Role: Kinshōjo (きんせう女)
- Ichikawa Sadanji I [市川左団次, old writing 市川左團次] (Japanese, 1842 – 1904); other names: Ichikawa Shōjaku I, Ichikawa Koyone, Ichikawa Tatsuzō.
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NEW
Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu [楊洲周延], a.k.a. Toyohara Chikanobu [豊原周延] (Japanese, 1838–1912)
Signed: 周延画 (Chikanobu ga) Publisher: Enshūya Ichibei [遠州屋市兵衛] (Japanese, before 1875–c.1887); Seal name En’ichi 遠市; family name Watari Ichibei 渡市兵衛; Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Horiechō Nichōme 10-banchi 日本橋堀江町二丁目十番地. Sealed as Watari Ichibei from 1876. Marks 26-165 | 056b Date: No seal (between 1876 and 1887).Media: 団扇絵 (uchiwa-e, fan print), 185 x 170 mm
Play: No play, no performance/theatre identified.
Actors and Roles:
- Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
- Role: Kuemon (九右衛門)
- Onoe Taganojō II 尾上多賀之丞 (Japanese, 1849-1899); other names: Onoe Kikumatsu [尾上菊松].
- Role: Kojorō (小女郎)
Play: While the specific play isn't explicitly mentioned, the character names suggest it could be 恋湊博多諷 (Koi Minato Hakata no Hitofushi) or a related version such as 博多小女郎浪枕 (Hakata Kojorō Nami Makura) or 和訓水滸伝 (Yamato Kotoba Suikoden).
The print captures a dramatic scene featuring the pirate chief 毛剃九右衛門 (Kezori Kuemon) and the courtesan 博多小女郎 (Hakata Kojorō). Kuemon, portrayed by Ichikawa Danjūrō IX, is depicted with a commanding presence adorned in elaborate attire befitting a smuggler leader. Kojorō, played by Onoe Taganojō II, is shown in elegant courtesan garments, reflecting her status in the Hakata pleasure quarters. The background features maritime elements, hinting at the seafaring aspects of the narrative.
The story centres on 毛剃九右衛門 (Kezori Kuemon), a notorious smuggler, and 博多小女郎 (Hakata Kojorō), a courtesan of the Okudaya brothel in Hakata. A young merchant from Kyoto, 小松屋宗七 (Komatsuya Sōshichi), becomes entangled with Kuemon during a voyage. Unaware of the ship's illicit activities, Sōshichi refuses Kuemon's invitation to join the smuggling operations and is cast overboard. Surviving the ordeal but losing his funds intended to ransom Kojorō, Sōshichi faces despair. In a twist, Kuemon, recognizing the genuine affection between Sōshichi and Kojorō, decides to assist them. He offers to ransom Kojorō on the condition that Sōshichi joins his crew. Reluctantly, Sōshichi agrees, leading to a series of events where they amass wealth through smuggling. However, their activities draw the attention of authorities. As they attempt to escape, Sōshichi is apprehended and takes his own life. Kojorō, seeking to join him in death, is instead pardoned by imperial decree upon the emperor's accession, as she is deemed innocent of any crime.
- Ichikawa Danjūrō IX [市川団十郎] (Japanese, 1838 – 1903); other names: Kawarasaki Sanshō, Kawarasaki Gonnosuke VII, Kawarasaki Gonjūrō I, Kawarasaki Chōjūrō III.
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NEWArtist: Utagawa Hiroshige III [三代目 歌川 広重] (Japanese, 1842/3 – 1894); other names: Andō Tokubei [安藤徳兵]. Signed: Hiroshige hitsu. Publisher: Ebiya Rinnosuke [海老屋林之助] (Japanese, fl. c. 1832–1895); also known as Ueki Rinnosuke [植木林之助]; Seal name: 海老林 (Ebirin); Marks: 21-017 | 040b Date: No seal. Media: 団扇絵 (uchiwa-e, fan print), 233 × 290 mm Title: Famous Places of Tokyo: Horikiri Irises (Tōkyō Meisho Horikiri Shōbu) [東京名所 堀切菖蒲]
Two elegantly dressed women stand on a veranda overlooking the Horikiri iris fields. The woman on the right, wearing a blue kimono decorated with ducks and waves, gestures with both hands in a manner suggesting she is describing something tall—perhaps emphasizing the impressive height of the irises below. The woman on the left, dressed in a kimono featuring a stream and blossoms at the bottom and bats at the upper part, is sitting on the veranda’s barrier, gazing at the bystanders in the field below.
A teapot, two cups, and a red folding fan are arranged on the veranda, suggesting that the women have been enjoying a relaxing moment. Red-and-white lanterns hang from the structure while a pine tree extends nearby, framing the upper left of the scene.
Below, the iris field is in full bloom, with enormous irises creating a vibrant display. A worker, distinguishable by his traditional blue attire and round straw hat (sugegasa, 菅笠), tends to the plants. Three men in European-style Meiji-era outfits stand on a path running along the iris field—one holds an umbrella, while all three carry swords, signalling their status. One of them gestures toward the women, possibly in admiration or conversation.
In the background, distant hills, village rooftops, and haystacks stretch across the horizon. The sky transitions in a striking gradient from deep red to blue, a feature of Meiji-era prints. This red pigment, often called bengara (紅殻, iron oxide red) or aniline red, was commonly used in Meiji-era woodblock prints to enhance atmospheric effects and convey dusk or early evening settings.
The house in this print could be a place of entertainment, catering to well-off visitors who enjoyed the irises, drinks, and possibly geisha company or courtesan services. While Horikiri was not as famous as Yoshiwara, its beautiful surroundings and teahouses made it an ideal place for refined leisure—sometimes with an implicit erotic element.
Utagawa Hiroshige III. Thirty-six Views of Modern Tokyo: Irises at Horikiri.
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NEWArtist: Utagawa Toyokuni I [歌川豊国] (1769–1825) Signed: Toyokuni ga [豊国 画] Publisher: Ibaya Kyūbei [伊場屋久兵衛] (Japanese, c. 1804-1851); seal kyū (久) in circle; Marks: 08-055 | 126a Date-aratame seal: 子改 – Year of the Rat with aratame = Bunka 13 (1816) Media: fan print (団扇絵, uchiwa-e), 229 x 267 mm Play: Ume sakura aioi zōshi (梅桜松双紙), Nakamura-za, 3/1816 Actors and Roles: Matsumoto Kōshirō V (松本幸四郎) as Matsubei (松兵衛) Nakamura Matsue III (中村松江) as Chiyo (ちよ), Matsubei's wife Bandō Mitsugorō III (坂東三津五郎) as Umeroku (梅六), a fisherman from Chikushi.
The scene depicts a moment from the play Ume sakura aioi zōshi (梅桜松双紙), with Chiyo, Matsubei, and Umeroku confronting an unseen opponent. The three figures are positioned against a backdrop of rushing water and a large waterwheel, indicating a setting near a river. Chiyo, at the front, wears a brown kimono with pine needle motifs, a black obi, and red underlayers visible at the sleeves and hem. Her hair is arranged formally, and her arms are extended forward. Matsubei and Umeroku, standing behind her, wear checkered (plaid) kimonos in brown and beige tones with black borders, tied with wide yellow sashes. Matsubei wears a haori (羽織). Both men hold long wooden oars crossed in an X-shape.
Toyokuni depicts the same actors in the same performance in a series of ōban-size prints (images from Waseda University Cultural Resources Database)
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NEWArtist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代歌川豊国] (Japanese, 1786–1865). Signed: 五渡亭国貞画 (Gototei Kunisada ga). Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1820–1850). Date: 1834 — date aratame seal: 午改 – Year of the Horse, Tenpō 5. Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 235 x 263 mm. Play: Chūshingura, Act VI (Chūshingura, rokudanme, 忠臣蔵 六段目) Actors and Roles: Ichikawa Komazō V [市川高麗蔵] (Japanese, 1812 – 1849); other names: Matsumoto Kinshō I, Matsumoto Kōshirō VI, Matsumoto Kinshi.
Role: Hayano Kanpei (早野勘平)
Segawa Tamon II [瀬川多門)] (Japanese, 1815-1857); other names: Nakamura Daikichi III, Nakamura Matsue 4.5, Sawamura Kitō, Nakamura Keishi, Nakamura Naruo.Role: Okaru (おかる), Kanpei's wife or lover
This print depicts a dramatic moment from Chūshingura, Act VI, where Kanpei and Okaru are living in seclusion at the home of Okaru's parents in the countryside. Kanpei, wearing a plaid kimono (格子, kōshi pattern) with a yellow sash, sits cross-armed, gazing at his lover with a tense expression. Okaru, dressed in a blue kimono adorned with butterflies and a diaper motif, with black and red accents, leans toward Kanpei in a pleading gesture. The background landscape, enclosed within a decorative cloud frame, suggests a possible mitate (thematic reinterpretation) of the scene. We were unable to confirm these actors in these roles in either 1834 or 1833. The red cartouche on the right reads 忠臣蔵 六段目 (Chūshingura, Act VI).
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NEWArtist: Utagawa Kunisada [歌川 国貞], a.k.a. Utagawa Toyokuni III [三代歌川豊国] (Japanese, 1786–1865) Signed: 五渡亭国貞画 (Gototei Kunisada ga) Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1820–1850) Date: 1825 — date aratame seal: 酉改 – Year of the Rooster, Bunsei 8 Media: Aiban yoko-e uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 230 x 270 mm Play: Sono uwasa sakura no irodoki (其噂桜色時), Nakamura-za, 3/1825 Actors and Roles: 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: Denbei (伝兵へ)
Iwai Kumesaburō II [岩井粂三郎] (Japanese, 1799 – 1836); other names: Iwai Hanshirō VI, Iwai Hisajirō I; poetry names Baiga, Shūka.Role: Oshun (おしゆん)
A dramatic encounter between Denbei and Oshun, set beneath a blooming cherry tree. The background features a fenced garden and a veranda, suggesting a domestic setting with a sliding fusuma (襖) screen on the right.
Denbei, dressed in a blue striped kimono adorned with cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums, sits on the floor (tatami?), gripping a length of cloth, the other end of which is held by Oshun. Oshun, wearing a plaid kimono (格子, kōshi pattern) with butterflies and a red and black obi featuring gold cloud brocade, leans forward with an assertive gesture, pulling at the cloth Denbei holds. Her hairstyle is highly ornamented with combs and pins.
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NEWArtist: Utagawa Fusatane [歌川 房種] (Japanese, fl. 1854 – 1889), other names: Ippyosai; Isshosai; Murai Seima; Utagawa Seimas; Osai Signed: Drawn by Fusatane (Fusatane ga, 房種画) within Toshidama cartouche Block carver: Nakamura Fujiyoshi, seal 彫藤 (hori Fuji); Friese 2009: 306/7 Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō [伊場屋仙三郎] (Japanese, fl. c. 1815 – 1869); san (三) in a circle. Date: 亥極 Year of the Boar + kiwame, Bunkyū 3 (1863) Media: Uchiwa-e (団扇絵), color woodblock print, 155 x 188 mm (for a child?) Play: Kyō Ningyō (京人形), The Kyoto Doll, date and place of the performance not found (mitate?) Actors and Roles: — Nakamura Shikan IV [中村芝翫] (Japanese, 1831 – 1899); other names: Nakamura Fukusuke I [中村福助], Nakamura Masanosuke I, Nakamura Komasaburō, Nakamura Tamatarō I. Role: Hidari Jingorō (左甚五郎), — Sawamura Tanosuke III [沢村田之助] (Japanese, 1845-1878); other names: Sawamura Yoshijirō I; poetry names: Shozan. Role: Kyō Ningyō (京人形), The Kyoto Doll
This uchiwa-e (fan print) by Utagawa Fusatane (房種画) depicts a scene from the kabuki dance-drama Kyō Ningyō (京人形), featuring the legendary sculptor Hidari Jingorō (左甚五郎) and his magically animated doll. In the scene, Nakamura Shikan (中村芝翫) portrays Hidari Jingorō, seated in a green kimono with a contemplative expression, possibly just after witnessing his doll come to life. He gently touches his face in a subtle gesture of astonishment. Standing behind him is Sawamura Tanosuke (沢村田之助) as Kyō Ningyō (京人形), dressed in a bright red kimono adorned with chrysanthemum motifs. The background features a screen with a woodgrain pattern on the left, inscribed with Kyō Ningyō (京人形), and a blossoming plum branch against a gradient sky.
Various kabuki plays based on this legend of Hidari Jingorō and the living doll were staged multiple times throughout the 19th century, with different adaptations and performances keeping the story alive on the Edo and Meiji-period stage. The popularity of this tale extended beyond the theatre, as it was also widely depicted in ukiyo-e prints by numerous artists, capturing both the kabuki productions and the legend itself in various visual interpretations.
Lyon Collection: Hidari Jingorō (左甚五郎) (role 1596 – 1644) Basil Hall Chamberlain called him "Japan's most famous sculptor... born in 1594."//"Hidari Jingorō (1596-1644), a master temple carpenter (miya-shi) by trade, who is reputed to have crafted life-sized ningyō on the side, is probably the earliest documented carver of what were later to be termed "iki ningyō." Legend has it that in order to accomplish all of the tasks assigned to him, Jingorō decided to create his own assis tants. [sic] To this end, he crafted a group of ningyō that were so realistic they actually came to life and helped him in all of his labors. When he was done with them, however, he threw them all into the river where they became kappa (water demons)." Quoted from: Ningyō: The Art of the Japanese Doll by Alan Scott Pate. The MET: “The Famous, Unrivaled Sculptor Hidari ‘Left-Handed’ Jingorō” (Meiyo: Migi ni teki nashi Hidari Jingorō) by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1848) // “At the center of this complex triptych composition is the famous sculptor Hidari “Left-Handed” Jingorō at work in his studio, carving a statue of Shōtoku Taishi (574–622), one of the great proponents of Buddhism in ancient Japan”. Wikipedia: “Hidari Jingorō (左 甚五郎) was a possibly fictitious Japanese artist. Some people and sources state his real name was Itami Toshikatsu. A Renaissance man, he worked as a sculptor, carpenter, painter, architect, comedian, actor, kōdanshi (rhythmical storyteller) and professor of art. Although various studies suggest he was active in the early Edo period (around 1596–1644), there are controversies about the historical existence of the person. Jingorō is believed to have created many famous deity sculptures located throughout Japan, and many legends have been told about him”.
A 1-minute Youtube presentation of the Hidari Jingorō Legend. -
NEWArtist: 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.
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NEWArtist: 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]
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NEWArtist: 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.
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NEWArtist: 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.