Sen Sha Fuda—Pilgrim’s temple charm placard, issued early 1900s

Very good impression and color, light staining in margins, light staining on verso

Overall size: 6 ½ x 8 ½ in.

Sen Sha Fuda—Pilgrim’s temple charm placard, issued early 1900s

Produced by the Tokyo Nai Fuda Club, Very good impression and color, good condition, light center crease, light glue residue on verso

Overall size: 6 ¾ x 8 ¼ in.

Album leaf depicting an antique textile fragment, issued ca. late 1800s

The artist skillfully illustrates the fabric dyeing techniques of stencil printing and tie-dyeing (shibori) using the woodblock print medium

Very good impression and color, centerfold, some thinning of paper on margins

Overall size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.

A Leaf from the album “Keinen Kacho Gafu” issued 1892

Published by Unsodo Co., title and printer’s name on left margin, good impression and color, margins somewhat trimmed, minor wear, very slight wrinkles, dated in Arabic numerals for export

Overall size: 9 ½ x 14 in.

A Leaf from the album “Keinen Kacho Gafu” issued 1892

Published by Unsodo Co., title and printer’s name on left margin, very good impression and color, margins somewhat trimmed, light soiling, slight creasing in margins and wear to two corners, dated in Arabic numerals for export

Overall size: 9 ½ x 14 ½ in.

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print by Kunisada II (1823-1880) depicting kabuki actors dating 1865. The cartouche at the upper left bears the title of the series and the names of the actors. The signature of the artist, publisher's seal and censor's/date seal are located at the upper right. Measures 14 1/2"V x 10 1/8"H. Very good overall condition. The print is not backed and the baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back. No tape or tape stains...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting the actor Bando Mitsugoro III in the role of Kumagai Jiro Naozane. This image is Station 23 from the series "Actors at the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" published by Tsujiokaya Bunsuke in 1852/3. Very nice impression quality with mica highlights. The black robe is overprinted with patterns using lacquer highlights. Signed "Toyokuni ga" (in a red cartouche with yellow snow). Measures 14"V x 9 1/2"H...

Japanese woodblock print depicting a beauty lighting a floor lamp titled “Kakinomoto no Hitomaro” (image no. 3) from the series “One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets” (Hyakunin-isshu Emyo) by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) published by Sanoya Kihei in 1844. The image is signed “Kunisada changing his name to Toyokuni II” with the red Toshidama seal below. The two cartouches in the shape of playing cards at the upper left hold a picture of a poet and his poem...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting an actor portraying a samurai standing in a garden under a blossoming cherry tree, published by Maruya Jinpachi in 1861. Signed "Toyokuni ga" (in a red cartouche with yellow snow). Measures 14 3/8"V x 9 5/8"H. Very good color and overall condition with embossed and mica highlights. The actor's entire kimono is highlighted in lacquer...

“Kinokuni Hill and Distant View of Akasaka Tameike” from the series “One Hundred Views of Famous Places of Edo” by Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858) dated 9/1857. The print depicts the forward guards of a daimyo procession with the houses of Akasaka district in the background. The print measures 13 5/8”V x 9 3/8”H (image: 13 ¼”V x 8 5/8”H). Signed within a red cartouche at the left. The title and subtitle cartouches are at the upper right...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting the actor Iwai Hanshirô VII in the role of Koman from the series "Actors at the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido." This image is Station 48: "Seki" published by Sumiyoshiya Masagoro in 1852/3. Very good color and impression quality, with fine delineation of the hair not apparent in the images...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada (also known as Toyokuni III) depicting an actor portraying a samurai sitting on a veranda overlooking a garden with a beauty in the center panel. Published by Joshuya Kinzo prior to 1842. Each panel bears the signature "Gototei Kunisada ga", a publisher's seal, and the kiwame censor's seal used from 1790-1842 (see enlargement 5). Each panel measures about 14 1/2"V x 9 1/2"H. Very good overall condition...

Japanese woodblock print titled "Poem #68" from an untitled set of women compared to the one hundred poets by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada). Signed "Kochoro Kunisada ga" at the lower right. This series was published by Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) circa 1844-1848. The print depicts a beauty in a kimono kneeling and holding a lacquer tray of snacks...

Japanese woodblock print depicting an actor portraying a seated samurai. The image is signed at the left side "Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga" (1797-1861). The red Yoshi Kiri seal is beneath the signature. The print was published by Ibaya Senzaburo between 1847-1848. The paper measures 14 1/2"V x 9 7/8"H. It is most likely a panel from a triptych. Very good overall condition with excellent color. The print is not backed. No tape or tape stains. There are a few tiny pin holes and a very small loss t...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada II (1823-1880) titled "Moon" from the series "Snow, Moon and Flowers" published by Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1852. Each panel bears the signature "Kunisada ga", a publisher's seal, date and censor's seals (see enlargement 7). Each panel measures nearly 14 1/4"V x 9 7/8"H. Very good overall condition. The triptych is not backed and the baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back. No tape or tape stains. There is an ink spot on the b...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada (also known as Toyokuni III) depicting actors portraying a scene from the kabuki theater. Published by Yamazakiya Seishichi in 1855. Each panel bears the signature "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow, a publisher's seal, date seal, and censor's seal (see enlargement 5). Each panel measures about 14 1/2"V x 9 3/4" - 10"H. Very good overall condition with margins. The triptych is not backed and the baren marks and image are cle...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print from a small series featuring bust portraits of actors portraying two opposite charactors in old and current plays set against calligraphy by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) collaborating with Torii Kiyomitsu II (1788-1868) dated 1852. The lower right corner bears the signature cartouches of both artists, censor and date seals, and the seal of the publisher Joshuya Juzo. The paper measures 14 3/4"V x 9 7/8"H. Very good impression quality with lacquer hi...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting a half-length portrait of an actor portraying a samurai. This is one of a number of half-length portraits of actors designed by Kunisada in 1852. Signed at the right "Toyokuni ga" (in a red cartouche with yellow snow) with the seal of the publisher Yamazakiya Seishichi below. Fresh color and nice impression quality with fine delineation of the hair and lacquer highlights. The wood grain is plainly evident in t...

Japanese scroll mounting of a Hokusai Woodblock with a peasant wood gatherer on bridge over stream, in the back ground are ducks on a pond. Censor seals 1790-1842. Size of Scroll: 51 1/2" high x 10" wide Size of Art: 19 3/4" high x 9" wide

Japanese Edo period woodblock depicting the poetess Gon Chunagon Atsutada (906-943) gathering sea shells from the series "Lessons for the Young from Thirty-six Poetic Immortals" by Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) dated circa 1842. Vertical oban size (14"V x 9 3/4"H). Very good overall condition. A few tiny wormholes and a few slightly thinned areas in the paper. This series is illustrated in plate 106 of "Utagawa Kuniyoshi," an exhibition catalogue based upon the Raymond A. Bidwell collection of Japanese ...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print depicting a beauty taking a boat ride on the Sumida River from a series titled "The Seven Variations of the Iroha" by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) dated 1856. "Iroha" refers to a distinct form of Japanese poetry. The signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow) is located at the lower right. Standard vertical oban print measuring 14 1/8"V x 9 1/2"H. Good color and overall condition. The baren marks and image are c...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print titled "Four" (yon/shi) depicting the actors Onoe Kikugoro IV and Ichikawa Kodanji IV in the roles of Oiwa and Izaemon from a series titled "After The Seven Iroha" by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) dated 8/1856. This series was published the same year as "Seven Variations of the Iroha." The title cartouches of the prints in this series feature ciphers written seven different ways. "Iroha" refers to a distinct form of Japanese poetry. The publisher's s...

Original woodblock print by Helen Hyde entitled "Baby Talk". One of her most famous prints. The print has "Copyright 1908 by Helen Hyde" printed within the lower left hand oval border. Fine impression and color. The title, "Baby Talk" and the print number - 178, are written in pencil. There is also the number and 64281 written in pencil below the lower middle border. The paper measures 21" wide and 13 1/2" tall. The print measures 18 3/4" wide by 12" tall.

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting a lively scene from Act 11 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, the censor seal, and the signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow) are all located at the lower right. Standard vertical oban print measuring 14"V x 9 3/4"H. Very...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) featuring two beauties from Act 5 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The censor's seal and the seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, are at the bottom of the print. The signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow) is located at the bottom left corner. Standard vertical oban print...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) dated 1854 depicting a beauty of the nobility practicing the art of painting. Signed at the left "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche surrounded with yellow snow." 14 3/8"V x 10"H. Very good color and in clean overall condition with lacquer and embossed highlights. The print is not backed and the baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back. No tape or tape stains. There is a tiny bit of thinning at the upper left...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) featuring a beauty serving tea to another beauty who is resting in a palanquin smoking a pipe from Act 6 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The censor's seal and the seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, are at the lower left portion of the print. The signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche w...

Illustration of a scene from the Noh theater titled “Ohara Goko” by Kogyo Tsukioka (1869-1927) from the series "One Hundred Noh Dramas" published by Daikoku-ya in 1923. Very good impression quality with silver and gold metallic highlights and extensive embossing on the blue robe. Standard vertical oban print measuring about 14 7/8"V x 10"H. Very good overall condition. There is a slight wrinkle in the paper at the upper right corner.

The actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX in a scene from kabuki theater from the series "100 Roles of Ichikawa Danjuro IX" by Toyohara Kunichika 1835-1900) dated in the left margin "5th month of Meiji 31" (1898). Deluxe edition with extensive gauffrage accents to the yellow background, cartouches, margin and hair. There are mica highlights in the background. The blue robe is decorated with a keyfret motif pattern produced through the use of pale silver pigment. Paper: 14 1/8" x 9 1/4" (image: 13" x 8 1/4)....

Japanese Meiji Period woodblock print from the series "The Calendar of Events in Edo Theater" by Adachi Ginko (1874-1897) dated in the left margin Meiji 30 (1897) 1st month 11th day. The series depicts various scenes and events surrounding kabuki theater. This image depicts several actors and musicians on stage. One actor, holding a fan above his head, dances in bare feet. The red fish peering from behind his back suggests he might be a fisherman. Four actors sitting in a row behind him are al...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print depicting a beauty preparing to wash titled "Yellow" from the series "Five Colors of Ink" (Goshikizumi) by Keisai Eisen (1790-1848) published by Aritaya Seiemon between 1843-1846. A pupil of Eizan, Eisen is perhaps best known for his prints of sensual women. The artist's signature, Yoshimura Gentaro censor's seal, and seal of the publisher all appear at the lower left. Vertical oban print measuring nearly 14 3/8"V x 10"H. Very good impression quality and color...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print depicting a beauty standing under a pine tree viewing a bustling scene of boats on a waterway by Keisai Eisen (1790-1848). A pupil of Eizan, Eisen is perhaps best known for his prints of sensual women. The artist's signature, "kiwame" censor's seal, and seal of the publisher Sanoki all appear at the lower right. Dates from the 1820s to 1830s. Vertical oban print measuring 15"V x 10"H. Most likely a panel from a triptych. There is a faint soiled spot in the sky...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print depicting a young salt-water gatherer by Kikugawa Eizan (1787-1867) from the series "Seiro Niwaka" (Yoshiwara Nikawa festival). Eizan, who was the master of Eisen, specialized in designing prints of beautiful women. The "kiwame" censor's seal and the seal of the publisher Yamaguchiya Tobei are at the lower right. The artist's signature is at the lower left. Dates from the 1810s to 1820s. Vertical oban print measuring 13 5/8"V x 9 1/8"H. Very good overall co...

Early 1900s

This is a design for a kimono textile that has skillfully incorporated the stylized woven fabric texture as part of the design as seen in the central field of flowering iris plants. The upper field appears to be a design of snowflakes, and the lower of an abstract water pattern. This was probably a leaf from an album of kimono designs. The print is of very good color, impression and condition on very thick paper, with some odd nicks and small tears on the edges, but not affecti...

Ca. 1900

This is a design for a kimono with a leafing vine surrounding a lacquer calligraphy box with inkstone and brushes in tones of grays and black with only the calligraphy brushes having red and yellow handles. The grain of the woodblock shows through the background of the kimono. Printed on mulberry paper and probably a leaf from a design album. There is a stain above the upper right sleeve, and a repaired 2 inch tear at the top of the leaf. The paper has yellowed slightly.

Ob...

Ca. late 1800s

This is a leaf from a design album. It shows the lower portion of a kimono with a design of pine needles and plum blossoms. Good condition.

Aiban tate-e: 8 1/4 in. x 12 ½ in.