Shini-e (memorial portrait) of the Kabuki actor Kikugoro, issued 1903

The actor died at age 60. He is shown holding a Buddhist sutra and his “death poem” in is cursive script above his head.

Signed Utagawa Toyosai, dated: 1903, fine impression and color, left margin slightly trimmed, small brown spot above sutra page, original paper backing possibly from time of issue.

Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 14 in.

Shini-e (memorial portrait) of three individuals, including their names and dates of death, issued ca. 1860.

Very good impression and color, light soiling and wear, small loss to upper-right corner, upper corners reinforced, two very small holes in right side, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 13 ½ in.

Two young women caring for silkworm cocoons

Signed Kunitoshi Ga in a red cartouche with date: 1881 and publisher’s information in yellow cartouche, good impression, excellent color, very light soiling, upper corners thin with remnants of paper attachments, not backed, margins trimmed right and bottom.

Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 14 in.

From the Birds and Flowers series: “Sho-utsushi shiju-hattaka” issued 1858.

Signed Sugakudo, with two seals beneath the signature, censor’s seal and publisher’s seal, left margin; good impression, evenly toned, thin corners, light staining, two upper corners with glue remains from attachment, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ¼ in.