Bust portrait of an unidentified actor in the role of a half-naked samurai from a series titled "Mirror of Good and Evil Spirits" by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900), published by Tsunoi in 4/1868. Paper size: 14" x 9 3/8". The print is a fine impression with very fresh color. The wood grain is plainly evident in the background and there are mica highlights. The left margin is trimmed...

Deluxe edition Japanese Meiji period woodblock print by Torii Kiyotada VII, also known as Tadakiyo, (1875-1941) depicting the kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX portraying Fudo Myoo from the series "The Eighteen Great Kabuki Plays" published by Hasegawa in 1896. The series title extends across the top of the image. The artist's Tadakiyo signature and red jar seal are at the lower left...

Early edition Japanese Edo period woodblock print titled “Snowfall at Shimasaku in Iki Province." The image is No. 68 from the series “Views of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces” by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) dated 1856. Signed within a red cartouche at the left. The title and subtitle cartouches are at the upper right. The seal of the publisher Koshimuraya Heisuke is at the lower right. This is one of Hiroshige's most sought-after snow scenes with a bokashi cloud in the sky...

Japanese woodblock print of two beautiful ladies at the ocean, with a basket full of shells they've collected. With calligraphy in right margin.

Size: 7.25" W x 9.5" H (artwork only)

Japanese framed woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) of an Oban Tate-E size and format (common sizing / vertically printed), from the series Gujusan Tsugi Meisho Zue. Signature and seal in bottom left with calligraphy seals. Imagery of far off boats heading into shore.

Size: (entire frame) 16.75" L x 20.75" H (artwork only) 9.5" L x 15" H

Japanese framed woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) of an Oban Tate-E size and format (common sizing / vertically printed), from the series Gujusan Tsugi Meisho Zue. Signature and seal in bottom left with calligraphy seals. Bright coloration in blue tones.

Size: (entire frame) 16.75" L x 20.75" H (artwork only) 9.5" L x 15" H

An Unusual framed Five Plate series of woodblock prints creating a large image (called a pentaptych). Original piece by one of the most famous Ukiyo-e woodblock artists, Utagawa Kunisada / Toyokuni III (1786-1865), with depiction of a large scene of men paddling boats with geishas and courtesans across a wide body of water to a far-off island. Calligraphy seals and signatures appear consistently throughout the image. Mounted in a large glass frame...

Antique Japanese book of 34 various woodblock prints. Each page vividly depicts a story, with bright color and exciting subjects. The outside is covered in brick red fabric with flowers. Size: 13.5" x 9" x .75"

Antique Japanese book of 24 delightful woodblock prints, all with beautiful ladies in kimonos in various court scenes. The book can be read front or backwards and is covered by woven blue fabric with orange flowers. Most likely a gallery collection from the meiji period. Size : 9.5" x 7" x 1"

Rare 58 page accordion album of Japanese chirimen-e (creped) woodblock prints by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900) dating from the 1860s (late Edo/early Meiji). Included are two triptychs and one oban print by Kunisada (signed Toyokuni III). The album consists of seven triptychs, one two-panel composition, and 35 oban images, for a total of 43 individual prints...

Japanese antique wood block print entitled "The Cry of the Fox" from the series "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon", by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). signed Yoshitoshi with artist's seal Yoshitoshi, engraver's mark Enkatsu, and published by Akiyama Buemon, 1886 Based on a kyogen drama, Konkai ('The Cry of the Fox'). Kyogen were short, humorous interludes staged between acts of a No play...

Japanese woodblock print by shin-hanga artist Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) titled "Rainy Yasuniwa, Nagano Prefecture", Hotei #480. Titled and signed, with 6mm cartouche in bottom right corner. Framed. Size: (entire frame) 15" height, 20.25" width (artwork only) 10" height, 14" width

Japanese woodblock print by Hiroshi Yoshida (1876-1950) titled "Fujiyama from Miho", signed in pencil, with stamp and printed title. Size: 10.5" height, 15.75" width

Japanese woodblock print by renowned woodblock artist Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) , depicting a young giant Mushashibo Benkei, nicknamed Onikawa, crouched over a pool of water, waiting to attack the giant carp he discovered had eaten his mother. From the '36 Ghosts' series. Size: 14" height, 9.25" width

Antique Japanese triptych woodblock print, meaning it is comprised of three separate sheets, depicting Akechi Mitsuhide in the final battle of Yamazaki in 1582. He is shown seated upon his horse, which has been shot dead with arrows, clutching his sword and gazing over the river at the approaching enemy forces in the distance. Four of his own soldiers are seen scattered around, either dead or dying, soaked in blood, suffering traumatic injury...

Antique Japanese print depicting the founder of the Shingon or "True Word" school of Buddhism, Kūkai (774-835). He was a famous calligrapher and engineer who invented the kana, syllabic Japanese scripts used in the Japanese writing system. He sits holding prayer beads upon an elaborate lotus throne with lovely gold filligree and a small blue beast sitting below...

Beautiful, original woodblock print by ukiyo-e woodblock artist Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Toyokuni III (1786–1864). It is #22 in a series called Sono sugata Yukari no usushi-e, or "Stories of Reincarnated Beings". In the center of the print there is a young child, hunched forward as he eagerly listens to stories from an adult woman in a pink kimono with blue and grey sleeves, with a sheathed sword across her lap. A bowl of treats and a black lamp with flowers sits between them...

Antique Japanese print depicting the founder of the Shingon or "True Word" school of Buddhism, Kūkai (774-835). He was a famous calligrapher and engineer who invented the kana, syllabic Japanese scripts used in the Japanese writing system. In his hands he holds a vajra, a ritualistic weapon representing firmness of spirit and spiritual power, and prayer beads...

Antique ukiyo-e style woodblock print by artist Utagawa Kunisada, also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III (1786-1865), of a samurai warrior blocking the strike of another warrior's sword with his own. He has very detailed undergarments in mesh-patterned blue with light pink flowers, a black and white robe with jagged designs and red trim with a blue obi, and a red headband, with his hair styled in a traditional chonmage. Set behind glass and framed, part of the 47 Ronin series "Stories of the Faithfu...

Antique ukiyo-e woodblock print of a samurai warrior in a crouched pose, one sword on his hip and one in his hands. He wears a blue and red kimono and he has a traditional chonmage hairstyle. Framed behind glass. The back of the frame lists artist Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864). Size: (entire frame) 21.75" height, 17.25" width (artwork only) 14.25" height, 9" width

Antique ukiyo-e woodblock print of a man wearing a white kimono with designs of black bamboo shoots, a black apron, and black lacquered geta (footwear). Artist Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1905), pupil to Kunisada. Set behind glass in a large frame, with artist and publishing information written on back. Size: (entire frame) 22.5" height, 17" width, (artwork only) 14" height, 9" width

Choki print, please contact for details

Eizan print, please contact for details

Japanese shunga woodblock print from the Meiji period.

The print features a close-up of a Japanese woman and her lover - a rare find!

The print was purchased in an antique bookstore in Jinbocho Tokyo 1951 and is in good condition with minor staining (see photos below).

Size of print: Approx. 19.5cm x 13cm.

Shipping included

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo on U.L., with red artist's seal, and fan-shaped publisher's seal on L.L. Very good impression, color and condition.

Oban yoko-e: 14 ¾ in. x 10 1/8 in.

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo on L.R., with red artist's seal and fan-shaped publisher's seal. Very good impression, color and condition.

Oban yoko-e: 14 ¾ in. x 10 1/8 in.

Illustration of a scene from the Noh theater titled “Ohara Goko” (The Royal Visit to Ohara) by Kogyo Tsukioka (1869-1927) from the series "Nogaku Zue" (Noh Plays) published by Matsuki Heikichi January 10th of 1898. Very good impression quality with silver highlights on the central robe. The background is finely embossed throughout. Standard horizontal oban print measuring 10"V x 14 3/4"H. This image has never been framed and is in very good overall condition. There is a faint area of discol...

Japanese woodblock print by Yoshitoshi, Tsukioka (1839-1892) entitled "The Fever of Taira no Kiymori". A triptych print, the scene is of the tyrant Taira no Kiyomori as he writhes in fever just before death. According to legend, the evil Kiyomori burned down a temple and is fetched for retribution by Emma-o the King of Hell, Kiyomori's wife and son kneel and pray for his salvation while demons and the souls of Kiyomori's victims surround him. Print date: 1883. This print is in good conditi...

Dated 1897

The book, which translates to “Women’s Customs and Manners”, consists of 36 prints, all in excellent color and condition except No. 36, which has stains that migrated from the metallic printing on the interior back cover. Each print appears fresh with unfaded colors, some with embossing and metallic printing. Each print has the date and publisher’s information in the left margin. Dated Meiji 30 (1897), publisher: Matsuki Heikichi. The book is bound in traditional Japanes...

Two waterfowl in a marsh, issued ca. 1910

Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition

Overall size: 14 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.

Bird in willow tree, issued ca. 1910

Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition

Kakuban: 9 3/8 x 10 in.

Portrait of Kabuki actor, Nakamura Utaemon, issued ca. 1830

Signed Gototei Kunisada on lower left, partial loss of signature, Kiwame seal and publisher’s seal (Heikichi) on lower right, moderate impression and good color

Oban tate-e: 9 5/8 x 14 in.

Noh drama performer, dated ca. 1900

Underdrawing for a woodblock print or a study for a painting

Ink on mulberry paper portraying an actor wearing a mask, painting details are noted in Kanji and Katakana characters, description of painting is written in Kanji characters on reverse and showing through on front, backed with old mulberry paper, centerfold, good condition

Shita-e: 10 ½ x 15 in.

Scene of a takara bune treasure ship with corresponding New Year’s related poem, no. 29 from a series illustrating various treasure ship designs, issued ca. 1900

Good impression and color, light mica dust in paper, minor wear, some paper thinning, light soiling on verso

Overall size: 7 x 9 ¾ in.

Various designs for textiles, issued ca. 1900

Good impression and color, very minor soiling, center fold

Album leaf: 9 x 13 ¾ in.

Design of a kite with a takara bune (treasureship) design with a poem, probably designed as a New Year’s greeting, issued ca. early 1900s

Printer’s information on lower left (no. 41), good condition

Shikishiban: 9 ¼ x 9 ¼ in.

Portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro as a wandering monk (Komuso) issued ca. 1860

Signed Kunisada Ga, good impression, color skip on grey robe, thumbnail size paper loss mended on upper right corner.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Portrait of a courtesan with her young attendant, issued 1830s

Signed Gofukutei Sadatora on lower left, fair impression and color, some thinning and wear, small nicks to edges reinforced, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 8 7/8 x 13 in.

Three figures with bonsai and other vendors, issued 1855

Signed Toyokuni (III) on lower left, good impression and color, lower margin trimmed into publisher’s seal, some wear and light soiling, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ¾ x 14 ¼ in.

Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 7 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880

Signed Toyohara Kunichika in upper right and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), good impression and very strong color, very light soiling on upper margin, slight creasing to upper right corner, very light soiling on upper corners on verso, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 5/8 in.

Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 6 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880

Signed Toyohara Kunichika and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), very good impression and color, very light soiling near bottom, upper corners lightly creased, very minor wear, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo with red artist’s seal, fan shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression and color, small areas of faint soiling.

Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ¾ in.

Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920

Signed Kogyo with artist’s seal, fan-shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression, color and condition, remnants of attachment paper on back of four corners.

Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.

Diptych—two chuban prints originally joined in an album depicting a scene from the Osaka Kabuki stage, issued ca. 1865

Yoshitaki was one of the best known designers of Osaka actor prints from the 1860s to 1880s.

Both signed Yoshitaki Ga in red cartouches, very good impression, color and overall condition, old album backing paper intact.

Each print size: 9 ¾ x 7 in.

Album leaf illustrating “antique” textile designs for Tang Dynasty China and later, printed ca. 1900

The characters beside each design describe the motif and type of fabric.

Very good impression and color, vertical center crease, minor wear, remnants of old backing.

Overall Size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.

Scene for “Tokyo Daily Newspaper” with “Tokyo Nichi-Nichi Shinbun” inscribed in the banner at top, issued ca. 1890

Yoshiiku was noted for his prints included in the popular illustrated newspapers at the time.

Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku on lower left with artist’s seal ca. 1890, very good impression and strong color, vertical center crease, various areas of moderate soiling, slight backing tape residue on upper left corner, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 ¼ x 14 in.

Kunisada (1786-1864) collaborating with Hiroshige (1797-1858)

From the series: “Kannon Reigen Ki” (Account of the miracles of Kannon) issued 1859.The larger image by Kunisada depicts a miracle performed by Kannon. The upper image by Hiroshige is a temple scene.

Signed Kunisada and Hiroshige on respective images, aratame seal and publisher’s seal on left margin, very good impression and color, very light wear and minor thinning at edges, not backed.

Oban tate-e: 9 7/8 x 14...

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.

Yoshitoshi Tsukioka's Very Scarce (only about a dozen known copies) Book with Six Full Oban Size Prints, The Flowers of Japan and the Art of Floral Arrangement (First Edition). This is the best known existing copy of this book. Because the prints are in a book, they have been exposed to almost no light, so the colors are more vivid than anything you will ever see. Because there is no color loss, this is a unique opportunity to see what antique Japanese woodblock prints must have looked like when...

Japanese woodblock print by Yoshitoshi, from "36 Ghosts" series.

Chikubushima Moon - Tsunemasa (Chikubushima no Tsuki - Tsunemasa). Printed: 3.1886. Engraver: Yamamoto. Signature: Yoshitoshi. Seal: Taiso. Publisher: Akiyama Buemon. Format: Oban tate-e. H. 12.75 x W. 8.75". Condition: Very Good impression and colors. Retains albimbacking. No condition issues to note. This print is also set in the battle between the Taira and the Minamoto clans. One of the Taira leaders, Taira no Tsunemasa was a notable warrior and a fine musician, a combin...

The Moon of Yamaki Mansion - Kagekado (Yamaki Yakata no Tsuki - Kagekado). Printed: 3.1886. Engraver: Enkatsu. Signature: Yoshitoshi. Seal: Taiso. Publisher: Akiyama Buemon. Format: Oban tate-e. H.12.75 x W. 8.75". Condition: Good Impression and colors. Some soiling, including an ink spot (from original printing?) on the lower portion of print. Slight margin trimming. "Karazuri" embossing on Kagekado's clothing and cartouche. Faux woodgrain on panel behind Kagekado. Katou Ka...

Gravemarker Moon (Sotouba no tsuki). Printed: 3.1886 Engraver: Yamamoto Signature & Seal: Yositoshi Publisher: Akiyama Buemon. Condition: Very Good colors and impression, full margins. "karazuri" embossing on Ono no Komachi's robes. Format: Oban tate-e: H.13 x W. 8.75". Ono no Komachi was a famous beauty and poetess of the 9th century. Episodes from her life became the basis of a set of seven Noh plays, the last group called Sotouba Komachi, “Gravemarker Komachi.” Here, seat...

Suzaku Gate Moon - Hakuga Sammi (Suzakumon no tsuki - Hakuga Sammi). Printed: 1st day. 2nd month. 1886 Engraver: Yamamoto Signature: Yoshitoshi. Seal: Yoshitoshi no in. Publisher: Akiyama Buemon Condition: Very Good colors & impression, full margins, "karazuri" embossing on cartouche & Hakuga's hakama (pantaloons). H. 13 x W. 8.75". Minamoto no Hiromasa (918-980,) was also known as Hakuga Sammi. He was the grandson of Emperor Daigo, and a famous musician, equally proficient on ...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Subject: “Kyoudou Risshiki” (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition)*, The Young Wife, Ukita, Guarding her husband, Lord Tomita Nobutaka Anozu no Shiru who is mounted on horseback. Signature: “taiso Yoshitoshi”. Artist’s Seal: Taiso. Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi. Date: Meiji 35* (1902), 8th month (August,) 5th day. Format: oban tate-e, H.12.5 x W.8.25". Condition: Very good colors and impression, album backing retained, no holes or tears, o...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Subject: “Kyoudou Risshiki” (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition), Toyotomi Hideyoshi seated on a tiger skin listening to a priest speaking on behalf of the Mouri clan. Text by Housai. No. 33 in a series of 52. Signature: “taiso Yoshitoshi”. Artist’s Seal: Taiso. Engraver: Kataoka (per Keyes, p 459.) Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi. Date: Meiji 18 (1885), 12th month (December.) Format: oban tate-e with printed borders, H.12.5 x W.8.25"(inc...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Subject: Musha-e (Warrior print); “Yoshitoshi Musha Burui” (Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors): kurou [9th son] hangan Minamoto Yoshitsune and Musashibou Benkei under a cherry tree )#15 in this series of 33. Signature: “Yoshitoshi hitsu” (from the brush of Yoshitoshi). Artist’s Seal: Taiso. Engraver: Horikou Muneoka. Publisher: Tsunajima Kanekichi. Date: 1886. Format: oban tate-e, H.13 x W. 8.75". Condition: Very good colors with good i...

Authentic Japanese Meiji period woodblock printed "mitate banzuke" dating from the late 19th century. Banzuke prints were designed to compare or rank virtually any subject, ranging from popular actors and sumo wrestlers to the best spas and restaurants. The banner at the top, which is being held by two winged cherubs, reads "Comparison of Good and Bad Housewives." The title in the middle translates "Women's Domestic Instructions," a phrase commonly used in materials intended to instruct girls...