Asian art auctions
Woodcut, paper, 24x15.5 cm; inscriptions in Japanese for the birds depicted Woodcut from the "Hobun gafu" series , published in 1890 (Meiji 23) in Kyoto by Tanaka Jihē. An analogous series is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington DC and the British Museum in London. The "Hobun gafu" series was published in 1890 and consists of 37 works. ...
Japanese lithograph/flat print, paper, 26x35 cm, artist's signature Endo Kokei was a Japanese painter, illustrator and designer of the Meiji period, a student of Ogata Gekko. According to the publication "Centenary of the Japanese Academy of Art," he exhibited his paintings many times with various art associations. In 1894, at the exhibition "Poetry with a Good Scent" organized by the Japan As...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Sasai Kyuzo Masayasu (Sakai Kyuzo Narishige) - a portrait of the 16th century warrior Sakai Kyuzo Narishige during a fierce battle. Narishige, son of Sakai Masahisa, served Oda Nobunaga and fought his first battle at the age of thirteen. Here he grasps a spear with both hands, jumping on one foot and dodging arrows. Clouds of smoke swirl aro...
Japanese lithograph/flat print, paper, 26x35 cm, artist's signature, visible foxing spots in lower left corner Yamamoto Shōun (1870 - 1965), also known as Matsutani Shōun, was a Japanese designer, painter and illustrator. He was born in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, to a family of shōgun guards and was named Mosaburō. As a teenager, he studied painting at the Kanō School with Yanagimoto Doso...
Woodcut, paper, 24x15.5 cm; inscriptions in Japanese for the birds depicted Woodcut from the "Hobun gafu" series , published in 1890 (Meiji 23) in Kyoto by Tanaka Jihē. An analogous series is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington DC and the British Museum in London. The "Hobun gafu" series was published in 1890 and consists of 37 works. ...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Ishikawa Sosuke Sadamoto at the Battle of Shizu-ga-mine in 1583. An image of the famous Ishikawa swordsman, known for his prowess. Bleeding from several wounds and with arrows embedded in his body, he bravely fought on, holding his sword with both hands above his head. The blade of his sword is damaged in several places and dripping with blo...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 22x26.5 cm, signed with the artist's seal (stamp) The woodcut is from the work Bairei Gakan (which translates as "Reflections of Bairei Painting"), published by Yamada Shinzaburo of Unsodo in 1913. It is a series of seven volumes of woodcuts that showcase the artist's skill in reproducing nature. These beautiful, often minimalist designs include landscapes, flowers, ...
Japanese lithograph/flat print, paper, 25x34 cm Yamamoto Shōun (1870 - 1965), also known as Matsutani Shōun, was a Japanese designer, painter and illustrator. He was born in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, to a family of shōgun guards and was named Mosaburō. As a teenager, he studied painting at the Kanō School with Yanagimoto Doso and Kawada Shoryu. At age 17, he moved to Tokyo, where he stud...
Japanese lithograph/strip printing, paper, 24x34 cm Fuzoku Gaho is Japan's first graphic magazine and a major research journal on social customs. A true graphic encyclopedia of the recent past. The first issue of Fuzoku Gaho was published in 1889 by Toyodo Publishing House and was sold for 27 years, until 1916. It was the first graphic magazine produced in Japan and is also known as a major so...
Japanese lithograph/flat print, paper, 26x35 cm, artist's signature Yamamoto Shōun (1870 - 1965), also known as Matsutani Shōun, was a Japanese designer, painter and illustrator. He was born in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, to a family of shōgun guards and was named Mosaburō. As a teenager, he studied painting at the Kanō School with Yanagimoto Doso and Kawada Shoryu. At age 17, he moved to ...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5x16 cm (paper size) Depiction of the Doga brothers just before their execution, which ultimately did not take place. The woodcut is from the "Soga Monogatari" series, designed by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) and published in an abridged and simplified albumen version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917.Japanese woodcut series often draw inspiration from popular lege...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5x16 cm (paper size)Kewaizaka no Shōshō, one of the heroines of the story, cut off her hair to become a nun.The woodcut is from the "Soga Monogatari" series, designed by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) and published in an abridged and simplified albumen version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917.Japanese woodcut series often draw inspiration from popular legends or h...
Japanese lithograph/flat print, paper, 26x36 cm, artist's signature Yamamoto Shōun (1870 - 1965), also known as Matsutani Shōun, was a Japanese designer, painter and illustrator. He was born in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, to a family of shōgun guards and was named Mosaburō. As a teenager, he studied painting at the Kanō School with Yanagimoto Doso and Kawada Shoryu. At 17, he moved to Toky...
ajpon lithograph/flat print, paper, 26x39 cm Endo Kokei was a Japanese painter, illustrator and designer of the Meiji period, a student of Ogata Gekko. According to the publication "Centenary of the Japanese Academy of Art," he exhibited his paintings many times with various art societies. In 1894, at the exhibition "Poetry with a Good Scent" organized by the Japan Society of Young Painters, h...
color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper The woodcut comes from the second volume of the ten-volume series "Unai-no Tomo" (Friends of the Child) by Seifu Shimizu, published by Unsodo in Kyoto in 1911. An analogous piece of this volume can be found at the Brooklyn Museum, where games and toys were handled by famed curator-eth...
woodcut, ink, paper, 24x15.5 cm; inscriptions in Japanese for the birds depicted, visible slight soiling in black ink near the head of the rooster Woodcut from the "Hobun gafu" series , published in 1890 (Meiji 23) in Kyoto by Tanaka Jihē. An analogous series is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC, and the British Museum in London....
Color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper Hagoita (palettes) were used for a game called hanetsuki, a traditional New Year's game to ensure good fortune and protection from evil in the new year. Initially, the game was associated with the imperial court and the shogun's entourage, and was played by both men and women. Over ti...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - Novels of the Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1848 and 1849, published in an abridged and simplified album version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917. The dramatic woodcuts of this series show various leaders engaged in battles or posing heroically in a...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Oda Nobutaka (1558-1583) was a samurai and member of the Oda clan. He was adopted as the head of the Kanbe clan, which ruled the central region of Ise Province. In 1577, he besieged Ōta Castle (near today's Wakayama Castle) and defeated the Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist uprising in Kii Province. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of t...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 22x26.5 cm, signed with the artist's seal (stamp) The woodcut is from the work Bairei Gakan (which translates as "Reflections of Bairei Painting"), published by Yamada Shinzaburo of Unsodo in 1913. It is a series of seven volumes of woodcuts that showcase the artist's skill in reproducing nature. These beautiful, often minimalist designs include landscapes, flowers, ...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Toki Jurozayemon Mitsuchika (d. 1582) was a fief of the Akechi clan and a relative of Akechi Mitsuhide. He was the ruler of Fukuchiyama in Tanba province, and was a valiant general who fought against Toyotomi Hideyoshi at the Battle of Yamazaki in 1582. He fell in the battle. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Ta...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Morimasa was one of Shibata Katsuie's top generals. After his defeat at the Battle of Shizugatake against Toyotomi Hideyoshi, he fled alone to try to avenge the loss. However, he was captured by Hideyoshi's men. Here he bravely fights his attackers, raising his sword above his head as his opponent tries to snatch his weapon. The woodcut is f...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Sakurai Sakichi, one of the three famous swordsmen who took part in the 16th century Battle of Shizugamine, is shown with a naginata in his hands and a banner flying on his back, topped with a small golden serpent The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - A Novel of Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi...
color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper The woodcut comes from the second volume of the ten-volume series "Unai-no Tomo" (Friends of the Child) by Seifu Shimizu, published by Unsodo in Kyoto in 1911. An analogous piece of this volume can be found at the Brooklyn Museum, where games and toys were handled by famed curator-eth...
color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper and foxing spots The woodcut is from the second volume of the ten-volume series "Unai-no Tomo" (Friends of the Child) by Seifu Shimizu, published by Unsodo in Kyoto in 1911. An analogous piece of this volume can be found at the Brooklyn Museum, where games and toys were handled by fam...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size), small spots of purple ink near right edge of frame Isono Tanba-no-Kami Sadamasa sits on a camp stool and holds a spear. Isono was the lord of Sawayama Castle in Omi province. He served the Azai family, fighting with them against Oda Nobunaga at the Battle of Anegawa in 1570.He sits on a folding stool, aggressively leaning forward. , holding...
Japanese lithograph/flat print, paper, 26x35 cm, artist's signature Yamamoto Shōun (1870 - 1965), also known as Matsutani Shōun, was a Japanese designer, painter and illustrator. He was born in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, to a family of shōgun guards and was named Mosaburō. As a teenager, he studied painting at the Kanō School with Yanagimoto Doso and Kawada Shoryu. At 17, he moved to Toky...
color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper and foxing spots The woodcut is from the second volume of the ten-volume series "Unai-no Tomo" (Friends of the Child) by Seifu Shimizu, published by Unsodo in Kyoto in 1911. An analogous piece of this volume can be found at the Brooklyn Museum, where games and toys were handled by fam...
color woodcut, ink, paper, 22x26.5 cm, signed with the artist's seal (stamp) The woodcut is from the work Bairei Gakan (which translates as "Reflections of Bairei Painting"), published by Yamada Shinzaburo of Unsodo in 1913. It is a series of seven volumes of woodcuts that showcase the artist's skill in reproducing nature. These beautiful, often minimalist designs include landscapes, flowers, ...
color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5x16 cm (paper size) The woodcut is from the "Soga Monogatari" series, designed by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) and published in an abridged and simplified album version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917.Japanese woodcut series often draw inspiration from popular legends or historical events from Japanese history. One such motif is the story of the Soga brothers Yu...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 22x26.5 cm, signed with the artist's seal (stamp) The woodcut is from the work Bairei Gakan (which translates as "Reflections of Bairei Painting"), published by Yamada Shinzaburo of Unsodo in 1913. It is a series of seven volumes of woodcuts that showcase the artist's skill in reproducing nature. These beautiful, often minimalist designs include landscapes, flowers, ...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Tsutsui Junkei (1549 - 1584), son of Tsutsui Junshō and daimyō of Yamato province. In 1571 Junkei, through the office of Akechi Mitsuhide, pledged himself to the service of Oda Nobunaga. In 1578 he was appointed daimyō over Yamato and was allowed to build a new castle, which was named Kōriyama Castle, now in Yamatokōriyama, Nara. In 158...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 22x26.5 cm, signed with the artist's seal (stamp) The woodcut is from the work Bairei Gakan (which translates as "Reflections of Bairei Painting"), published by Yamada Shinzaburo of Unsodo in 1913. It is a series of seven volumes of woodcuts that showcase the artist's skill in reproducing nature. These beautiful, often minimalist designs include landscapes, flowers, ...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Saitō Toshimune (here Saitō Toshimoto Nyūdō Ryūhon) was the son of Saitō Toshizō, originally a subject of Akechi Mitsuhide and later a vassal of Katō Kiyomasa, with whom he participated in the Korean invasions. During one battle in Korea, one of his opponents was a huge man with a "tiger-like beard," whom no one but Toshimume dared t...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Depiction of the brave warrior Sada Mutsu-no kami Arimasa (Sassa Narimasa) riding down the mountainside on a horse in the snow. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - A Novel of Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1848 and 1849, published in an abridged and simplified album version by Yoshi...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Saitō Dōsan, also known as Saitō Toshimasa, was a Japanese daimyo and samurai ruler of the Sengoku period. He had the nickname "Viper of Mino" (Mino no Mamushi) because of his ruthless methods. Dōsan initially served as an oil trader and then as a vassal of the Toki family, eventually taking control of Mino province. He won a significant...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Takenaka Shigeharu, in civilian clothes, next to a model of a globe. He was a Japanese samurai during the Sengoku period in the 16th century and ruler of Bodaiyama Castle, chief strategist and advisor to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His father was local samurai Takenaka Shigemoto. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Taiheiki Heroes ...
Color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper and foxing spots Hagoita (palettes) were used for a game called hanetsuki, a traditional New Year's game to ensure good fortune and protection from evil in the new year. Initially, the game was associated with the imperial court and the shogun's entourage, and was played by both men a...
color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, discoloration on paper and foxing spots The woodcut is from the second volume of the ten-volume series "Unai-no Tomo" (Friends of the Child) by Seifu Shimizu, published by Unsodo in Kyoto in 1911. An analogous piece of this volume can be found at the Brooklyn Museum, where games and toys were handled by famed cur...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - Novels of the Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1848 and 1849, published in an abridged and simplified album version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917. The dramatic woodcuts in this series show various leaders engaged in battles or posing heroically in a...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Portrait of samurai Akashi Gidayu, a member of the Akechi clan. He helped lead an attack against Hideyoshi's troops, in which all his men were killed. After the battle, he returned to his master and committed seppuku. He is depicted in a dramatic pose, holding a giant axe and wearing a straw raincoat over his armor, with his hair flowing dow...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - Novels of the Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1848 and 1849, published in an abridged and simplified album version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917. The dramatic woodcuts of this series show various leaders engaged in battles or posing heroically in a...
Color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper and foxing spots Hagoita (palettes) were used for a game called hanetsuki, a traditional New Year's game to ensure good fortune and protection from evil in the new year. Initially, the game was associated with the imperial court and the shogun's entourage, and was played by both men a...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - Novels of the Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1848 and 1849, published in an abridged and simplified album version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917. The dramatic woodcuts in this series show various leaders engaged in battles or posing heroically in a...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Kido Takuzaemon Nagachika, in armor, without a helmet, holding a heavy metal rod and breaking down a door. He was the ruler of Uto Castle. He fought Konishi Yukinaga in the Korean War. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - A Novel of the Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in 1848-1849, published ...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Endō Naotsune (1531 - 1570) was an officer of the Azai clan, known for his fierceness as a warrior. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of Taiheiki Heroes - Novels of the Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1848 and 1849, published in an abridged and simplified album version by Yoshikawa Kobunkan in 1917. The dram...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Menjō Katsuteru (d. 1583), also known as Menju Katsusuke, was a general and servant of Shibata Katsuie. As one of the three famous swordsmen of the Battle of Shizugatake, he fought with exceptional valor until he was killed in battle. Here, at the age of 16, he reclaims Katsuie's gohei banner, which had been seized by the enemy. The woodcut...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size), slight discoloration of paper Hamaji Shogen Mitsukuni (Yamaji Shogen), armed but without a helmet, cutting a flowering branch with a sword. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - Novels of the Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in 1848-1849, published in an abridged and simplified album version b...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Fukushima Masanori (1561 - 1624) was a Japanese daimyō from the late Sengoku period to the early Edo period and served as ruler of Hiroshima. He fought in the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583 and soon became known as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake, alongside Katō Kiyomasa and others. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of t...
Color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper and foxing spots Hagoita (palettes) were used for a game called hanetsuki, a traditional New Year's game to ensure good fortune and protection from evil in the new year. Initially, the game was associated with the imperial court and the shogun's entourage, and was played by both men a...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) An interesting scene from the life of warrior Araki Murashige, who is depicted here in formal attire and a tall black court cap, with a large rice cake in his mouth. When Murashige met with Oda Nobunaga to ask to rule Settsu province, the daimyo impaled several manju (rice cakes) on his sword and threw them at the samurai. Murashige opened h...
color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Asai Bizen-no-Kami Nakamasa (historically Asai Nagamasa, 1545 - 1573) was a Japanese daimyō of the Sengoku period, brother-in-law and enemy of Oda Nobunaga. Nagamasa was the head of the Azai clan based at Odani Castle in the northern province of Ōmi and married Nobunaga's sister, Oichi, in 1564. He was the father of her three daughters - Y...
color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Takigawa Kazumasu (1525 - 1586) was a Japanese samurai ruler and daimyo of the Sengoku period, he was a retainer and military commander of Oda Nobunaga and later Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Under Nobunaga he took part in many battles, including the siege of Ichijodani Castle (1573), the Battle of Nagashino (1575), where he served as commander-in-chi...
Color woodcut, ink, paper, 24.5 x 16 cm (paper size) Depiction of Nagamura Bunkasai Michie (historical Nakamura Bunkasai) dressed in armor, smashing a ceramic vessel against a wall. The woodcut is from the series "From the Lives of the Heroes of Taiheiki - A Novel of Great Peace," designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi between 1848 and 1849, and published in an abridged and simplified album version by ...
Color woodcut, paper, 25x33 cm (size of diptych paper), inscriptions in Japanese, light discoloration on paper and foxing spots Hagoita (palettes) were used for a game called hanetsuki, a traditional New Year's game to ensure good fortune and protection from evil in the new year. Initially, the game was associated with the imperial court and the shogun's entourage, and was played by both men a...