Shibaraku. c. 1975. 6 x 6 (sheet 11 7/8 x 9 1/4). Edition 100, #2. A dramatic impression printed on tan mulberry paper. Numbered, signed in Japanese and English in pencil; titled verso. $450.
Two Rabbits at Night. c. 1938. Woodcut printed in colors. Oban: 14 1/2 x10 (sheet 15 1/2 x 11). Publisher: Takemura Hideo (Yokahama 1926-39). Signed and sealed Hodo. "Made in Japan" seal verso. A rich impression with subtle bokashi shading, extensive gauffrage on the flowers and rabbits, gofun white pigment on the white fur. Pristine color and condition. $550.
Kacho-e is the Japanese term for prints that depict birds and flowers. Such subjects have a long tradition in Chinese and Japanese painting. Below are some woodblock prints in this tradition, by artists whose seals and signatures are unread.
Click Kacho-e for small screen; click on the images for larger screens.
Cicada on a tree trunk. c. 1900. Oban: 12 3/4 x 8 3/16 (image and sheet). Extremely subtle shading, and striking colors. Printed with gauffrage (embossing) in the cicada, the leaves and the tree. Ex-collection: Haverhill, MA, Public Library. Signed and sealed. $175.
Dragonfly. c. 1900. Shishikiban: 8 5/8 x 8 3/18 (image and sheet). Number '2' in a cartouche. Lower right-hand corner cut; otherwise fine condition. Signed and sealed. Extremely subtle shading, and striking colors. Printed with gauffrage (embossing) in the Dragonfly, the flowers and the bamboo. $175.
Tortoise. c. 1910. Oban:5 x 14 (sheet 10 1/8 x 145/8). A fine impression printed with gauffrage in the tortoise's shell and in the flowers on mulberry paper with mica highlights. The tortoise is regarded as a symbol of good fortune. Unsigned. $175.
Flowers.
Wisteria. c. 1900. Woodblock print. Oban: 10 x 13 (image and sheet). Gauffrage on the flowers and vine. Sealed, lower right. $125.
Yellow Flowers. c. 1900. Woodblock print. Oban: 10 x 13 3/8 (image and sheet). Gauffrage on the flowers. Sealed, lower right. $125.
Reference is made to the excellent new study by Newland, Perée and Schaap, Crows, Cranes & Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Leiden, Hotei Publishing, 2001).
Click upon the images for larger screens.
Carrion Crow on a Snow-covered Branch at Dawn. c. 1930. Otanzaku: 14 9/16 x 6 5/8 (sheet 14 15/16 x 6 3/4). Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias S5.5. Signed and sealed Shoson. $975.
Crow on a Snowy Bough (grey sky). O-tanzaku: 13 1/2 x 7 1/2 (sheet 1 4 3/4 x 7 1/2). Publisher; Daikoku-ya (Matsuki) Heikichi (Tokyo publisher, 1818-1923). Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias plate 48, checklist K5.7. Subtle bokashi shading; gauffrage in the snow; shiny black lacquer feathers; nicely visible woodgrain; very fine, crisp detailing. Excellent condition. Signed and sealed Koson. $975.
Eagle in Flight against a Snowy Sky. 1933. Oban: 14 3/16 x 9 7/16 (sheet 15 3/8 x 10 3/8). Signed and sealed Shoson. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, S13.2, p. 197. Signed Shoson. An early printing in pristine condition. Extremely subtle shading, and striking colors. Printed with gauffrage (embossing) in the eagle's feathers and on the snow-covered trees. $500.
Lapwing on Tree Stump. c. 1910-1923. Otanzaku: 13 1/2 x 7 5/16 (sheet 14 x 7 1/2). Signed and sealed Koson. Publisher: Daikoku-ya (Matsuki) Heikichi (Tokyo publisher, 1818-1923). Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, #57, p. 79; checklist K22.2, p. 179. A charming pre-1923 earthquake image with subtle shading in the background, and gauffrage on the bird. $675.
Sparrows on Wisteria. c. 1940's-50's. Dai oban: 16 11/16 x 10 1/4 (sheet 17 5/16 x 10 3/4). Publisher: Nishinomiya Yosaku (Tokyo publisher--known active 1938 until late 1950's; then sporadically until present day.) Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias plate 142, checklist K33.10. Soft 'bokashi' shading; gauffrage in the birds and the wisteria. Excellent condition. Signed and sealed Koson. $1,500.
Sparrows over Grass. c. 1940's-50's. Dai oban: 16 1/2 x 10 3/8 (sheet 17 9/16 x 10 5/8). Publisher probably Nishinomiya Yosaku (Tokyo publisher--known active 1938 until late 1950's; then sporadically until present day.) Not in Crows, Cranes & Camellias ; variant of plate 142, checklist K33.8. The version in the catalogue has two sparrows fighting over a snow-covered branch. This variant presents the two sparrows fighting over grass, with a third sparrow flying overhead. Subtle 'bokashi' shading; gauffrage in the birds' feathers. Grubby margins; some soiling in the sky. Signed and sealed Koson. An extremely rare image. $1,500.
Two Carp and White Lotus. 1933. Shikishiban: 10 14/16 x 9 7/8 (sheet 10 10/16 x 9 11/16). Signed and sealed Shoson. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, S39.5, p. 201. A fine impression with subtle shading and glowing colors, in pristine condition. $650.
Two Geese Swimming Near Reeds. 1926. Oban: 14 3/16 x 9 9 5/16 (sheet 15 x 10 5/16). Signed and sealed Shoson. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo - copyright seal "d" (1931-41) in the left-hand margin. Edition 200. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, S11.3, p. 197. A fine early impression in pristine condition. $850.
Two Mallards in Flight in Front of a Full Moon. Yoko otanzaku: 14 5/16 x 7 7/16. Signed and sealed Koson. Publisher: Daikoku-ya (Matsuke) Heikichi(Tokyo publisher, 1818-1923). A fine pre-war impression in pristine condition. Subtle shading with gauffrage in the geese. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, K7.1, p172. $650.
Two White-Fronted Geese in Flight in front of a Full Moon. c. 1910-1923. Shikishiban: 10 7/8 x 9 7/8.Publisher: Daikoku-ya (Tokyo publisher, 1818-1923). Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, Newland K11.3, page 174. Scattered foxing in the lower margin. Extensive gauffrage in the birds' feathers and in the outline of the moon. Signed Koson; not sealed. $375.
Two Wild Ducks Near Water, Reeds Behind. Otanzaku: 14 15/16 x 6 3/4. Illustrated: Newland, Crows, Cranes & Camellias, S7.4, page 196. Signed and sealed Shoson. An excellent impression with subtle bokashi shading througout, and gauffrage in the birds' feathers and in the ripples of the water. $650.
Wading Egret with Reeds. Shikishiban: 9 1/2 x 10 1/16. Signed Koson; no seal. Publisher: Daikoku-ya (Matsuke) Heikichi(Tokyo publisher, 1818-1923). Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, K 14.15, p. 177, and page 82. According to Newland et al, p. 82, "The soft feathers of the bird are beautifully suggested by white and grey printing, overprinted by white. Gauffrage in the birds' feathers and ripples in the water. Excellent color and condition. $550.
This was a popular image, that went through several printings.
Wading Egret with Reeds. Shikishiban: 9 3/8 x 9 13/16 (sheet 10 3/4 x 11 1/4). Signed and sealed Koson. Publisher: Daikoku-ya (Matsuke) Heikichi(Tokyo publisher, 1818-1923). "Made in Japan. No 25" stamp on the verso. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, K 14.15, p. 177, and page 82. The print in Newland is unsealed. This image is sealed, so is presumably an earlier printing. This print is also different in color, as the blue is more of a robin-s egg blue than grey. According to Newland et al, p. 82, "The soft feathers of the bird are beautifully suggested by white and grey printing, overprinted by white. Gauffrage in the birds' feathers and ripples in the water. Excellent color and condition. $850.
White Fronted Geese Flying above Reeds and Water. c. 1933. Shikishiban: 10 10/16 x 9 1/16 (sheet 10 14/16 x 9 12/16). Signed and sealed Shoson. Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Illustrated: Crows, Cranes & Camellias, S11.6, p. 197. A fine impression with subtle shading and gauffrage (embossing) in the 2 large BIRDS'' feathers. Based on the body markings, these actually appear to be mallard ducks not geese. Pristine color and condition. $500.
Miniature Japanese Woodblock Prints.
Each $50.
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The Four Seasons: Sparrow, Peony, Stook, Snow. Woodblock print. 2 9/16 x 2 1/2 (image and sheet). Subtle shading and gauffrage. Sealed ,lower right. [Crane]. Woodblock print. 7 7/8 x 3 3/4 (image and sheet). Signed and sealed, lower right. Subtle shading and gauffrage. $50 each.
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Deer in Moonlight and Fisherman in Moonlight. Woodcuts printed in colors. Sho-tanzakus: 9 11/16 x 3 and 9 1/16 x 3 1/16 (image and sheet). Subtle shading; gauffrage in the moon and deer; in the moon and in the net. Unsigned; sealed. $50 each.
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Plum Blossoms in Moonlight and Moonlight. Woodcuts printed in colors. Sho-tanzakus: 9 11/16 x 3 and 9 3/4 x 3 1/16 (image and sheet). Subtle shading; gauffrage in the branch and flowers; in the moon and in the lantern. Unsigned; sealed. $50 each.
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Plum Blossoms in Moonlight and Lantern in Snow. Woodcuts printed in colors. Sho-tanzakus: 9 3/4 x 3 (image and sheet). 2 pinholes in the former, top right, and soiling in the moon and on the left, under the branch; the latter in fine condition. Subtle shading; gauffrage in the branch and flowers; in the moon and in the lantern. Unsigned; sealed "Sho." (NOT Shotei). $50 each.
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Gulls Woodcut printed in colors.7 1/8 x 4 3/4 (image and sheet). Subtle shading. Signed and sealed. $50.
Mt. Fuji and Waves. Woodcut printed in colors. 6 5/16 x 4 5/16 (image and sheet). Subtle shading; gauffrage in the waves.Signed and sealed. $50.
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Fox in Moonlight. Woodcut printed in colors. 7 11/16 x 3 9/16(image and sheet). Subtle shading. Signed and sealed. $50.
[Boatman]. Woodblock print. Yatsutiri-ban: 3 3/4 x 6 1/4 (image and sheet). Sealed, lower left. $50.
Stooks in Moonlight. Woodcut printed in colors. 6 5/8 x 4 9/16 (image and sheet). Subtle shading; gauffrage in the waves. Signed and sealed. $50.
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Evening Stroll. Woodcut printed in colors. 7 7/8 x 3 3/8 (image and sheet). Subtle shading. Sealed. $50.
Singers. Woodcut printed in colors. 6 5/16 x 4 5/16 (image and sheet). Subtle shading. Sealed. $50.
Measurements are in inches, height first.
1. Cherry Blossoms (8 x 3 7/16). 2. Swallows (8 x 3 7/16). 3. Flying Fish (8 x 3 1/2). $50 each.
4. Herons (8 x 3 1/2). 5. Bird trap (8 x 3 1/2). 6. Fantails (8 x 3 7/16). $50 each.
7. Heron and Iris (9 3/16 x 2 7/16). 8. Kingfisher and Iris (4 7/16 x 3 5/16). 9. Geese and Full Moon (9 1/4 x 2). $50 each.
10. Nightwatch (9 1/4 x 2 1/16). 11. Farmhouse and Crescent (3 7 1/6 x 5 1/2). 12. Waterfall and Crescent Moon (9 1/4 x 2). $50 each.
13. Torii (8 x 3 7/16). 14. Bamboo (8 x 3 7/16). $50 each.
15. Crustaceans and Bucket (8 x 3 1/2). 16. Boat Prow and Mount Fuji (8 x 3 7/16). 17. Lantern and Camellias (8 x 3 7/16). $50 each.
All miniature prints are $50 each.
February -- Orchid. (Nigatsu - Ranjo no saku). 1956. Woodcut with hand-applied color. 17 x 13 (sheet 18 1/4 x 21 1/2). Series: Calender in the Mood of the Tea Ceremony. Signed in pencil "Munakata" and sealed in red Hogan Muna Siko -- sumizuri-e. On the full sheet with deckle edges. $7,500.
A woodcut calender of twleve images was made for the Urasenke tea ceremony school, which reproduced one image each month in its magazine Tanko. Most of the months, including February, are represented by examples from nature traditionally associated with the season. Illustrated: Sori Yangai, The Woodblock and the Artist. The Life and Works of Shiko Munakata.
Click on the image for a larger screen.
Heroine Osan in Daikyoji Mukashi-Goyomi. c. 1923. Dai oban. Image: 15 3/8 x 7 7/8 (sheet 17 3/4 x 11). Series: Complete Works of Chikamatsu. Publisher: Nishima. Printed in tones of grey and beige. A sensitive study of a young woman. $550.
Click on the image for a larger screen.
Kagamijishi - Lion Dance. c. 1941. Oban: 15 3/4 x 10 5/8 (sheet 17 5/8 x 11 5/8). Signature: Sadanobu. Seal: Ukiyoe-Dakumi. Publisher: Uchida with his copyright. Printed on the full sheet of paper countermarked Uchida. $250.
Jun'ichiro Sekino was born in Aomori. From childhood, he knew Munakata Shiko, 11 years his senior. He studied etching, oil painting an drawing in Kyoto. He studied woodblock printmaking with Onchi Koshiro and Maekawa Swnpan. He was a prolific printmaker, who styled ranged from semi-abstract to detailed portraiture. In 1959 he started a series of prints, The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido (Eastern Sea Road), and completed the series in 1974. In 1975, after completion of the series, the received he Ministry of Education Award for his outstanding achievement "in using every possible technique in woodblock printing, Japanese traditional art, and the recreation of the old fifty-three stations on the Tokaido highway in present-day light."
Okitsu on the Tokaido. c. 1953. Woodcut. 13 7/8 x x 18 (sheet 16 7/8 x 18) . Series: The New 53 Stations of the Tokaido. Signed in watercolor in the image. Printed on paper watermarked "Jun Sekino". Framed. $750.
Click on the image for a larger screen.
Mt. Fuji from Miho. c. 1920-30. Woodcut printed in colors. Watanabe 1936 catalogue 228; shotei.com M28. Tanzaku: 14 3/4 x 6 3/8 (sheet 15 x 6 1/2). Signed and sealed "Hiroaki." A fine impression with bokashi shading throughout, and gauffrage on the pine trees and boat. Excellent color and condition. $475.
Click on the image for a larger screen.
Lake Biwa Viewed at Medura Temple. c. 1950. Japanese woodblock print. Shishikiban: 10 1/4 x 11 3/8. Series: New Eight Views of Oomi, #5. Printer: Uchida. Excellent color and condition. Signed and sealed. $150.
Rearing Horse. Woodcut printed in colors. 13 1/2 x 10 (image). Sealed, upper right; signed in pencil, lower right, pencil signed. One of a series of four woodcuts of horses. Archivally framed and glazed. $250.
White Lilies. Woodcut printed in colors. 15 3/4 x 10 1/2 (17 1/2 x 12 3/8). Signed and annotated "No. 35" in pencil. A fine impression with good color, printed on Japanese mulberry paper. $975.
The Adoration of the Shepherds.1961. Color dye stencil. 21 x 14 (sheet 22 x 30). Edition 200, #24. Printed on crumpled, hand-made paper on the full sheet with deckle edges. Signed and numbered in pencil. $1,750.
Hope. 1961. Color dye stencil. 20 1/2 x 17 5/7 (sheet 25 x 23). Edition 50, #16. Signed, dated and numbered in pencil. Printed on crumpled, hand-made paper on the full sheet with deckle edges. $1,750.
Click on the images for larger screens.
Evening After Rain. 1926. Yoshida 39. Oban: 9 3/4 x 14 3/4 (sheet 10 1/2 x 15 1/2). First Inland Sea series. Signatures: Yoshida in brush, artist's seal Hiroshi. Hiroshi Yoshida in pencil on the lower margin. Publisher: Jizuri seal (self printed). Signed and titled in pencil. $2,500.
Urayasu. 1951. Oban: 15 5/8 x 10 1/2. Signed in pencil; stamped title. Urayasu is in Chiba prefecture. Fine color and condition. $650.
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