Nisaburo Ito Woodblock: Iris
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Woodblock Prints:
Pre 1960 item# 809590 (stock# 7A-114)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$320
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Lovely mid-20th century Japanese woodblock print by Nisaruro Ito (1910-1988) entitled “Iris,” sealed with the artist’s seal and published by Uchida Bijutsu Shoshi of Kyoto. Nisaburo Ito was one of the well known Kyoto area Shin Hanga artists who was interested in promoting the art of the woodblock print. He is best known for his beautiful flower prints and landscapes which recalled the beauty of an earlier age before modernization. The artist was a student of Tsuchida Bakusen at the Kyoto City Specialist School of Painting. He made print designs of flowers and scenes from Kyoto, among them this popular image of variegated purple irises. The Shin Hanga (literally “new prints”) art movement in early 20th century Japan revitalized traditional ukiyo-e art which had its roots in the Edo and Meiji periods. Landscape prints from the Shin Hanga movement were extremely popular and highly prized among collectors in Europe and America.
The iris (“shobu”), a sturdy, easily cultivated flower, is emblematic of May and is also the main symbol of the Boys’ Day Festival. The long, flat, blade-shaped leaves are reminiscent of a sword, and thus this flower connotes manly strength and has come to be symbolic of victory. Its stiff upright petals are likened to the outstanding character and virtues associated with ancient samurai warriors, and it can also be used to represent a wish for good health and renewed vitality.
CONDITION: Crisp clean image and impression with good color and fine detail; strong ink bleed through; printed on high quality paper with watermark of Uchida in lower right margin. There are no holes, tears or folds, only a tiny cut-out in the lower right hand corner of the margin measuring .5 cm x 1.5 cm. DIMENSIONS: “Dai-oban” size image is 10 ½” (26.8 cm) x 15 ¾” (40 cm), plus full margins.
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Sadanobu III Japanese Woodblock Print: Kabuki Actor
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Japanese:
Woodblock Prints:
Pre 1960 item# 776522 (stock# 7A-019)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$130
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This original woodblock print by artist Hasegawa Sadanobu III (1881-1963) features a Kabuki actor from the Edo period boldly portrayed in a classic role. 20th century, ca. 1950’s. The actor plays the role of a samurai villain, with his katana sword drawn and an angry expression on his face. The printed signature and seal are offset to the right side, above what is likely the printer’s seal mark. There is a pencil signature on the lower margin which reads “Kabuki Kurou” and an illegible printer’s name. There are mica flecks covering the surface, and the workmanship in both carving and printing is very good.
The woodblock prints of Sadanobu III (son of Sadanobu II) were primarily images of warriors, actors, and maiko. The overwhelming majority of his prints were published by the Uchida Print Co. of Kyoto, Japan, a print publisher catering to the tastes and demands of Western customers.
CONDITION is excellent, with great color and registration and strong ink bleed through. Skillfully executed changes of color shading ("bokashi") are seen on the top and bottom of the print. DIMENSIONS: Oban size image measures 14 3/8” (36.6 cm) x 9 7/8” (25.2 cm), plus margins.
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Rare Full Set of 24 Gosho Doll Prints by Hasui
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Pre 1940 item# 321515 (stock# 7A-098)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$3,600 for Set of 24 Prints
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Complete boxed set of twenty-four original Japanese woodblock prints by Kawase Hasui (1883-1957) entitled “Ningyo Gashu” (“The Japanese Dolls Gosho-Ningyo”). Published by Meiji-Shobo Publisher of Tokyo in 1935, the series was printed in celebration of “Children’s Day” on May 5th and sold in sets. This set is complete with all 24 designs, each tipped in its original presentation folder and in the original folio box, along with title pages in Japanese and English and a cover sheet in Japanese. Each doll print is signed “Hasui” and sealed. Although prints of gosho ningyo (imperial palace dolls) form the majority, other types of traditional Japanese dolls such as isho ningyo (costume doll), doro ningyo (clay doll) and karako ningyo (a doll dressed in Chinese clothing) are also included. This charming doll series is a rare and curious item from a woodblock artist who was the foremost shin hanga (new print) landscape specialist of his day. Condition: Overall good impressions and color. Several of the prints employ the use of metallic pigments and other deluxe printing. The prints are lightly toned from their original folders, and there is light foxing on some of the images and folders. The spine of the folio box is worn in places. Due to space limitations, we have only pictured a sampling of the doll prints. If interested, please e-mail us for close-up images of all 24 prints. These prints are seldom encountered, particularly in complete sets. The dimensions of each “squarish” print, including the printed background, are approximately 9 3/8” by 8 3/8”, plus small margins, and the folio box measures approximately 13 ¼” by 11”.
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Original Hasui Woodblock: Bell Tower Okayama
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Pre 1950 item# 140771 (stock# 7A-055)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$895
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Framed original Japanese woodblock print by Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) entitled “Bell Tower in Rain -- Okayama,” published in 1947. Signed Kawase Hasui with red artist’s seal “sui” in the lower left hand corner. A black impression of the 6mm round hand-applied Watanabe publisher’s seal can be found in the lower right hand corner within the print’s image. This evocative afternoon scene depicts the traditional buildings around the Okayama bell tower. A single figure carrying an umbrella can be seen from behind walking between the buildings. A touch of red highlights the blooming flowers in the flower pots in the foreground. Hasui is regarded as the foremost landscape print artist of the 20th century. He was renown for his scenes of everyday life, which he executed in a sophisticated yet simple manner. His work is distinguished by his fascination with light, climactic conditions and tranquility. Based on sketches he made during his travels through Japan, Hasui’s prints are characterized by their serenity of mood and flawless composition. He was the first woodblock print artist to be honored by the Japanese government with the prestigious title of “Living National Treasure.” Hasui’s work is in the permanent collections of the leading museums of the world. Most of his works were produced for the initiator of the Shin Hanga movement, Watanabe Shozaaburo. Landscape prints from the Shin Hanga movement were extremely popular and highly prized among collectors in Europe and America. The workmanship in both carving and printing is very good. Skillfully executed changes of color shading ("bokashi") are seen throughout the print. Pristine condition, with excellent color and registration, and strong ink bleed through. No toning or fading; not mounted; only two tiny pinholes at far edge of left margin. We originally purchased this print in this decorative silvered bamboo-style frame, and we had it redone with acid-free double matting (silk outer mat) and backing, so it is ready to hang. Oban size image measures 14 ¼” x 9 5/8”, plus full margins. Frame measures: 20 ¾” x 15 ½”.
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Koitsu Woodblock: Mountain Temple
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Pre 1980 item# 120604 (stock# 7A-084)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$250
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Japanese woodblock print by Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870-1949) entitled “Mountain Temple.” Originally published in 1936; margin is dated “Showa 11.” Later Hama impression posthumously printed from Koitsu’s original blocks. These later editions are identical to the earlier editions except for the publisher’s seal. With their intense realism, Koitsu’s woodblock prints have immortalized his country’s scenic beauty. Subtle effects of light and shadow endow his scenic renderings with an aura of captivating beauty, making his prints highly prized among collectors. The workmanship in both carving and printing is very good. Skillfully executed changes of color shading ("bokashi") are seen throughout the print. Pristine condition, with excellent color and registration, and strong ink bleed through. Oban size image measures15 ½” x 10 1/8”, plus full margins.
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Koitsu Woodblock: Snowy Miyajima
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Regional Art:
Asian:
Japanese:
Woodblock Prints:
Pre 1980 item# 101908 (stock# 7A-080)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$250
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Japanese woodblock print by Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870-1949) entitled “Snowy Miyajima.” Originally published in 1937; margin is dated “Showa 12.” Later Hama impression posthumously printed from Koitsu’s original blocks. These later editions are identical to the earlier editions except for the publisher’s seal. With their intense realism, Koitsu’s woodblock prints have immortalized his country’s scenic beauty. Subtle effects of light and shadow endow his scenic renderings with an aura of captivating beauty, making his prints highly prized among collectors. The workmanship in both carving and printing is very good. Skillfully executed changes of color shading ("bokashi") are seen throughout the print. Pristine condition, with excellent color and registration, and strong ink bleed through. Oban size image measures14 ¼” 9 ½”, plus full margins.
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Hasui Woodblock: May Rain at Arakawa River
Catalogue:
Vintage Arts:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Japanese:
Woodblock Prints:
Pre 1980 item# 95113 (stock# 7A-072)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$250
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Japanese woodblock print by Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) entitled “May Rain at Arakawa River,” originally published in 1932. This print is a later impression printed posthumously from Hasui’s original blocks. These later editions are identical to the earlier editions except for the publisher’s seal. Hasui is regarded as the foremost landscape print artist of the 20th century. He was renown for his scenes of everyday life, which he executed in a sophisticated yet simple manner. His work is distinguished by his fascination with light, climactic conditions and tranquility. Based on sketches he made during his travels through Japan, Hasui’s prints are characterized by their serenity of mood and flawless composition. He was the first woodblock print artist to be honored by the Japanese government with the prestigious title of “Living National Treasure.” Hasui’s work is in the permanent collections of the leading museums of the world. Most of his works were produced for the initiator of the Shin Hanga movement, Watanabe Shozaaburo. Landscape prints from the Shin Hanga movement were extremely popular and highly prized among collectors in Europe and America. The workmanship in both carving and printing is very good. Skillfully executed changes of color shading ("bokashi") are seen throughout the print. Pristine condition, with excellent color and registration, and strong ink bleed through. Oban size image measures 14 ¼” x 9 ½”, plus full margins.
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Koitsu Woodblock: Sacred Bridge in Nikko
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Vintage Arts:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Japanese:
Woodblock Prints:
Pre 1980 item# 78601 (stock# 7A-077)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$250
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Japanese woodblock print by Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870-1949) entitled “Sacred Bridge in Nikko.” Originally published in 1937; margin is dated “Showa 12.” Later Hama impression posthumously printed from Koitsu’s original blocks. These later editions are identical to the earlier editions except for the publisher’s seal. With their intense realism, Koitsu’s woodblock prints have immortalized his country’s scenic beauty. Subtle effects of light and shadow endow his scenic renderings with an aura of captivating beauty, making his prints highly prized among collectors. The workmanship in both carving and printing is very good. Skillfully executed changes of color shading ("bokashi") are seen throughout the print. Pristine condition, with excellent color and registration, and strong ink bleed through. Oban size image measures 15 3/8” x 10”, plus full margins.
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Koitsu Woodblock: Nagoya Castle
Catalogue:
Vintage Arts:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Japanese:
Woodblock Prints:
Pre 1980 item# 76259 (stock# 7A-075)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$250
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Japanese woodblock print by Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870-1949) entitled “Nagoya Castle.” Originally published in 1937; margin is dated “Showa 12.” Later Hama impression posthumously printed from Koitsu’s original blocks. These later editions are identical to the earlier editions except for the publisher’s seal. With their intense realism, Koitsu’s woodblock prints have immortalized his country’s scenic beauty. Subtle effects of light and shadow endow his scenic renderings with an aura of captivating beauty, making his prints highly prized among collectors. The workmanship in both carving and printing is very good. Skillfully executed changes of color shading ("bokashi") are seen throughout the print. Pristine condition, with excellent color and registration, and strong ink bleed through. Oban size image measures 15 3/8” x 10 1/8”, plus full margins.
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