- Kuniyoshi Utagawa (1797-1861) - Lot 249

- Kuniyoshi Utagawa (1797-1861) Dai nihon koku kaibyaku yuraiki (大日本国開闢由来記) Genesis and ancient legends of great Japan. Volumes 5 and 6 of 6. Dark green embossed covers with crane motifs, with label, erroneously titled, handwritten. 21 pages of color woodcut illustrations accompanied by text inscribed in a cartouche. The illustrations depict the genesis of Japan and the myths surrounding the imperial family. 19th century, undated on the book. Size: 22 x 15.5 cm Bibliography: Brown, p.159 - Hiller, The Art of the Japanese Book, Sotheby's publication, p.891-893 (2 reproduction plates). - Kunisada Utagawa (1786-1864) Kantan Shokoku Monogatari (邯鄲諸国物語) - Yamato no maki; Harima no maki iverse songs from the provinces - Part of Yamato; Part of Harima. 4 volumes in 1. Part of Yamato: 2 complete volumes in pale pink peony covers with title label handwritten in Indian ink. Harima part: 2 complete volumes in blue covers with round decorative motifs. Inside, two pages of original covers illustrated with color characters on brown checkered background with title. A total of 40 numbered sheets of illustrations and text. These books are part of a popular romance of the Shokoku Monogatari period, a story set in each region. Signed Utagawa Kunisada ga. Date: 1838 and 1841. Format: 12.2 x 17.8 cm Fine copies. Original covers. Good condition. - Kyôsai Kawanabe (1831-1889) Kyôsai Rakuga (暁斎楽画) Sketches of Kyôsai. Volume 1 of 2. Beige cover illustrated with 4 bands in blue with title label printed in black on red background. 37 unnumbered leaves. Signed Gyôsai. Date: 1882. Size: 22.1 x 14.7 cm A delightful, freshly colored copy. Pages 26 and 27 detached. Bibliography: Hillier, p.938, 941, 945 (illus. repro, pl. 180) - Brown, p.196 (listed under Gyôsai Ryakugwa). - Kosa Uragawa Ehon hayamanabi (画本 早まなび) Illustrated book to learn painting quickly. 2 volumes combined into 1 (volume 2 and 3). Floral-patterned gold cloth cover with handwritten title label in India ink on gold glitter background. 102 pages total, unnumbered. Signed Naniwa Uragawa Kôsa zu. Date: 1848. Size: 17.1 x 12.3 cm A very fine copy. Bibliography: Mitchell, p.245 (for volumes I and III). - Shigenobu Yanagawa (1787-1833) Yanagawa Gafu (柳川画帖) - Kachô no bu Shigenobu's drawing album - part for flowers and birds. Volume 2 of 5. Green embossed cover with cloud motifs, no title label. Signed Yanagawa Shigenobu. Publisher Shûbun-dô. Hirabayashi Shôgorô. Undated on the book. Size: 17.9 x 11.8 cm Nice copy, very fresh. Good edition. A few stains on pages 18 and 19. Bibliography: Chibbett, The History of Japanese printing and book illustrations, New York, 1977, p.188 - NKSM, VIII, p.780. As a whole.