Above the title is the name of the actor: “Ganso Segawa Roko (or Kikunojo).” Japan: early Meiji.

A rare survival, this finely rendered example of yakusha-e (actor prints) depicts a cross-dressing kabuki actor named Segawa Roko (1693-1749), well-known for his performances of female roles. The reverse side bears two motifs, which seem to be for additional detail on the actor’s kimono. When shown vertically, on the bottom left corner of both sides is a notch called a kento, which would help with the registration of the image. Yakusha-e was one of the most popular genres of ukiyo-e prints.

The artist... More

Japan: late Edo or early Meiji.

A minutely carved woodblock, in fine condition, depicting at the top center the goddess of mercy, Senju Kannon (Sanskrit: Sahasrabhujasahasranetravalokitesvara), the “1,000-Armed Kannon,” seated on lotus petals. She has four pairs of arms holding an arrow, a bow, a trident, and the Golden Wheel, along with other objects.

Below and on her sides are two of the Seven Lucky Gods: Daikokuten, the god of commerce and prosperity, and Bishamonten, the god of fortune in war and battles. Beneath them are many disciples presenting offerings.

At the bottom is carved the name “Toeizan Shinobazu no... More

Japan: late Edo or early Meiji.

A most curious woodblock, in very fine condition, probably intended to be a mandala. The outer corners are renderings of the four guardian kings, who establish sacred space, with each one representing one of the cardinal directions. The remainder of the outer border depicts each king’s implements (noose, axe, sword, etc.). At the center is a figure of the goddess of mercy, Senju Kannon (Sanskrit: Sahasrabhujasahasranetravalokitesvara), the “1,000-Armed Kannon,” seated on lotus petals. She has four pairs of arms holding swords, axes, tridents, etc.

The surrounding text is in an Indic script, minutely carved... More

Japan: early 20th century.

An interesting religious woodblock. It bears the image of Daikokuten, the deity of fortune and wealth. The deity’s name is carved in kanji in the upper right (in reverse for printing) and in Sanskrit characters in the center.

In excellent condition but for a small split to the top left corner. More

Japan: Meiji period or slightly later.

A nicely detailed Japanese woodblock used to print two illustrations. The obverse presents a landscape with a shrine of the shinmei-zukuri architectural style at the center. There are several trees and branches around the shrine, and at the top of the board are finely carved clouds, rendered in the signature suyari-gasumi method found in yamato-e works.

The reverse bears what seems to be a stylized version of the moon. We note several examples of kento, notches used by printers to ensure accurate registration of the printed image.

In very good condition. A few cracks... More