Seventeen (17) Japanese works on paper. 1st-9th items: Collection of nine (9) Calligraphy items, including a 14 1/2" x 2" strip of calligraphy on gilt-edged cardstock attributed to Tomioka Tessai, also known as Hyakuren (Japanese, 1837-1924), one of the first major artists of the Nihonga style. The other eight (8) calligraphy samples, on cardstock and handmade paper, are unattributed. 10th-17th items: Grouping of eight (8) 20th century woodblock prints, including one (1) Utagawa Hiroshige also Ando Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797-1858) woodblock print titled "(Shimada, Oigawa Sungan) Shimada: The Suruga Side of the Oi River," Number 24 from the artist's The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido Road series. Artist's signature, title, publisher, and censor seals, top right and lower left; five (5) Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1798-1861) woodblock prints depicting geisha and kabuki actors, including one (1) diptych of two figures engaged in a sword fight. All with printed artist's signature, censor, and publisher seals, top and lower left, and top and lower right. Four prints are hinge mounted to off-white cardstock; and two (2) prints by unidentified artists, including one (1) depicting a bride and one (1) depicting a man behind a rice paper screen door, possibly part of a diptych. All prints approximately 14 1/4" H x 9 7/8" W.

PROVENANCE: The estates of sculptor Olen Bryant and late Vanderbilt University art professor Thomas Brumbaugh, Clarksville/Cottontown, Tennessee

CONDITION: 1st-9th items: Tessai work is in very good condition with minimal toning. Other items are toned and lightly discolored with age. 10th-17th items: All woodblock prints in overall good condition with toning, few scattered foxing spots. Utagawa print with intentional, machine-made pinprick holes to left margin. Two prints by unknown artists with auxiliary supports, largest 14" x 1", bride print with holes, areas of loss, largest 2" x 3/4", primarily to edges of sheet.