Lot 894: 2 Japanese Woodblock Prints, Hokusai & Eishi Geisha

1st item: Katsushika Hokusai (Japan, 1760-1849) woodblock print that depicts two geese flying in front of a full moon over grasses, against a blue sky. Vertical script in the upper left corner, signed with a red seal lower right. Affixed to paper mat, with handwritten paper label underneath “by Hokusai (1760-1849) 7.” 13 in. W x 17 3/4 in. H. First half 19th century. 2nd item: Chobunsai Eishi (Japan, 1756-1829) one sheet of triptych depicting an interior scene with 3 women examining a painting of Daikoku, the god of good fortune. Kiwame censor seal above Wakasaya Yoichi publisher mark lower left. Eishi ga signature mark center right. Housed in a grey wood frame beneath acid-free double mats and behind glass with TruView conservation glass. 9 3/4 in. W x 14 in. H. Purchased at Christie’s on May 16th, 1983; lot includes a copy of the original auction catalog as supplemental material, available to the winning bidder. Late 18th/early 19th century.

PROVENANCE: Item 2: Christie’s, NY; Important Japanese Works of Art; May 16, 1983; lot 310. 

CONDITION: 1st item: Even toning to sheet and scattered areas of soiling. Toning to mat. 2nd item: Binding holes on the right margin, as issued. Good impression, overall faded color. With foxing and areas of soiling, especially to left and right sides, and a small wormhole in the upper right.