Geisha in Green Robe by Eisen Ikeda
The beauties, mostly courtesans, were realistically portrayed mostly with a surly expression. For example, they are more voluptuous and powerful than the well-known slim women of Kitagawa Utamaro, but have a unprecedented sensual appearance.
The kimonos, in which the women are wrapped up, are decorated in a fantastic and lavish manner. This goes especially for the obi, the wide waistbands. The expensive kimono was usually a gift from a satisfied well-to-do customer and was symbolic for the woman's successful career within Edo's famous quarters of easy virtue. Measures 4.5"L x 3.5"D x 8.25"H EIS01, $48

Geisha with Headband by Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) belongs to the best-known, most innovative, and, with 30,000 designs, the most productive ukyio-e artists. Not until he was in his sixties, did he make his most famous works, among which are the Fagaku Sanjurokkei, 36 Views on the Fuji Mountains and Shokoky Taki Meguri, The Journey to the Waterfalls. The Gakyo-rojin, the mad painter- which he called himself - stayed productive well into his eighties. Apparently he said on his death bed: "If I would be granted another five years, I will become a genuine artist."

The "Two Beauties" (1803-1805) was originally made with ink and paint on silk. Measures 5"L x 4"D x 9"H HOK01, $48

Geisha in White Floral Robe by Kaigetsudo Ando
Kaigetsudo Ando (1671-1743) In many ways, the work of Kaigetsudo Ando determines the characteristics of future Japanese art of printing. Although he himself only made nikuhitsuga, original paintings, one recognizes the style of famous future artists, in the delineation and composition. Kaigetsudo Ando himself was considered to be the best known follower of Hishikawa Moronobu, the patriarch of the ukiyo-e. Kaigetsudo's successful career came to a sudden halt in 1714 because of the artist alleged involvement in a scandal at the courts of the shogun. One of the maids of honor, Ejima, had an affair with an attractive, young actor. When this came to light, the adulterous couple was banned from Edo, together with dozens of people from their entourage. This figurine represents a courtesan with long hair, beginning of 1700, painting on paper. Measures 4"L x 4"D x 8.5"H KAI01, $48

Samurai with Sword of 108 Heroes by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
The 108 Heroes of the Popular Suikiden, All Tales. The Chinese legend from the 14th century takes place during the rule of the Song Dynasty (960-1125) and is an exciting and very bloody Robin Hood story: a group of rebels (some former criminals), live in the swampland near Liangsham mountain. Led by the brave Song Jian they fight against injustice and corrupt officials. Among themselves they have strict rules, are merciless during battle and above all they are faithful to the emperor. Gyokukirin Roshungi is a rich man from Peking and a well trained warrior. Through complicated intrigues, one of which a false prophecy, he becomes involved in the heroic battle. Measures 7"L x 4"D x 9"H KU01, $84

Samurai with Bow by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
After a difficult start as an independent artist, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861), he got his break with his series "The 108 Heroes of the Suikoden", based on a popular Chinese tale from the 14th Century. He developed into the best known portraitist of heroes and warriors.

The Faithful Samurai (1847-1848)
The series Seishu Gishi Den, portraits of 47 Ronin, Samurai without a master, is based on a true heroic story: in 1701 Lord Asano van Ako was provoked by Kira, the arrogant chamberlain of the shogun. Asano lost self control and wounded Kira and was forced to kill himself according to ceremony. 47 faithful Samurai were intent on revenge for a year. Finally Kira's house was attacked and Kira was beheaded. All 47 Samurai were forced to commit suppuku. They died like heroes of the people and the blood-curdling story was played many times in the Kabuki theatre.

After his lord's death, Masa-aki settled as a doctor under a false name. He was already 62, but fought like a tiger during the attack of Kira's house. It made him into one of the most respected heroes. Measures 7"L x 5.5"D x 8"H KU02, $84

Samurai Standing with Sword in Hand
Chiba Mitsutada was a rough diamond type of man. Although he had become a Ronin earlier, he still decided to revenge the death of his former lord. Under a false name he trained warriors from home, especially in archery. Measures 5.5"L x 4.5"D x 9"H KU03, $84

Samurai in Attack Form with Sword
As Ronin, Yukukawa Sampei Munenori stayed at his uncle and aunt's for a year. He looked good, was intelligent and could have had a great future ahead of him. But he chose to revenge the death of his lord. He is portrayed hitting the lantern of the house of Kira. Measures 6.5"L x 4.5"D x 9"H KU04, $84

Kabuki with Spear by Kunisada Utagawa
From the beginning of the 17th century, Kabuki was a prominent feature in the nightlife of the big cities. Initially the rebellious plays have a strong erotic atmosphere. However, in 1629 the leaders banished the women and later, from 1652 onwards, the young men were also banished from the stage. Because of this more room was created for the story itself.
The performance could last a full day, beginning with a heroic history play, followed by a dramatic, sometimes ironic play about daily life. Dramas about an impossible love, ending with a double suicide were very popular. There was a lot of contact between players and audience. A lot of shouting and stamping went on and the actors were spurred on loudly.

Ichikawa Kodanji IV (1856)
The Kabuki actors were national heroes, although they belonged to the hinin, the lowest class. They were considered as idols by the audience. Consequently, the portraits of the actors (which were also on sale at the theatre) sold out fast.

This Kabuki figurine, representing the actor, Ichikawa Kodanji IV and measures 6.5"L x 4.5"D x 10.5"H KUN01, $84

Kabuki with Sword by Kunisada Utagawa
During his lifetime Kunsinada Utagawa (1786-1865) was considered one of the greatest ukyio-e artists. As a son of a rich merchant from Edo, he learned his trade in the prominent Utagawa Toyokuni studios. After publication of his first portraits of Kabuki actors in 1808 his fame rose to great heights. Commercially he became the most successful wood block print artist ever.

Bando Kamezo
The Kabuki actors were national heroes, although they belonged to the hinin, the lowest class. They were considered as idols by the audience. Consequently, the portraits of the actors (which were also on sale at the theatre) sold out fast.

This Kabuki figurine, representing the actor, Bando Kamezo Measures 7"L x 4.5"D x 9"H KUN02, $84