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Letter #8

8

is known only by his late paintings and as the teacher of Utamaro, about 1770. But here is a piece, by hair and style undoubtedly of about 1730, and signed with his early name, "Toyofusa," instead of Sekiyen. The style seems to prove that not only was he influenced by Choshun and Kiyonobu, but that he was probably the first teacher of Ishikawa Toyonobu, and thus the origin of the "Toyo" names down through the whole history of Ukiyo-ye.

I have now come to the end of my long say, and hope to get it off this, Monday afternoon. Please excuse any errore of writing, since this is the first time I have touched a type-writer for two years, and the very first I have tried one of this make.

I hope that you may care to acquire many or all of these pieces, and shall, in that case be glad to make whatever discount you may think proper. Also, if you think the prices of any decidedly too high, I am pretty sure I shall be satisfied with what you may deem a just valuation. You can see from the history of the more important of these pieces how near they lie to my own life and heart. And though I really now need the money to enable me to establish this base of literary operations for the rest of my life, yet I should greatly regret to have these treasures fall into less friendly hands than yours.

Trusting that they will reach you safely by express, and that you are still enjoying the best of health, and with the kindest remembrances from Mrs. Fenollosa and myself, believe me

yours most cordially

Ernest F. Fenollosa.