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Offered here is a matching group of four antique Japanese color woodblock prints reproducing designs by celebrated ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861).
The prints are from Kuniyoshi’s famous Seichū Gishi Den, a series depicting the legendary Forty-Seven Rōnin / Loyal Retainers, one of the best-known samurai stories in Japanese history.
Kuniyoshi originally designed the Seichū Gishi Den series during the Edo period in 1847–1848. These particular examples are from the later 1917 Taishō-era woodblock reissue published in Japan, rather than original lifetime impressions.
Details:
Artist/design: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Series: Seichū Gishi Den
Subject: 47 Rōnin / Loyal Retainers / Samurai
Date: 1917
Period: Taishō era
Publisher: Fuzoku Ezu Tosho Kankokai, Nishikie Division
Distributor: Yoshikawa Kobunkan, Tokyo
Medium: Japanese color woodblock print
Approximate size: 10 x 7 inches each
Quantity: 4 prints
Country of origin: Japan
The group features four individual samurai figures in traditional armor and garments, several carrying swords and other equipment. The prints display excellent period-style detail, including intricate textile patterns, weapons, expressive faces, and the characteristic black-and-white retainer clothing associated with the 47 Rōnin story.
Each print bears the Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi signature/design attribution within the image.
Condition:
Good antique condition overall. The sheets show expected age toning, light discoloration, minor spotting/foxing, and light handling or edge wear consistent with prints more than 100 years old. Colors remain attractive and the printed linework is crisp. Reverse sides show expected image show-through from the woodblock printing process. Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition.
