Utagawa Toyokuni I · Sumida River Hanayashiki (Mukōjima Hyakkaen) · Peach blossom · Bunka era, c. - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
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Utagawa Toyokuni I's Sumidagawa Hanayashiki momo no zu, an Ōban tate-e woodblock print (nishiki-e) on paper, approx. 25 × 36 cm, dating to c. 1810–1820 (Bunka era), with original attribution and authenticity from the Edo Period, in fair condition and from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I 歌川豊國 (1769–1825)
Title: Sumidagawa Hanayashiki momo no zu 隅田川花屋敷桃之圖 (Peach Blossoms at the Hanayashiki Garden on the Sumida River)
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 25 × 36 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: c. 1810–1820 (Bunka era), provisional
Signature: 豊國画 (Toyokuni ga)
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Very good color, good impression, light soiling and wear, right margin fold! Please check the images!
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About the print
The Hanayashiki ("Flower Mansion") on the Sumida River was the garden founded in 1805 by the Edo antique dealer Sahara Kikuu. It was later known as the Mukōjima Hyakkaen, the "Garden of a Hundred Flowers." It began as a plum garden. With help from his literary friends, Kikuu then filled it with plants named in classical poetry, especially the Chinese Book of Songs (Shijing) and Japan's oldest poetry anthology, the Man'yōshū. The garden became a favourite meeting place for Edo's poets, painters and scholars. It still exists today and is a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site.
The inscriptions refer directly to this literary theme. "Momo no yōyō" is the opening line of a famous peach-blossom poem from the Book of Songs. The garden post names the two poetry anthologies whose plants were grown there.
Toyokuni I was the head of the Utagawa school and the leading actor-print designer of his time. Here he places an elegant young man in one of the most fashionable gardens of Edo in the Bunka era.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Artist: Utagawa Toyokuni I 歌川豊國 (1769–1825)
Title: Sumidagawa Hanayashiki momo no zu 隅田川花屋敷桃之圖 (Peach Blossoms at the Hanayashiki Garden on the Sumida River)
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 25 × 36 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: c. 1810–1820 (Bunka era), provisional
Signature: 豊國画 (Toyokuni ga)
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Very good color, good impression, light soiling and wear, right margin fold! Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
The Hanayashiki ("Flower Mansion") on the Sumida River was the garden founded in 1805 by the Edo antique dealer Sahara Kikuu. It was later known as the Mukōjima Hyakkaen, the "Garden of a Hundred Flowers." It began as a plum garden. With help from his literary friends, Kikuu then filled it with plants named in classical poetry, especially the Chinese Book of Songs (Shijing) and Japan's oldest poetry anthology, the Man'yōshū. The garden became a favourite meeting place for Edo's poets, painters and scholars. It still exists today and is a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site.
The inscriptions refer directly to this literary theme. "Momo no yōyō" is the opening line of a famous peach-blossom poem from the Book of Songs. The garden post names the two poetry anthologies whose plants were grown there.
Toyokuni I was the head of the Utagawa school and the leading actor-print designer of his time. Here he places an elegant young man in one of the most fashionable gardens of Edo in the Bunka era.
Seller's Story
I've been collecting Japanese woodblock prints for quite a while now — everything from classic ukiyo-e to shin-hanga and sōsaku-hanga. What started as a personal passion eventually turned into something more, and these days I source prints from auctions, galleries, and private collections across Japan and Europe.
With growing worldwide interest in Japanese woodblock prints, gallery prices have been climbing steadily. My goal is simple: offer high-quality, authentic prints at reasonable prices. I'm picky about what I sell — I look for pieces that have been stored properly, kept flat, and are free from serious foxing, stains, or damage.
I'm based in Germany, which means EU buyers won't deal with any import duties or taxes. For US buyers, original artworks under HS code 9702 are duty-free as well. And wherever you are, I pack everything carefully with multiple layers of protection so your print arrives safely.
If you have questions about a piece, just reach out. You will get access to contact me once you've won an item from my lots.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo Period (1600-1868)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Title of artwork
Utagawa Toyokuni I · Sumida River Hanayashiki (Mukōjima Hyakkaen) · Peach blossom · Bunka era, c.
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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