Saito Toshimitsu - Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki - 1867 - Japanese Woodblock - Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833-1904) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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€ 100
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Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 150 - € 220
 | €100 | |
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| €50 | |
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Original Edo-period Japanese woodblock print by Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833–1904), Saito Toshimitsu, Taiheiki Eiyūden series, 1867, chūban size approximately 24 × 18 cm, in excellent condition with preserved bokashi and vibrant colours, provenance private collection.
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Description from the seller
** Widely considered the best design of the series and the most sought after. The bokashi gradations (color shading) showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of Edo-period artisans. These underwater battle scenes are particularly sought after, as the delicate bokashi transitions typically fade faster than the base pigments — finding a print in this condition makes it especially valuable **
Artist: Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833–1904)
Title: Saito Izu no Kami Toshimitsu (斎藤伊豆守利三)
Series: Taiheiki Eiyūden – Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki - 太平記英勇伝
Date: Japan, 1867 (late Edo period)
Publisher: Hirookaya Kōsuke (Kikujudō)
Format: Chūban, approx. 24 × 18 cm
________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellently preserved. All colors retain their original vibrancy. The bokashi is very well preserved. The paper is very well perserved with no flows to mention. A museum-quality impression!
________________________________________________
THE SCENE
Saito Toshimitsu (1534–1582) was a prominent samurai of the Sengoku period and commander of Kuroi Castle. As a loyal retainer of Akechi Mitsuhide, he played a crucial role in one of the most dramatic events in Japanese history—the Honnō-ji Incident of 1582, in which Oda Nobunaga was betrayed and killed. This dynamic underwater scene depicts Toshimitsu in full samurai armor, battling an enemy with supernatural strength. The swirling blue ribbons of water and the detailed rendering of the armor demonstrate the technical mastery of the artist Yoshiiku.
________________________________________________
About the Taiheiki Heroes Series:
This series ranks among the most technically demanding chūban prints of the Edo period. Each print required over eight different woodblocks with precise registration and elaborate bokashi techniques. But these are not merely visually complex works of art—many of these prints hold genuine historical significance. It's like collecting pieces of a puzzle of Japanese history! The texts on the reverse and the characters depicted offer insights into one of Japan's most turbulent eras. With 100 prints in the complete series, collecting them is a true pleasure—each print tells the story of a different hero.
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.
** Widely considered the best design of the series and the most sought after. The bokashi gradations (color shading) showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of Edo-period artisans. These underwater battle scenes are particularly sought after, as the delicate bokashi transitions typically fade faster than the base pigments — finding a print in this condition makes it especially valuable **
Artist: Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833–1904)
Title: Saito Izu no Kami Toshimitsu (斎藤伊豆守利三)
Series: Taiheiki Eiyūden – Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki - 太平記英勇伝
Date: Japan, 1867 (late Edo period)
Publisher: Hirookaya Kōsuke (Kikujudō)
Format: Chūban, approx. 24 × 18 cm
________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellently preserved. All colors retain their original vibrancy. The bokashi is very well preserved. The paper is very well perserved with no flows to mention. A museum-quality impression!
________________________________________________
THE SCENE
Saito Toshimitsu (1534–1582) was a prominent samurai of the Sengoku period and commander of Kuroi Castle. As a loyal retainer of Akechi Mitsuhide, he played a crucial role in one of the most dramatic events in Japanese history—the Honnō-ji Incident of 1582, in which Oda Nobunaga was betrayed and killed. This dynamic underwater scene depicts Toshimitsu in full samurai armor, battling an enemy with supernatural strength. The swirling blue ribbons of water and the detailed rendering of the armor demonstrate the technical mastery of the artist Yoshiiku.
________________________________________________
About the Taiheiki Heroes Series:
This series ranks among the most technically demanding chūban prints of the Edo period. Each print required over eight different woodblocks with precise registration and elaborate bokashi techniques. But these are not merely visually complex works of art—many of these prints hold genuine historical significance. It's like collecting pieces of a puzzle of Japanese history! The texts on the reverse and the characters depicted offer insights into one of Japan's most turbulent eras. With 100 prints in the complete series, collecting them is a true pleasure—each print tells the story of a different hero.
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)
Artist
Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833-1904)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
24 cm
Width
18 cm
Title of artwork
Saito Toshimitsu - Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki - 1867 - Japanese Woodblock
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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