Ogata Gekkō – Sumō (相撲) – Gekkō Zuihitsu – Original Woodblock Print, Meiji 1894 - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)
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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 - € 200
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Original Meiji-period woodblock print by Ogata Gekkō titled Sumō (Sumō Match) from the Gekkō Zuihitsu series; Ōban-sized about 24 × 36 cm, published by Takekawa Risaburō in 1894, in excellent condition with private collection provenance.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Ogata Gekkō 尾形月耕 (1859–1920)
Title: Sumō 相撲 (Sumō Match)
Series: Gekkō Zuihitsu 月耕随筆 (Gekkō's Miscellany)
Technique: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Date: Meiji 27 (1894)
Publisher: Takekawa Risaburō 武川利三郎, Tokyo
Format: Ōban tate-e; approx. 24*36 cm
Signature: Gekkō, with red artist's seal
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellent Colors and impression. The paper has minor soiling and an album backing. Please check the images!
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About the print
Gekkō Zuihitsu is one of Ogata Gekkō's best-known series. The title borrows the term zuihitsu, the Japanese literary genre of loosely connected essays and observations that follow the writer's interest. The series works the same way: each sheet takes a different subject from history, legend, literature or everyday life. Each sheet is titled in a cartouche, and the series is published by Takekawa Risaburō. Gekkō was largely self-taught. He was influenced by painting traditions outside ukiyo-e, and his work from this period has a free, painterly brush line that sets it apart from the Utagawa school prints of the time.
This sheet shows sumō wrestlers under falling cherry blossoms. A copy of the same design is in the Richard Lieben collection at the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) in Vienna. Sumō has deep roots in Japanese court and shrine ritual, going back to the sumai no sechie, the wrestling ceremonies held at the Heian imperial court. By the Meiji period it was also a popular professional sport, and prints of sumō subjects appealed to a wide audience.
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: Ogata Gekkō 尾形月耕 (1859–1920)
Title: Sumō 相撲 (Sumō Match)
Series: Gekkō Zuihitsu 月耕随筆 (Gekkō's Miscellany)
Technique: Original Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Date: Meiji 27 (1894)
Publisher: Takekawa Risaburō 武川利三郎, Tokyo
Format: Ōban tate-e; approx. 24*36 cm
Signature: Gekkō, with red artist's seal
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellent Colors and impression. The paper has minor soiling and an album backing. Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Gekkō Zuihitsu is one of Ogata Gekkō's best-known series. The title borrows the term zuihitsu, the Japanese literary genre of loosely connected essays and observations that follow the writer's interest. The series works the same way: each sheet takes a different subject from history, legend, literature or everyday life. Each sheet is titled in a cartouche, and the series is published by Takekawa Risaburō. Gekkō was largely self-taught. He was influenced by painting traditions outside ukiyo-e, and his work from this period has a free, painterly brush line that sets it apart from the Utagawa school prints of the time.
This sheet shows sumō wrestlers under falling cherry blossoms. A copy of the same design is in the Richard Lieben collection at the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) in Vienna. Sumō has deep roots in Japanese court and shrine ritual, going back to the sumai no sechie, the wrestling ceremonies held at the Heian imperial court. By the Meiji period it was also a popular professional sport, and prints of sumō subjects appealed to a wide audience.
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
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Title of artwork
Ogata Gekkō – Sumō (相撲) – Gekkō Zuihitsu – Original Woodblock Print, Meiji 1894
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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