Tomoe Gozen at Awazu – Hokusai circle – Yanagawa Shigenobu – Ehon Fujibakama – Edo period book - 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.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Original Edo-period woodblock print by Yanagawa Shigenobu from Ehon Fujibakama, a double-page spread titled Tomoe Gozen at Awazu, in excellent condition, measuring 20 x 30 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Artist: Yanagawa Shigenobu 柳川重信 (1787–1832), pupil and son-in-law of Katsushika Hokusai
Title: The female warrior Tomoe Gozen in battle at Awazu-ga-hara
Book: Ehon Fujibakama 絵本藤袴 ("Picture Book of the Wisteria Trousers"), vol. 1, pp. 15/16
Format: Double-page spread (mihiraki) from an illustrated book. approx. 22 * 26cm
Technique: Woodblock print, ink and colour on paper
Date: Edo period, first published 1823 (Bunsei 6), later edition 1836 (Tenpō 7)
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellent colours and impression; the paper has a minor soiling area at the top and two worm holes on the margin visible only on the verso! Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
This spread comes from Ehon Fujibakama, a colour-printed picture book of famous women by Yanagawa Shigenobu. Shigenobu was born in Edo in 1787. He was first Hokusai's pupil, then his son-in-law, and finally his adopted son. He worked mainly on illustrated books, surimono and theatre subjects, and spent 1822–1825 in Osaka. His original work is seldom seen on the market today. The book is recorded in two printings: an 1823 edition held by the Freer Gallery, and an 1836 edition in two volumes. The Metropolitan Museum also holds a two-volume set.
The scene is identified by its inscription. Tomoe Gozen is the best-known woman warrior of Japanese literature. She served Minamoto no Yoshinaka and fought at his side at the Battle of Awazu in 1184, his final stand against the forces of his cousin Yoritomo. According to the Tale of the Heike, she killed Onda no Hachirō Moroshige of Musashi in this battle. When defeat was certain, Yoshinaka ordered her to leave the field, as he did not want to die with a woman beside him. The episode was one of the most popular warrior subjects in Edo-period prints and books.
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: Yanagawa Shigenobu 柳川重信 (1787–1832), pupil and son-in-law of Katsushika Hokusai
Title: The female warrior Tomoe Gozen in battle at Awazu-ga-hara
Book: Ehon Fujibakama 絵本藤袴 ("Picture Book of the Wisteria Trousers"), vol. 1, pp. 15/16
Format: Double-page spread (mihiraki) from an illustrated book. approx. 22 * 26cm
Technique: Woodblock print, ink and colour on paper
Date: Edo period, first published 1823 (Bunsei 6), later edition 1836 (Tenpō 7)
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Excellent colours and impression; the paper has a minor soiling area at the top and two worm holes on the margin visible only on the verso! Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
This spread comes from Ehon Fujibakama, a colour-printed picture book of famous women by Yanagawa Shigenobu. Shigenobu was born in Edo in 1787. He was first Hokusai's pupil, then his son-in-law, and finally his adopted son. He worked mainly on illustrated books, surimono and theatre subjects, and spent 1822–1825 in Osaka. His original work is seldom seen on the market today. The book is recorded in two printings: an 1823 edition held by the Freer Gallery, and an 1836 edition in two volumes. The Metropolitan Museum also holds a two-volume set.
The scene is identified by its inscription. Tomoe Gozen is the best-known woman warrior of Japanese literature. She served Minamoto no Yoshinaka and fought at his side at the Battle of Awazu in 1184, his final stand against the forces of his cousin Yoritomo. According to the Tale of the Heike, she killed Onda no Hachirō Moroshige of Musashi in this battle. When defeat was certain, Yoshinaka ordered her to leave the field, as he did not want to die with a woman beside him. The episode was one of the most popular warrior subjects in Edo-period prints and books.
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
Height
20 cm
Width
30 cm
Title of artwork
Tomoe Gozen at Awazu – Hokusai circle – Yanagawa Shigenobu – Ehon Fujibakama – Edo period book
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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