Ogata Gekkō · Gishi Shijūshichi Zu · 47 Rōnin · Chūshingura · Yokogawa Kanpei Munetsoshi · Meiji - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)
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€ 3
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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 from the Gishi shijūshichi zu series, titled Mimura Jirōemon Kanetsune, Ōban tate-e (about 36 × 24 cm), ink and colour on paper, published by Matsuki Heikichi, with very good colours and a strong impression and minor toning and album backing.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Ogata Gekkō 尾形月耕 (1859–1920)
Series: Gishi shijūshichi zu 義士四十七圖 (Pictures of the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers)
Title: Mimura Jirōemon Kanetsune 三村次郎右衛門包常
Label on the sheet: 臺所小役人 祿七石 行年三十七 (kitchen official, stipend of seven koku, died aged 37), provisional reading
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 36 × 24 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: Meiji period, 1896–1902 (to be confirmed from the margin colophon)
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi 松木平吉 (margin colophon)
Signature: 月耕 (Gekkō), with the artist's seal
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Very good colors and strong impression. The paper has minor toning and an album backing. Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
In 1702, forty-seven former retainers of Lord Asano of Akō took revenge on Kira Yoshinaka, whose insult had led to their master's forced suicide. They then gave themselves up and were sentenced to ritual suicide. The story, known as Chūshingura, became Japan's national legend of loyalty.
Gekkō's Gishi shijūshichi zu devotes one sheet to each of the forty-seven men, with a label giving his rank, stipend and age at death. The set was completed and reissued in 1902, the 200th anniversary of the vendetta.
Yokogawa Kanpei was a low-ranking foot soldier, yet he played a decisive part in the plot. He was the one who learned that Kira would hold a year-end tea gathering at his mansion on 14 December: a priest who visited the house had asked him to write out the invitations. Ōishi had the date confirmed through Ōtaka Gengo, whose tea master had also been invited, and fixed the attack for that night. In the raid itself, Yokogawa is recorded among the front-gate party.
Gekkō was self-taught and developed a soft, painterly style of his own. He was one of the most original print designers of the Meiji 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: Ogata Gekkō 尾形月耕 (1859–1920)
Series: Gishi shijūshichi zu 義士四十七圖 (Pictures of the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers)
Title: Mimura Jirōemon Kanetsune 三村次郎右衛門包常
Label on the sheet: 臺所小役人 祿七石 行年三十七 (kitchen official, stipend of seven koku, died aged 37), provisional reading
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 36 × 24 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and colour on paper
Date: Meiji period, 1896–1902 (to be confirmed from the margin colophon)
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi 松木平吉 (margin colophon)
Signature: 月耕 (Gekkō), with the artist's seal
________________________________________________________
CONDITION
Very good colors and strong impression. The paper has minor toning and an album backing. Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
In 1702, forty-seven former retainers of Lord Asano of Akō took revenge on Kira Yoshinaka, whose insult had led to their master's forced suicide. They then gave themselves up and were sentenced to ritual suicide. The story, known as Chūshingura, became Japan's national legend of loyalty.
Gekkō's Gishi shijūshichi zu devotes one sheet to each of the forty-seven men, with a label giving his rank, stipend and age at death. The set was completed and reissued in 1902, the 200th anniversary of the vendetta.
Yokogawa Kanpei was a low-ranking foot soldier, yet he played a decisive part in the plot. He was the one who learned that Kira would hold a year-end tea gathering at his mansion on 14 December: a priest who visited the house had asked him to write out the invitations. Ōishi had the date confirmed through Ōtaka Gengo, whose tea master had also been invited, and fixed the attack for that night. In the raid itself, Yokogawa is recorded among the front-gate party.
Gekkō was self-taught and developed a soft, painterly style of his own. He was one of the most original print designers of the Meiji 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
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Title of artwork
Ogata Gekkō · Gishi Shijūshichi Zu · 47 Rōnin · Chūshingura · Yokogawa Kanpei Munetsoshi · Meiji
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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