KUNIYOSHI - 100 Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets - c. 1845–48 - Japanese Woodblock - 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 - € 250
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Original Utagawa Kuniyoshi woodblock print from the Edo period, Kinugawa Yoemon and the Kasane legend, c. 1845–48, Ōban format about 36 × 24 cm, with a strong impression and excellent colours, a very light Edo paper backing and one minor repair on the left margin.
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Description from the seller
** Kinugawa Yoemon and the Kasane legend, one of Japan's most famous ghost stories **
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861), signed Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画)
Title: Poem by Harumichi no Tsuraki: Kinugawa Yoemon (春道列樹 絹川与右エ門)
Date: Japan, c. 1845–48 (late Edo period)
Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō (Dansendō)
Carver: Hori Fusajirō (彫工房次郎)
Text: Ryūkatei Tanekazu (柳下亭種員)
Format: Ōban, approx. 36 × 24 cm
________________________________________________
CONDITION
Strong impression with excellent colors across the sheet. The paper has a very light backing (Edo Paper). One minor repair on the left margin. Very good overall! Please check the images!
________________________________________________
THE SCENE
The poem by the Heian courtier Harumichi no Tsuraki is about a river in autumn:
In a mountain stream there is a wattled barrier built by the busy wind. Yet it is only maple leaves, powerless to flow away.
Kuniyoshi links this river poem to the Kasane legend, which was set beside the Kinu River in Hanyū village, Shimōsa Province. The farmer Yoemon murdered his wife Kasane on the riverbank. Her vengeful spirit later returned to haunt the family and could only be put to rest by the priest Yūten. Japanese Gallery describes this design as Yoemon killing Kasane with a sickle at the Kinu River, with her basket thrown at his feet. Tanekazu's text on the sheet recounts the story of the unjust death, the restless spirit and its final release into Buddhahood. It notes that the tale was already known to everyone.
The story was hugely popular in Edo. It ran through kabuki, puppet theatre and rakugo, and later inspired Sanyūtei Enchō's famous ghost tale Shinkei Kasanegafuchi.
________________________________________________
About the Taiheiki Heroes Series:
The Ogura nazorae hyakunin isshu is one of the few series in which the three leading masters of the 1840s worked side by side: Kuniyoshi designed 51 sheets, Hiroshige 35 and Kunisada 14. Instead of portraying the classical poets themselves, each print pairs one of the hundred poems with a scene from history, legend or kabuki, and the viewer is invited to work out the connection, almost like a riddle. A short narrative text on each sheet tells the story behind the picture. Kuniyoshi's contributions are known for their strong figure compositions and storytelling, and each sheet joins a classical poem to a dramatic tale.
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.
** Kinugawa Yoemon and the Kasane legend, one of Japan's most famous ghost stories **
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861), signed Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画)
Title: Poem by Harumichi no Tsuraki: Kinugawa Yoemon (春道列樹 絹川与右エ門)
Date: Japan, c. 1845–48 (late Edo period)
Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō (Dansendō)
Carver: Hori Fusajirō (彫工房次郎)
Text: Ryūkatei Tanekazu (柳下亭種員)
Format: Ōban, approx. 36 × 24 cm
________________________________________________
CONDITION
Strong impression with excellent colors across the sheet. The paper has a very light backing (Edo Paper). One minor repair on the left margin. Very good overall! Please check the images!
________________________________________________
THE SCENE
The poem by the Heian courtier Harumichi no Tsuraki is about a river in autumn:
In a mountain stream there is a wattled barrier built by the busy wind. Yet it is only maple leaves, powerless to flow away.
Kuniyoshi links this river poem to the Kasane legend, which was set beside the Kinu River in Hanyū village, Shimōsa Province. The farmer Yoemon murdered his wife Kasane on the riverbank. Her vengeful spirit later returned to haunt the family and could only be put to rest by the priest Yūten. Japanese Gallery describes this design as Yoemon killing Kasane with a sickle at the Kinu River, with her basket thrown at his feet. Tanekazu's text on the sheet recounts the story of the unjust death, the restless spirit and its final release into Buddhahood. It notes that the tale was already known to everyone.
The story was hugely popular in Edo. It ran through kabuki, puppet theatre and rakugo, and later inspired Sanyūtei Enchō's famous ghost tale Shinkei Kasanegafuchi.
________________________________________________
About the Taiheiki Heroes Series:
The Ogura nazorae hyakunin isshu is one of the few series in which the three leading masters of the 1840s worked side by side: Kuniyoshi designed 51 sheets, Hiroshige 35 and Kunisada 14. Instead of portraying the classical poets themselves, each print pairs one of the hundred poems with a scene from history, legend or kabuki, and the viewer is invited to work out the connection, almost like a riddle. A short narrative text on each sheet tells the story behind the picture. Kuniyoshi's contributions are known for their strong figure compositions and storytelling, and each sheet joins a classical poem to a dramatic tale.
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)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Title of artwork
KUNIYOSHI - 100 Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets - c. 1845–48 - Japanese Woodblock
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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