Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) – Giō and Ginyo (Gijo), from "Kenjo reppu den" - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
08
days
10
hours
47
minutes
54
seconds
Current bid
€ 53
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Giovanni Bottero
Holds a master’s in Japanese art history with over 10 years’ expertise in Asian art.
Estimate € 300 - € 400
 | €53 | |
|---|---|---|
| €50 | |
| €4 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 143216 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Original Utagawa Kuniyoshi woodblock print Giō and Ginyo (Gijo) from Kenjo reppu den, a Nishiki-e colour print on paper from the Edo period, c. 1841–1842, Ōban tate-e approximately 37 × 25 cm, from a private collection with excellent condition and authentic/official attribution.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳), 1797–1861
Title: Giō, Gijo (祇王 祇女)
Series: Kenjo reppu den (賢女烈婦傳), Biographies of Wise Women and Virtuous Wives
Technique: Nishiki-e, woodblock print in colours on paper
Date: c. 1841–1842 (Tenpō 12–13)
Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō (Ibasen)
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. [37 × 25 cm]
Signature: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Impression & Colours: Excellent. The impression is strong and sharp throughout, with crisp keyblock lines and fine detail preserved. The colors are well saturated.
Paper: Very good. The paper is firm, intact with a couple of tiny repairs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
About the Print
This sheet comes from Kenjo reppu den, Kuniyoshi's series of famous women from Japanese history and legend who were celebrated for loyalty, devotion or moral courage. Each print pairs the subject with a biographical text panel, which makes the series a combination of bijin-ga and illustrated history. Impressions of this design are held by the British Museum and the Harvard Art Museums. The British Museum describes the scene as Giō and Gijo in their retirement, picking flowers.
The story comes from the Heike monogatari. Giō was a celebrated shirabyōshi dancer and the favourite of the warlord Taira no Kiyomori. When the young dancer Hotoke Gozen replaced her in his favour, she was sent away from his household. Giō, her younger sister Ginyo (also read Gijo) and their mother Toji withdrew from the world, became nuns, and lived in a hermitage at Sagano, west of Kyoto. Hotoke Gozen later joined them there. The text panel on this sheet retells this story, ending with the three women taking up the religious life in Saga. Their retreat is traditionally associated with the temple Giō-ji in Sagano, which still exists today.
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: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳), 1797–1861
Title: Giō, Gijo (祇王 祇女)
Series: Kenjo reppu den (賢女烈婦傳), Biographies of Wise Women and Virtuous Wives
Technique: Nishiki-e, woodblock print in colours on paper
Date: c. 1841–1842 (Tenpō 12–13)
Publisher: Ibaya Senzaburō (Ibasen)
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. [37 × 25 cm]
Signature: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇斎国芳画)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Impression & Colours: Excellent. The impression is strong and sharp throughout, with crisp keyblock lines and fine detail preserved. The colors are well saturated.
Paper: Very good. The paper is firm, intact with a couple of tiny repairs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
About the Print
This sheet comes from Kenjo reppu den, Kuniyoshi's series of famous women from Japanese history and legend who were celebrated for loyalty, devotion or moral courage. Each print pairs the subject with a biographical text panel, which makes the series a combination of bijin-ga and illustrated history. Impressions of this design are held by the British Museum and the Harvard Art Museums. The British Museum describes the scene as Giō and Gijo in their retirement, picking flowers.
The story comes from the Heike monogatari. Giō was a celebrated shirabyōshi dancer and the favourite of the warlord Taira no Kiyomori. When the young dancer Hotoke Gozen replaced her in his favour, she was sent away from his household. Giō, her younger sister Ginyo (also read Gijo) and their mother Toji withdrew from the world, became nuns, and lived in a hermitage at Sagano, west of Kyoto. Hotoke Gozen later joined them there. The text panel on this sheet retells this story, ending with the three women taking up the religious life in Saga. Their retreat is traditionally associated with the temple Giō-ji in Sagano, which still exists today.
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
Height
37 cm
Width
25 cm
Title of artwork
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861) – Giō and Ginyo (Gijo), from "Kenjo reppu den"
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
