Ogata Gekkō · Gishi Shijūshichi Zu · 47 Rōnin · Chūshingura · Meiji - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)
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€ 40
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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
 | €40 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €35 | |
| €30 | |
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Original Meiji-period woodblock print by Ogata Gekkō from the Gishi shijūshichi zu series, Ōban tate-e approx. 36 × 24 cm, published by Matsuki Heikichi, in a private collection and in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
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: Isogai Jūrōzaemon 磯貝十郎左衛門 (Isogai Jūrōzaemon Masahisa)
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
Good colors and strong impression. The paper has minor Soiling/toning and an album backing. Please check the images!
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About the print
Isogai Jūrōzaemon entered Lord Asano's service as a young page and rose to become one of his personal attendants, with a stipend of 150 koku. Because he had been so close to his lord, he was among the most determined members of the league. After the raid he was one of the seventeen rōnin, led by Ōishi Kuranosuke, held in custody at the Edo residence of the Hosokawa lords of Kumamoto. He was the youngest of that group, and he died there by seppuku in 1703.
Isogai is one of the best-loved figures in later Chūshingura drama. In Mayama Seika's play "Ōishi's Last Day", he is engaged to a young woman named Omino as part of the cover for the plot, and after his death a koto plectrum is found among his belongings, a sign that his feelings for her were real. The story was later filmed and remains one of the best-known episodes of the legend.
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 surrendered and were sentenced to ritual suicide. The story, known as Chūshingura, became Japan's national legend of loyalty.
Gekkō's Gishi shijūshichi zu gives one sheet to each of the forty-seven men, with a label stating his rank, stipend and age at death. The set was completed and reissued in 1902 for the 200th anniversary of the vendetta.
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: Isogai Jūrōzaemon 磯貝十郎左衛門 (Isogai Jūrōzaemon Masahisa)
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
Good colors and strong impression. The paper has minor Soiling/toning and an album backing. Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Isogai Jūrōzaemon entered Lord Asano's service as a young page and rose to become one of his personal attendants, with a stipend of 150 koku. Because he had been so close to his lord, he was among the most determined members of the league. After the raid he was one of the seventeen rōnin, led by Ōishi Kuranosuke, held in custody at the Edo residence of the Hosokawa lords of Kumamoto. He was the youngest of that group, and he died there by seppuku in 1703.
Isogai is one of the best-loved figures in later Chūshingura drama. In Mayama Seika's play "Ōishi's Last Day", he is engaged to a young woman named Omino as part of the cover for the plot, and after his death a koto plectrum is found among his belongings, a sign that his feelings for her were real. The story was later filmed and remains one of the best-known episodes of the legend.
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 surrendered and were sentenced to ritual suicide. The story, known as Chūshingura, became Japan's national legend of loyalty.
Gekkō's Gishi shijūshichi zu gives one sheet to each of the forty-seven men, with a label stating his rank, stipend and age at death. The set was completed and reissued in 1902 for the 200th anniversary of the vendetta.
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 · Meiji
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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