Ogata Gekkō · Gishi Shijūshichi Zu · 47 Rōnin · Chūshingura · Meiji - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)
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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
 | €23 | |
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 | €20 | |
| €5 | |
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Original Meiji period woodblock print by Ogata Gekkō, titled Gishi Shijūshichi Zu (Forty-seven Loyal Retainers), Ōban tate-e, approx. 36 × 24 cm, ink and colour on paper, with good colors and strong impression, from a private collection, Japan.
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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: Muramatsu Kihei Hidenao 村松喜兵衛秀直
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
Muramatsu Kihei was one of the oldest men in the league, already in his sixties at the time of the raid. He served the Asano house in Edo as a low-ranking official, and he joined the vendetta together with his eldest son, Muramatsu Sandayū. Father and son both took part in the attack on Kira's mansion.
After the raid the rōnin were split up among four daimyō houses to await the shogunate's verdict. Kihei and his son were sent to different houses: Kihei to the Mōri lords of Chōfu, Sandayū to the Mizuno lords of Okazaki. Both men died by seppuku on the same day in early 1703.
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, and this sheet carries a 1902 publication date.
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: Muramatsu Kihei Hidenao 村松喜兵衛秀直
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
Muramatsu Kihei was one of the oldest men in the league, already in his sixties at the time of the raid. He served the Asano house in Edo as a low-ranking official, and he joined the vendetta together with his eldest son, Muramatsu Sandayū. Father and son both took part in the attack on Kira's mansion.
After the raid the rōnin were split up among four daimyō houses to await the shogunate's verdict. Kihei and his son were sent to different houses: Kihei to the Mōri lords of Chōfu, Sandayū to the Mizuno lords of Okazaki. Both men died by seppuku on the same day in early 1703.
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, and this sheet carries a 1902 publication date.
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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