Utagawa Sadahide — Cherry-blossom triptych | Edo period, ca. 1847–52 | Gyokuransai signature - 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.
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Original Edo-period Ōban triptych by Utagawa Sadahide (Gyokuransai), titled Azuma Nishiki Sakura-gari, ca. 1847–52, three sheets each ca. 36 × 24 cm, Nishiki-e full-colour, fair condition with minor margin repairs.
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Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Sadahide (歌川貞秀, 1807–1873), signing as Gyokuransai Sadahide ga (玉蘭斎貞秀画)
Title: 東錦桜狩 — Azuma Nishiki Sakura-gari ("Eastern Brocade: Cherry-Blossom Viewing")
Format: Ōban triptych, three sheets, each ca. [36 × 24 cm]
Technique: Nishiki-e (full-colour woodblock print)
Date: Late Edo period, ca. 1847–52 (based on the paired censor seals)
Signature / seals: Signed Gyokuransai Sadahide ga on each sheet. Two round censor seals. Publisher's mark on the centre sheet.
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Condition: Fair impression with fair colour throughout. The paper is firm. Minor repairs on the margins. Minor trimming Please refer to the images for full detail!
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About the print
Sadahide was a pupil of Utagawa Kunisada. He worked under the art-name Gyokuransai through the 1840s and 1850s, and after the opening of Yokohama in 1859 he became one of the best-known designers of Yokohama-e and panoramic bird's-eye views. This triptych comes from his earlier Edo period, when figure subjects set in the seasons made up much of his output. The paired censor seals point to the years 1847–52, when two ward officials (nanushi) jointly approved each print before publication.
"Azuma nishiki" (Eastern brocade) was the name used for the full-colour prints of Edo, which were famous across Japan and bought as souvenirs of the capital. "Sakura-gari" (literally "cherry hunting") was the older, more literary term for going out to view the blossoms. Spring hanami was among the most popular seasonal subjects in the triptych format.
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 Sadahide (歌川貞秀, 1807–1873), signing as Gyokuransai Sadahide ga (玉蘭斎貞秀画)
Title: 東錦桜狩 — Azuma Nishiki Sakura-gari ("Eastern Brocade: Cherry-Blossom Viewing")
Format: Ōban triptych, three sheets, each ca. [36 × 24 cm]
Technique: Nishiki-e (full-colour woodblock print)
Date: Late Edo period, ca. 1847–52 (based on the paired censor seals)
Signature / seals: Signed Gyokuransai Sadahide ga on each sheet. Two round censor seals. Publisher's mark on the centre sheet.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition: Fair impression with fair colour throughout. The paper is firm. Minor repairs on the margins. Minor trimming Please refer to the images for full detail!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Sadahide was a pupil of Utagawa Kunisada. He worked under the art-name Gyokuransai through the 1840s and 1850s, and after the opening of Yokohama in 1859 he became one of the best-known designers of Yokohama-e and panoramic bird's-eye views. This triptych comes from his earlier Edo period, when figure subjects set in the seasons made up much of his output. The paired censor seals point to the years 1847–52, when two ward officials (nanushi) jointly approved each print before publication.
"Azuma nishiki" (Eastern brocade) was the name used for the full-colour prints of Edo, which were famous across Japan and bought as souvenirs of the capital. "Sakura-gari" (literally "cherry hunting") was the older, more literary term for going out to view the blossoms. Spring hanami was among the most popular seasonal subjects in the triptych format.
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
36 cm
Width
73 cm
Title of artwork
Utagawa Sadahide — Cherry-blossom triptych | Edo period, ca. 1847–52 | Gyokuransai signature
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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