Toyokuni I · Chūshingura Act XI · The Night Attack · Early Utagawa · Kiwame seal - 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 woodblock print by Toyokuni I, titled Chūshingura Act XI: The Night Attack, late 18th–early 19th century, hosoban format with a Kiwame round censor seal, in fair condition with paper repairs.
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Description from the seller
歌川豊国 — UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)
Title: Chūshingura, Act XI (忠臣蔵十一段目, Chūshingura jūichidanme), the night attack of the loyal retainers
Signature: 豊國画 (Toyokuni ga)
Censor: Kiwame (極) round seal
Date: Late Edo period, c. 1795–1805
Format: Hosoban (narrow vertical format), approx. [30 × 15 cm]
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Genre: Yakusha-e / Chūshingura subject
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Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning. The composition is well preserved The paper has some repairs. Fair condition overall! Please check the images carefully!
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The Scene
The title cartouche identifies the subject as Act XI of Chūshingura, the climax of Japan's best-known revenge story. In 1701 Lord Asano of Akō drew his sword on the court official Kira Yoshinaka inside Edo Castle and was ordered to commit seppuku. Almost two years later, forty-seven of his former retainers stormed Kira's mansion on a winter night and took his head. The puppet play Kanadehon Chūshingura of 1748, written by Takeda Izumo II, Miyoshi Shōraku and Namiki Senryū, moved the story to the 14th century to avoid censorship. Kira became Kō no Moronao, Asano became Enya Hangan, and the leader Ōishi Kuranosuke became Ōboshi Yuranosuke. Act XI is the night attack itself, when the retainers force their way into Moronao's mansion and fulfil their revenge. The play was staged constantly in Edo, and Act XI was one of the most often illustrated scenes in ukiyo-e.
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.
歌川豊国 — UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI I (1769–1825)
Title: Chūshingura, Act XI (忠臣蔵十一段目, Chūshingura jūichidanme), the night attack of the loyal retainers
Signature: 豊國画 (Toyokuni ga)
Censor: Kiwame (極) round seal
Date: Late Edo period, c. 1795–1805
Format: Hosoban (narrow vertical format), approx. [30 × 15 cm]
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Genre: Yakusha-e / Chūshingura subject
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper & condition
The print is in a fair condition with moderate soiling, toning. The composition is well preserved The paper has some repairs. Fair condition overall! Please check the images carefully!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scene
The title cartouche identifies the subject as Act XI of Chūshingura, the climax of Japan's best-known revenge story. In 1701 Lord Asano of Akō drew his sword on the court official Kira Yoshinaka inside Edo Castle and was ordered to commit seppuku. Almost two years later, forty-seven of his former retainers stormed Kira's mansion on a winter night and took his head. The puppet play Kanadehon Chūshingura of 1748, written by Takeda Izumo II, Miyoshi Shōraku and Namiki Senryū, moved the story to the 14th century to avoid censorship. Kira became Kō no Moronao, Asano became Enya Hangan, and the leader Ōishi Kuranosuke became Ōboshi Yuranosuke. Act XI is the night attack itself, when the retainers force their way into Moronao's mansion and fulfil their revenge. The play was staged constantly in Edo, and Act XI was one of the most often illustrated scenes in ukiyo-e.
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
Toyokuni I · Chūshingura Act XI · The Night Attack · Early Utagawa · Kiwame seal
Condition
Fair condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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