Rare Edo print & Unsigned — Picture Puzzles of Actors' Names · 1859 - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)
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€ 53
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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
 | €53 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €50 |
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A rare Edo-period Japanese woodblock print, titled “Rare Edo print & Unsigned — Picture Puzzles of Actors' Names · 1859,” unsigned and authentic, in excellent condition, about 36.5 × 25 cm (Ōban tate-e) with mokuhanga technique and nishiki-e colours.
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Description from the seller
** A rare picture puzzles from Edo in a pristine condition **
Title: Shinban shinkufū yakusha na-zukushi hanjimono 志ん板 新工風 役者名尽はん志物 (Newly Published, Newly Devised: Picture Puzzles of Actors' Names)
Artist: Unsigned
Date: Late Edo period, c. 1859 (Ansei 6)
Seal: [to be confirmed in hand]
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 36.5 × 25 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Reference: An impression of this design is held in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
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Paper & condition
The print is in an excellent condition with colors fully preserved. Minor soiling and wear to margins. The paper is firm and subtle. Please check the images carefully!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scene
In the Edo period, picture puzzles were one of the favourite intellectual pastimes of ordinary townspeople. A hanji-e (also called hanjimono) hides a word or name in images, and the viewer has to "read" the pictures to solve it. Closely related is jiguchi, a kind of pun in which a familiar word or saying is swapped for one that sounds similar. Popular fiction writers often devised the word play, and ukiyo-e artists turned it into prints and illustrated books.
This sheet applies the game to kabuki: as its title says, each small picture on it stands for the name of an actor. Prints like this were cheap, playful items for theatre fans, who would know the actors' names and enjoy working out the solutions. An impression of the same design is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
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.
** A rare picture puzzles from Edo in a pristine condition **
Title: Shinban shinkufū yakusha na-zukushi hanjimono 志ん板 新工風 役者名尽はん志物 (Newly Published, Newly Devised: Picture Puzzles of Actors' Names)
Artist: Unsigned
Date: Late Edo period, c. 1859 (Ansei 6)
Seal: [to be confirmed in hand]
Format: Ōban tate-e, approx. 36.5 × 25 cm
Technique: Woodblock print (mokuhanga), polychrome (nishiki-e)
Reference: An impression of this design is held in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paper & condition
The print is in an excellent condition with colors fully preserved. Minor soiling and wear to margins. The paper is firm and subtle. Please check the images carefully!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scene
In the Edo period, picture puzzles were one of the favourite intellectual pastimes of ordinary townspeople. A hanji-e (also called hanjimono) hides a word or name in images, and the viewer has to "read" the pictures to solve it. Closely related is jiguchi, a kind of pun in which a familiar word or saying is swapped for one that sounds similar. Popular fiction writers often devised the word play, and ukiyo-e artists turned it into prints and illustrated books.
This sheet applies the game to kabuki: as its title says, each small picture on it stands for the name of an actor. Prints like this were cheap, playful items for theatre fans, who would know the actors' names and enjoy working out the solutions. An impression of the same design is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
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
Rare Edo print & Unsigned — Picture Puzzles of Actors' Names · 1859
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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