Ogata Gekkō · Gishi Shijūshichi Zu · 47 Rōnin · Chūshingura · Meiji - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)
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€ 100
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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
 | €100 | |
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| €80 | |
| €5 | |
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Ogata Gekkō, a Meiji period woodblock print from the Gishi shijūshichi zu series, titled Akagaki Genzō Shigekata, Ōban Tate-e (approx. 36 × 24 cm), ink and colour on paper, published by Matsuki Heikichi, original/official and in good condition with provenance to a private collection, Japan.
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Description from the seller
** Among the 47 designs in Gekkō's set, the Akagaki Genzō sheet is one of the most sought after. Here Gekkō turns the subject into a winter scene: a lone figure in a wide, quiet snowscape, with flakes of gofun scattered across the whole sheet. The gofun is printed as separate raised white dots, so the snowfall sits on the surface of the paper and catches the light **
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: Akagaki Genzō Shigekata 赤垣源蔵重賢
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
Very good colors and strong impression. The paper has minor Soiling/toning and an album backing. Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Akagaki Genzō is the name popular storytelling gave to the historical rōnin Akabane Genzō. He is the hero of "Tokkuri no wakare" (The Farewell with the Sake Bottle), one of the best-known Chūshingura tales. According to the story, on the snowy night before the raid, Genzō visited his elder brother's house with a bottle of sake to say a final farewell, without being able to reveal the plot. His brother was away. Genzō asked for his brother's kimono to be hung up, sat before it, drank, and spoke to it as if his brother were there. Then he left into the snow. Only after the raid did the family understand what the visit had meant. The tale became a standard of kōdan storytelling and rōkyoku (naniwabushi) ballad singing, and it was filmed several times. Gekkō follows the popular tradition in using the name Akagaki.
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.
** Among the 47 designs in Gekkō's set, the Akagaki Genzō sheet is one of the most sought after. Here Gekkō turns the subject into a winter scene: a lone figure in a wide, quiet snowscape, with flakes of gofun scattered across the whole sheet. The gofun is printed as separate raised white dots, so the snowfall sits on the surface of the paper and catches the light **
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: Akagaki Genzō Shigekata 赤垣源蔵重賢
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
Very good colors and strong impression. The paper has minor Soiling/toning and an album backing. Please check the images!
-------------------------------------------------------
About the print
Akagaki Genzō is the name popular storytelling gave to the historical rōnin Akabane Genzō. He is the hero of "Tokkuri no wakare" (The Farewell with the Sake Bottle), one of the best-known Chūshingura tales. According to the story, on the snowy night before the raid, Genzō visited his elder brother's house with a bottle of sake to say a final farewell, without being able to reveal the plot. His brother was away. Genzō asked for his brother's kimono to be hung up, sat before it, drank, and spoke to it as if his brother were there. Then he left into the snow. Only after the raid did the family understand what the visit had meant. The tale became a standard of kōdan storytelling and rōkyoku (naniwabushi) ballad singing, and it was filmed several times. Gekkō follows the popular tradition in using the name Akagaki.
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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