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
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An original Meiji-period Japanese woodblock print by Ogata Gekkō depicts Kataoka Gengoemon Takafusa from the series *Pictures of the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers*.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
** The Retainer Who Said Farewell in Silence — Kataoka Gengoemon, Lord Asano’s Closest Attendant — from Gekkō’s celebrated series on the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers. . **
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: Kataoka Gengoemon Takafusa 片岡源五右衛門高房
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
The cartouche names Kataoka Gengoemon Takafusa as sobayōnin, the personal attendant who served at his lord’s side, with a hereditary stipend of 200 koku. It also gives his age at death, 37. He had served Lord Asano Naganori since his youth, and no other member of the forty-seven was closer to him.
That closeness explains why he is remembered for one moment in particular. On the fourteenth day of the third month of Genroku 14 (1701), Asano drew his sword on the court official Kira Yoshinaka inside Edo Castle. He was taken to the residence of the daimyō Tamura Ukyō-no-daibu and ordered to commit seppuku the same day. According to tradition, Gengoemon hurried to the Tamura mansion and asked to see his lord one last time. He was allowed to wait in the garden as Asano passed on his way to his death, on the condition that neither man spoke. The two exchanged only a look. This silent farewell became one of the most moving scenes of the Chūshingura story and was retold many times on the kabuki stage and later in film.
Gengoemon went on to join Ōishi Kuranosuke’s league and took part in the night raid on Kira’s mansion on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month of Genroku 15 (early 1703 in the Western calendar). Afterwards he was placed in the custody of the Hosokawa house and, with his comrades, ordered to commit seppuku in the second month of 1703. He is buried beside his lord at Sengaku-ji in Tokyo.
Gekkō gave each of the retainers a single ōban sheet in this series, published by Matsuki Heikichi from the mid-1890s into the early 1900s. As the portrait of the man who stood by Asano to the very end, this sheet is a natural centrepiece for any group from the set.
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.
** The Retainer Who Said Farewell in Silence — Kataoka Gengoemon, Lord Asano’s Closest Attendant — from Gekkō’s celebrated series on the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers. . **
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: Kataoka Gengoemon Takafusa 片岡源五右衛門高房
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
The cartouche names Kataoka Gengoemon Takafusa as sobayōnin, the personal attendant who served at his lord’s side, with a hereditary stipend of 200 koku. It also gives his age at death, 37. He had served Lord Asano Naganori since his youth, and no other member of the forty-seven was closer to him.
That closeness explains why he is remembered for one moment in particular. On the fourteenth day of the third month of Genroku 14 (1701), Asano drew his sword on the court official Kira Yoshinaka inside Edo Castle. He was taken to the residence of the daimyō Tamura Ukyō-no-daibu and ordered to commit seppuku the same day. According to tradition, Gengoemon hurried to the Tamura mansion and asked to see his lord one last time. He was allowed to wait in the garden as Asano passed on his way to his death, on the condition that neither man spoke. The two exchanged only a look. This silent farewell became one of the most moving scenes of the Chūshingura story and was retold many times on the kabuki stage and later in film.
Gengoemon went on to join Ōishi Kuranosuke’s league and took part in the night raid on Kira’s mansion on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month of Genroku 15 (early 1703 in the Western calendar). Afterwards he was placed in the custody of the Hosokawa house and, with his comrades, ordered to commit seppuku in the second month of 1703. He is buried beside his lord at Sengaku-ji in Tokyo.
Gekkō gave each of the retainers a single ōban sheet in this series, published by Matsuki Heikichi from the mid-1890s into the early 1900s. As the portrait of the man who stood by Asano to the very end, this sheet is a natural centrepiece for any group from the set.
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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