Hirate Kenmotsu, Rival of the Young Hideyoshi • Japanese Woodblock Print Ukiyo-e - Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833-1904) - 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.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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This original Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print, Hirate Kenmotsu, Rival of the Young Hideyoshi, is by Utagawa Yoshiiku and dates to 1867, measuring approximately 24 × 18 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Artist: Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833–1904)
Title: Hirate Kenmotsu 平手監物 (No. 22, 二十二)
Series: Taiheiki Eiyūden – Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki
Date: Japan, 1867 (late Edo period)
Publisher: Hirookaya Kōsuke (Kikujudō)
Format: Chūban, approx. 24 × 18 cm
_______________________________________________
Impression and Colors: Excellent. Rich, deeply printed pigments throughout — the indigo and crimson squares of the armour lacing (odoshi), the gold-highlighted circular mon on the chest, and the intricate blue-green patterning of the sleeves all register with sharp precision. Strong bokashi gradation visible in the background. The white robe beneath the armour is clean and unfaded. A fine, early impression.
State of Paper: Good. The print has minor toning consistent with age and the sheet carries an album backing.
_______________________________________________
About the print:
The biography on this sheet introduces Hirate Kenmotsu as the heir of Hirate Nakatsukasa, that is, Hirate Masahide (1492–1553). Masahide was the senior retainer and tutor of the young Oda Nobunaga, and he is remembered for taking his own life in 1553 to admonish his wayward lord. The name Kenmotsu is usually associated with Hirate Hirohide, a later member of the family who served Nobunaga and was killed in 1573 at the Battle of Mikatagahara, where he had been sent with Oda reinforcements to support Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The text tells an episode from the popular Taikōki tradition about the rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Resenting the rapid promotion of the young Kinoshita Tōkichirō (Hideyoshi) above him, Hirate asked the senior generals Shibata and Sakuma to arrange a drill of battle formations, meant to humble the newcomer. Nobunaga agreed and gave each man five hundred soldiers for the contest. In these stories it is Hideyoshi who comes out ahead, an early sign of the career that would make him ruler of Japan.
_______________________________________________
About the Taiheiki Heroes Series:
This series ranks among the most technically demanding chūban prints of the Edo period. Each print required over eight different woodblocks with precise registration and elaborate bokashi techniques. But these are not merely visually complex works of art—many of these prints hold genuine historical significance. It's like collecting pieces of a puzzle of Japanese history! The texts on the reverse and the characters depicted offer insights into one of Japan's most turbulent eras. With 100 prints in the complete series, collecting them is a true pleasure—each print tells the story of a different hero.
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 Yoshiiku (1833–1904)
Title: Hirate Kenmotsu 平手監物 (No. 22, 二十二)
Series: Taiheiki Eiyūden – Biographies of the Heroes of the Taiheiki
Date: Japan, 1867 (late Edo period)
Publisher: Hirookaya Kōsuke (Kikujudō)
Format: Chūban, approx. 24 × 18 cm
_______________________________________________
Impression and Colors: Excellent. Rich, deeply printed pigments throughout — the indigo and crimson squares of the armour lacing (odoshi), the gold-highlighted circular mon on the chest, and the intricate blue-green patterning of the sleeves all register with sharp precision. Strong bokashi gradation visible in the background. The white robe beneath the armour is clean and unfaded. A fine, early impression.
State of Paper: Good. The print has minor toning consistent with age and the sheet carries an album backing.
_______________________________________________
About the print:
The biography on this sheet introduces Hirate Kenmotsu as the heir of Hirate Nakatsukasa, that is, Hirate Masahide (1492–1553). Masahide was the senior retainer and tutor of the young Oda Nobunaga, and he is remembered for taking his own life in 1553 to admonish his wayward lord. The name Kenmotsu is usually associated with Hirate Hirohide, a later member of the family who served Nobunaga and was killed in 1573 at the Battle of Mikatagahara, where he had been sent with Oda reinforcements to support Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The text tells an episode from the popular Taikōki tradition about the rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Resenting the rapid promotion of the young Kinoshita Tōkichirō (Hideyoshi) above him, Hirate asked the senior generals Shibata and Sakuma to arrange a drill of battle formations, meant to humble the newcomer. Nobunaga agreed and gave each man five hundred soldiers for the contest. In these stories it is Hideyoshi who comes out ahead, an early sign of the career that would make him ruler of Japan.
_______________________________________________
About the Taiheiki Heroes Series:
This series ranks among the most technically demanding chūban prints of the Edo period. Each print required over eight different woodblocks with precise registration and elaborate bokashi techniques. But these are not merely visually complex works of art—many of these prints hold genuine historical significance. It's like collecting pieces of a puzzle of Japanese history! The texts on the reverse and the characters depicted offer insights into one of Japan's most turbulent eras. With 100 prints in the complete series, collecting them is a true pleasure—each print tells the story of a different hero.
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)
Artist
Utagawa Yoshiiku (1833-1904)
Country of Origin
Japan
Attribution
Original
Height
24 cm
Width
18 cm
Title of artwork
Hirate Kenmotsu, Rival of the Young Hideyoshi • Japanese Woodblock Print Ukiyo-e
Condition
Excellent condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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