Page 278 - Fine Japanese Art October 28, 2020 Galerie Zacke

284 | UTAGAWA SADAHIDE:
AN IMPRESSIVE COLOR
WOODBLOCK PRINT
BOOK WITH THE
FORTY SEVEN RONIN
By Utagawa Sadahide (1807-1873)
Japan, late Edo period (1615-1868)

The book consists of 28 pages illustrated in color
on both sides with biographies of the Forty-seven
Ronin, with its original cover.
In 1702, on the night of December 14th, forty-
seven Ako samurai raided the Edo residence of
Kira Yoshihisa and killed him to avenge their Lords.
Chushingura (forty-seven Ronin) is the work, which
was made based on this incident, and Meimei-den
is the spin-off story depicting the private episodes
of each character (and women who are deeply
involved).
This piece is a unique work of Maimei-den with a lot
of cruelty depicted under the influence of Muzan-e
(atrocity ukiyo-e prints) which was prevalent in Edo
at that time (since Ako samurai were popular as an
example of loyalty of samurai society, cruel scenes
were generally not depicted). Several scenes of the
attack of Kira’s residence, which is the climax of the
original story, are also included.

SIZE 22 x 15.5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, good impressions,
well-preserved colors, and minor browning. The
original cover rubbed, soiled, creased, and with
some damages.
Provenance: Czech private collection.
Estimate EUR 1,000
Starting price EUR 500

285 | ICHIYUSAI KUNIYOSHI:
A COLOR WOODBLOCK PRINT OF SOSHIN
By Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi (1797-1861), signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi with kiri seal
Japan, c. 1847, Edo period (1615-1868)

Soshin, from the series “Morokoshi nijkatei Tanekatzu”, with texts by the well-
known gesaku writer Ryūkatei Tanekazu (1807–1858). The picture shows Soshin
(Tseng Tsi) descending from a tree. He suddenly felt that something was wrong
with his mother – she had cut her finger – and is now hurrying towards her.
Matted and mounted.
SIZE 24.6 x 18.6 cm
Condition: Very good condition and impression, vibrant colors, minor browning
and very few worm holes
outside of the image area. LITERATURE
Provenance: Old Viennese COMPARISON
private collection, formerly
acquired at Galerie Zacke. A related print is in the
collection of the Museum für
angewandte Kunst in Vienna,
Estimate EUR 500
Starting price EUR 250 inventory number KI 15150-20.

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