Antique Japanese Woodblock Chushingura (The Tale of 47 Ronin). Keisai Eisen circa 1830. The title banner at the top reads Chushingura, and the smaller cartouche on the right side indicates Yondanme, which means Act 4. 15 1/4 x 10 1/4 inches. Archival mat measures approx. 22 x 14 1/2 inches. It belongs to his full 11-part or 12-part series detailing the dramatic acts of the Chushingura kabuki play, published around the 1830s. This print illustrates the aftermath of Lord Enya Hangan’s ritual suicide (seppuku), where his chief retainer, Oboshi Yuranosuke, stands outside the surrendered castle walls holding his deceased lord’s dagger and swearing a solemn vow of vengeance. Note-at the bottom left is Eisen signature, followed by the publisher’s mark of Izumiya Ichibei. I show several views of this print, including scans that clearly show the bleedthrough that helps identify it as an original antique circa 1830s, as does the fact it is printed on washi paper. The print was probably trimmed but it shows the full image. About Good Antique condition, with 3 wormhole repairs (only one to the image area, on top of the rising or setting sun). There is also a small hole, unrepaired, in the large black banner title area and a pinhole in the top image area. If you are interested in this option, please contact me for a cost to your area.
