https://japanesewoodblockedition.com Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:04:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2025/05/authentic-utagawa-kuniyoshi-woodblock-print-oishi-kuranosuke-47-ronin-1847/ https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2025/05/authentic-utagawa-kuniyoshi-woodblock-print-oishi-kuranosuke-47-ronin-1847/#comments Thu, 15 May 2025 00:34:41 +0000 https://japanesewoodblockedition.com/2025/05/authentic-utagawa-kuniyoshi-woodblock-print-oishi-kuranosuke-47-ronin-1847/ […]]]>









Key Details. Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Subject: Oishi Kuranosuke, leader of the 47 Ronin. Series: Seichu gishi den c. Oishi is depicted seated in seiza, exuding dignity and resolve, with his hand on his sword, symbolizing readiness. His detailed armor features a fan motif (authority) on the shoulder guards, fish-scale patterns (resilience) on the arm guards, and a chrysanthemum crest (loyalty) on the thigh guards. The kimono displays a floral pattern (15 chrysanthemums, symbolizing nobility), while the hakama has geometric shapes (order). The print bears censor seals (likely “Aratame” and a zodiac year, 1847) and the publisher’s mark of Yamamoto-ya Heikichi, a prominent Edo publisher. Soiling: 10 foxing spots (0.1-0.3 cm diameter), mostly on the shoji screen and wooden wall, likely from humidity and fungal growth. Partial Backing: The print has a partial backing (likely starch-based adhesive), causing localized discoloration. Margins: Trimmed to 0.3-0.5 cm, indicating prior framing or storage adjustments. Historical Value: A direct connection to the 47 Ronin story, a cornerstone of Japanese culture, depicted by one of ukiyo-e’s greatest artists. Cleaning, crease reduction, this print could increase in value, as Kuniyoshi’s works continue to appreciate in the art market.

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