1917 Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese Woodblock Prints 47 Ronin Samurai Lot of 4

Antique 1917 Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese Woodblock Prints – Seichū Gishi Den – 47 Rōnin – Lot of 4

Excellent matching group of four antique Japanese color woodblock prints reproducing designs by renowned ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861).

The prints come from Kuniyoshi’s celebrated Seichū Gishi Den, or Biographies/Stories of the Loyal and Righteous Samurai, depicting warriors associated with the legendary Forty-Seven Rōnin.

Kuniyoshi originally designed the Seichū Gishi Den series in 1847–1848. The series became one of his best-known groups of warrior prints, or musha-e, and originally consisted of approximately 51 designs. 

These particular prints are from a later 1917 Taishō-era Japanese woodblock edition, rather than original Edo-period impressions.

Publication information associated with this edition:

Artist/design: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Series: Seichū Gishi Den
Subject: Forty-Seven Rōnin / Loyal Retainers
Publisher: Fuzoku Ezu Tosho Kankokai, Nishikie Division
Distributor: Yoshikawa Kobunkan, Tokyo
Place of origin: Japan
Date: 1917, Taishō era
Medium: Color woodblock print
Approximate size: 10 x 7 inches each
Quantity: 4 prints

The four images feature individual samurai in elaborate robes and armor, including warriors carrying swords, polearms and other equipment. Particularly attractive details include the intricate textile patterns, black-and-white retainer garments, weaponry and expressive facial work characteristic of Kuniyoshi’s warrior imagery.

Each bears the Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi signature/design attribution visible within the image.

Condition:
Good antique condition overall. The sheets show expected age toning, minor discoloration, occasional light spotting/foxing, and small signs of handling and edge wear consistent with prints more than 100 years old. Colors remain particularly attractive, with strong blacks, blues, reds and greens and crisp line work. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.

The photographs include close-up views showing the paper surface, printing detail, signatures and inscriptions.

A particularly attractive group for collectors of:

Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Japanese ukiyo-e
Samurai and warrior art
47 Rōnin / Chūshingura
Japanese woodblock printing
Taishō-era Japanese art
Asian antiques

Please note: These are 1917 Taishō-era woodblock reissues after Kuniyoshi’s original 1847–48 designs and are not represented as original lifetime Edo-period impressions.