54 - Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797–1861)

Utagawa KUNIYOSHI (1797–1861) Set of 21 prints from the Seichū Gishi Den series (Biographies of Loyal Servants / The 47 Ronin) Japan, Edo period, circa 1847–1848 Description: A cohesive set of 21 original Japanese prints (vertical ōban format), polychrome woodblock prints (nishiki-e), depicting the famous individual portraits of the samurai from the story of the 47 Ronin. Each print depicts a warrior in action, accompanied by a calligraphic biographical text in the upper portion. • Signatures: Ichiyūsai Kuniyoshi ga (一勇齋國芳画) with the red toshidama cartouche of the Utagawa school. • Publisher: Ebiya Rinnosuke (Horie-chō Ebi-Rin). • Censorship: Double round censorship seals known as Nanushi (“Yone” and “Kichi”), corresponding precisely to the publication period from June 1847 to 1848. • Dimensions: Standard ōban format (approximately 36 x 25 cm per sheet). Condition: Authentic period prints on washi paper. Good quality prints with fresh colors (notable presence of Prussian blue). Original margins preserved on the sides. Prints are unlined on the reverse, revealing the transparency of the pigments. Natural signs of wear due to age, foxing, scattered small oxidation spots, and slight rubbing at the corners. Traces of the original binding on the side edges (likely from a disassembled antique orihon accordion album). In excellent overall historical condition.