Yoshitora Utagawa (Japanese, active 1830-1880). "The Great Battle of Dan'noura" woodblock (triptych), Edo period, 1861. Marks: censor's seal aratame. A striking woodblock triptych by Yoshitora Utagawa depicting one of the most famous conflicts in Japanese history, the Great Battle of Dan'noura which ended the Genpei war between the Minamoto and the Taira during the 12th century. The three woodblocks are delineated in classic ukiyo'e style featuring characteristic birds-eye views, a penchant for strong line, and an appreciation for brilliant, saturated hues that are hallmarks of this fine Japanese artform. An impressive composition set in a custom frame under glass. Size of sight view: 13.5" L x 29.25" W (34.3 cm x 74.3 cm) Size of frame: 19.375" L x 40.625" W (49.2 cm x 103.2 cm)

Woodblock prints were created in Japan as early as the 8th century to illustrate texts. By the 18th century Japanese woodblock techniques had evolved, and the first polychrome prints or nishiki-e were commissioned for wealthy patrons of the Edo period. This period was known for marvelous woodblock prints of female beauties, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and courtesans of the infamous pleasure districts. In time the repertoire expanded to include romantic landscapes, flora and fauna, and dramatic historical events such as the Battle of Dan-no-Ura. Woodblocks like Yoshitora Utagawa's played a major role in the West's perception of Japanese visual culture during the late 19th century when Japonism exerted a powerful influence on French Impressionists such as Degas, Manet, and Monet, Post-Impressionists including Van Gogh, even pioneering Art Nouveau artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec.

Exhibition/collection label on gallery paper on verso

Provenance: private Wabasha, Minnesota, USA collection; ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#171896

Woodblock triptych has not been examined outside the frame. Appears to have normal wear with a few crease marks and some fading commensurate with age. There is an old exhibition/collection label on the gallery paper on verso that reads: "#149. YOSHITORA (1850-1880) / "BATTLE OF DAN-NO-URA" / Censor Seal: ARATAME (1861) / Condition: Very good / Triptych". Minor age wear to the frame finish as shown.