Antique Japanese Woodblock Triptych Print by Kobayashi Kiyochika Framed c.1896 For Sale

a.imagelink {color:#0000FF;} a:hover.imagelink {color:#0000FF;} a:visited.imagelink {color:#800080;} a.imagelink img.saleimage { border: 2px solid #0000FF; } a:visited.imagelink img.saleimage { border: 2px solid #800080; } Antique Japanese Woodblock Triptych Print by Kobayashi Kiyochika -Matsuchi Hill in Snow at Dusk- Framed c.1880

This beautiful Japanese original woodblock print triptych by Kobayashi Kiyochika, a Japanese ukiyo-e artist best known for his color woodblock prints and newspaper illustrations, is presented here. His work documents the rapid modernization and Westernization Japan underwent during the Meiji period (1868–1912) and uses a light-and-shade technique called kōsen-ga, inspired by Western art.

The print depicts the west bank of the Sumida River from near present-day Asakusa. On the left side of the image, the thicket of trees on the opposite bank is Matsuchiyama. The Shōten-gū shrine stands on the mountaintop and has been a popular spot for ordinary people since the Edo period, offering excellent views. In the foreground, a ferry boat arriving from the opposite bank is depicted in a bold composition. Using soft intermediate colors, the three-panel panorama beautifully recreates a quiet snowy day.

It is believed that this was originally planned as a series of 12 illustrations depicting the 12 months of the year, but it seems to have been interrupted for some reason, and only three illustrations remain: "Mutsuki," "Kisaragi," and "Yayoi." This illustration is "Kisaragi," one of the surviving illustrations.

Kiyochika was a very interesting artist - he began as a typical Meiji print designer with war scenes and city views, but later became more involved in the artistic side of woodblock printing. His later works are pretty much reminiscent of shin-hanga. It looks like Kawase Hasui took some inspiration from his work. Recently, an exhibition at the Mitsubishi Museum in Tokyo focused on his work and the transition from traditional ukiyo-e to the shin-hanga movement.
 
The print was made using the Japanese woodblock technique during Kiyochika's lifetime. It is matted and framed with a good-quality modern wooden frame. The frame is exclusively built for this triptych - it is massive and solid. And also quite heavy - it weighs over 11 lb. 

Please note: the Kunichika's pre-shin-hanga triptychs are extremely rare. 

AUTHOR: Kobayashi Kiyochika
TITLE: Second Month: Matsuchi Hill in Snow at Dusk (Kisaragi, Matsuchiyama yuki no tasogare),
CREATED: c.1880
PAPER: washi paper
METHOD OF PRINTING: Woodblock printing
PRINTED: Lifetime printing, circa 1880s
OVERALL SIZE: 37" X 21"
SIGHT: 28" X 14"
 
The condition is good. No visible damage, good impression, great colors. The three sheets of the triptych are connected by pieces of paper on the back, which are visible from the front. The frame is in excellent used condition with minimal wear. The print was not inspected outside the frame.

Because of the heavy weight and large size I won't ship this item internationally.

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