500 Rakan Temple; Hiroshige Japanese Woodblock Print

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500 Rakan Temple; Hiroshige Japanese Woodblock Print

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Sold Date: 07/14/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

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Original Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Japanese Woodblock
Uo-ya Eikichi 1918 Second Edition Print
Spiral Hall, Five Hundred Rakan Temple
Series; 100 Famous Views of Edo

This beautiful 1918 second edition original by Uo-ya Eikichi- In 1918 the descendents of the original publisher of Hiroshige's beautiful 100 Views of Edo series embarked on a project that would be their most important of the 20th century. The Uo-ya Eikichi publishing company had survived the tumultuous times of the Meiji restoration and early Meiji years. They had continued to produce woodblock prints, both for new artists, and new releases, as well as later printings of their older series. Throughout woodblock print making history, the original blocks, and right to produce prints from those blocks, has been a highly valuable and coveted part of a publishing company's business. So, in 1918, with the continued growing popularity of Hiroshige's prints among the Japanese, and newly arrived Western collectors, Uo-ya Eikichi decided to release a complete second edition set of Hiroshige's 100 Views of Edo series. This set was to be produced from the original blocks held by the Uo-ya Eikichi company for over 60 years. The blocks had survived in relatively good condition. Those few with damage or other issues were repaired or replaced as was the practice of Hiroshige's Edo and Tokaido series in the 19th century. Uo-ya Eikichi took careful attention when selecting paper and ink for this series as well. As the first publisher of this incredible Japanese masterwork series, they were best suited to replicate the first edition release. The resulting print set was a fantastic wood block masterwork series. A complete set of 120 prints with fine color and beautiful handmade paper was released to great acclaim. Today, these prints are very valuable and highly sought after by collectors. As Hiroshige's prints have continued to climb in price in the markets. This wonderful second edition set from the Uo-ya Eikichi is a great opportunity to collect these original Hiroshige prints at a price lower than the first edition releases from 1857.
In the 20th century, many reprints of the famous Hiroshige subjects were done. From the 1920s and up until today, publishers have made reprints of Hiroshige's famous works. While those reprints are more commonly found in the market, the Uo-ya Eikichi prints from 1918 are different matter. They are the closest to a first edition 1857 print that one can find. The fine paper, beautifully replicating the original 19th century paper and soft natural inks distinguish these prints from 20th century reprints. Most certainly, any of these prints framed and displayed, will be indistinguishable from the 1857 first edition. Additionally, of course, they can be collected in a price range much lower than the first edition release. If you have always wanted to collect from Hiroshige's 100 Views of Edo, but find these original Hiroshige masterworks outside of your price range, this is an excellent opportunity to collect. Take some time in browse our beautiful collection this evening, these breathtaking works are a fantastic rare find. Bid now!

Comments- Together with the people on the balcony, we gaze out over the bright green fields on the far eastern fringe of Edo. This balcony on the Five Hundred Rakan Temple was famous for its panoramic view of the distant environs of the city. A lovely summer view, and classic Edo scene, this was a favorite location of Hiroshige and it is said that he often took day trips to this temple site. ...