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Hello everyone, my name is Chad. I have two Japanese woodblocks that I would like to know some information about. I would really like to know the artists and what time period these prints are from.

The pale landscape woodblock is, I believe, from the 18th century -- that is what the person said who sold it to me. I also knew the artist of that print, but unfortunately I have lost that information and I cannot read the words on the print.

The other woodblock, of the woman, also appears to be signed but I cannot read it.

Any help is appriciated! Thank you.

Please follow the link to view the images. The best way to view them is to click "View as slideshow" on the right of the page just above the images.

Link :View the images here.

Hi Chad,

The first prints is by Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825) and is titled: "Uki-e Chushingura hachidamne no zu" (Perspective picture of the Chushingura, act 8) and was published by Izumiya Ichibei in the early 1790s. Print designs using a Western perspective were very frequently used during the 18th and 19th C in order to portray the different acts (11 or 12 in total) of the Chushingura ('The Treasury of Loyal Retainers' or more commonly 'The revenge story of the 47 ronin'). The 8th act is know as "The bridal journey". Your print is one of the earlier works by this famous artist. The colours have faded, but this the state you find them most of the time. Not a common print.

The second print is by the Meiji artist Ogata Gekko (1859-1920) and is part from the series "Fujin fuzoku zukushi" (Manners and customs of ladies), published between 1891-92.

Guy.

Guy, thank you so much for that valuable information! You have helped me a great deal. I appreciate it very much.

Have a great day.

-Chad

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