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Subject:Wood Block Prints
Posted By: Lynda Taylor Mon, Jun 14, 2010 IP: 173.21.250.136

I am trying to find out the value of two Japanese Wood Block prints. One is "Moon at Ninomiya", 1932 by Hasui. The other is "Benkei Bridge" 1933 by Koitsu. If anyone has any info about these, it would be appreciated.

Subject:Wood Block Prints
Posted By: Marc Kahn Fri, Jun 18, 2010

From the point of view of a collector, there are 4 elements which are considered in determining the value of a print. They are:

- The current state of the marketplace/economy.
- The desirability of this particular artist/image.
- Whether this is an early or later printing of this image.
- Current condition.

I can't help you with the first point, because I am not actively buying or selling prints.

On the second point (desirability), I think that both of your prints are desirable to collectors. They are somewhat iconic images and very popular.

On the third point (age): Both of your prints were published by Doi in Tokyo. In the lower left hand margin of the prints, you will see some seals printed in black ink. The correlation between the particular seals and the presumed age of the print is well documented, albeit somewhat controversial. If you can get a high resolution scan of those seals and post them here, I can give you an opinion.

As far as condition is concerned, if you can post scans of both the front and back sides of each of your prints, I can also give you an opinion on that.

I won't be giving you a dollar value, but I can give you readings on points 3 and 4.

Marc

Subject:Re: Wood Block Prints
Posted By: Stan Fri, Jun 18, 2010

A very useful tool for finding information, including pricing, on art objects is called "Google". If you enter ""Moon at Ninomiya" Hasui" into Google, you will see auctions where you can buy this print with estimates in the $400 to $700 range, one that sold at Christie's for $3585, and one that sold in the Ukiyoe Gallery for $725 among others.

Try it with your other print as well.

Cheers,
Stan


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