First Edition Hiroshige Set
Complete set of 21 original, 19th century Hiroshige designs in Woodblock Prints
A Fuji Arts Special Offer Auction

An Exciting Opportunity - We’re excited to offer this incredible, original, limited edition set of 21 Hiroshige prints. These Hiroshige prints were published only once, in a limited edition of 250 pieces by noted Japanese art expert and dealer Robert Sawers in the early 1970’s. This fantastic set of 21 Hiroshige prints occupies a unique place in Hiroshige’s repertoire of work. In the early 1970’s, 21 original Hiroshige sketches were discovered. These 21 Hiroshige sketches were intended by the artist to be produced as woodblock prints, but for some unknown reason were never published. Upon their discovery in the 1970’s, a series of 21 prints was commissioned to be printed in 250 limited edition sets. These sets are the one and only printing of these Hiroshige works and are therefore not woodblock reprints, but first editions of these fantastic Hiroshige designs. The artisans carved woodblocks for each of the prints, exactly as 19th century Hiroshige prints were produced, and printed these images one block at a time with inks and paper approximating Hiroshige’s 19th century prints

Collection Information - These beautiful sets were presented with each print in an individual windowed folder, each print numbered from the edition, each folder numbered from the edition, and the 21 folders placed in a beautiful handmade fabric covered box signed Hiroshige. The set was sold with a scholarly, introductory foreword by noted expert Jack Hillier. Please see our link in this auction for Hillier’s forward and description of this set (a photo copy of this will be included with this set). These beautiful sets are almost impossible to come by these days. There are only 250 and there will never be anymore released. This fantastic, complete set offered in our auctions tonight is a wonderful opportunity to buy one of these original sets - #112/250. Many of these designs are no longer available individually! If you are a Hiroshige collector interested in a beautiful series of Hiroshige prints, bid now, this is a rare opportunity!

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
Size - Print: 4" x 9 1/2" + full margins as shown, Box: 10" x 13 3/8"
Condition - Prints with excellent color and detail as shown. Five prints have a tiny tear across one top corner, repaired. Two prints have a few small spots. Rest in excellent condition overall. A few folders have some slight spotting (on folders only). Please see photos for detail. Very nice overall.
Note - Please note; each print is "tipped in" to the windowed paper folder exactly as originally produced. Two very small spots of wheat paste at the upper reverse edge of each print hold the print in. They can easily be removed. We have not done that so the set remains exactly as originally sold, however the collector can easily remove these prints if desired.

Included in the Set