First Act, The Imperial Palace

by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Current Status

First Act, The Imperial Palace by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Original Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) Japanese Woodblock Print
First Act, The Imperial Palace

Series; Calligraphy as Taught by the Chancellor Sugawara
Sugawara Denju Tenerai Kagami

Original, Limited Edition Hiroshige prints - We are excited to offer a fantastic group of rare original Hiroshige prints from their first and only printing in the 1970's. Hiroshige created the designs for this group, but they were never printed during his lifetime. They were intended for Edo era release, however, the sketches were never published.

In the 1970’s, Robert G. Sawers learned of the existence of these 21 original drawings and expertly produced the only edition of this group ever released. He limited the production to only 250 prints of each design. Included in this first edition group are prints from a series titled "Calligraphy as Taught by the Chancellor Sugawara," prints intended for a series entitled "Sights of the Provinces", as well as several rare kacho-e designs by Hiroshige.

Originally conceived during the height of Hiroshige's creative output, this series is an absolute masterwork and a must-buy for any serious Hiroshige collector. Limited to only 250 prints, this is an extremely rare series - don't miss this opportunity to acquire a beautiful original Hiroshige print from this most unusual group. You just won’t find these prints elsewhere, so bid now!

Collection Information - Each print is presented in an individual windowed paper folder with the limited edition number in pencil on both the reverse of the folder and the reverse of the woodblock. The set was released with a scholarly, introductory foreword by noted expert Jack Hillier. Please see below for Hillier’s forward and description of this project (a photo copy of this will be included with each print).

First Act, The Imperial Palace - This series by Hiroshige illustrates a kabuki play based on the life of the great scholar Sugawara no Michizane, who became a high-ranking minister to the Emperor. Falsely accused of plotting to seize power, Sugawara was exiled and ended his last years writing poems in calligraphy. In this scene, Sugawara and his jealous peer Shihei sit on the verandah of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, waiting to receive the Chinese Ambassador, who stands at lower left. A retainer kneels at the bottom of the stairs next to trays of offerings. Nicely detailed.

Signed - Hiroshige ga
Sealed - Ichiryusai
Limited Edition number - 124/250

Artist - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 9 1/2" x 4 1/2" + full margins as shown (tanzaku pillar print)

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail. Small tear across top corner, repaired. Slight toning. Please note, each print is "tipped in" to the windowed paper presentation folder with two very small spots of wheat paste at the upper reverse corners, exactly as originally produced. The print can be easily removed by the collector if desired.

First Act, The Imperial Palace by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
First Act, The Imperial Palace by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)
First Act, The Imperial Palace by Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

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