Storehouse of Loyal Retainers Act I by Hokusai

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

Woodblock Prints Title: Act I (Shodan), from the series The Storehouse of Loyal Retainers, a Primer (Kanadehon Chûshingura)

1st Publication: 1806

Size: Horizontal oban; 9 3/8" x 14 1/2" (23.9 x 36.9 cm)

Date of this edition: 1806, very 1st edition

Publisher: Tsuru-Kin Sokakudo

Condition: Some trimming. Repaired wormholes. Backed in the 1970's on an acid free paper. Excellent colors and impression, very good overall.

Notes: This is the rare very first printing of this print similar to this one from the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, visible HERE.

There is a second more common and colorful edition printed in the late 1830's, lacking the publisher seal. Additional information visible HERE

Provenance: This print was from the collection of Dr Fournier de Goncourt, a relative of Edmond de Goncourt, then the Longwell Collection. The entire set was sold at Drouot (Paris, France) in the 1970's and recently purchased from France. Each print of the set was mounted on a board like the one seen below, but the decision to remove it was taken as the board is not acid free, and would have ultimately toned the print.

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.