An online-only auction of Japanese woodblock prints opens at Christie’s today and runs until August 7. The auction includes a private English collection of prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861). It comprises 146 lots, with estimates starting at £600. Christie’s say that this sale provides new and established collectors and enthusiasts with a rare opportunity to not only acquire some of Kuniyoshi’s best and rarest designs but also to choose from an array of dynamic works by many of the other most famous Japanese printmakers including Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806), Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1848) and Kawase Hasui (1883-1957). To see the full array of works featured and to start to bid please visit the department page http://www.christies.com/
Kitagawa Utamaro (1753?-1806)
Hairdresser, from the series Fujin Twelve Types of Women’s Handicraft, circa 1798–99 (£7,000-9,000). Courtesy, Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014.
Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 – 1858)
Meguro Drum Bridge and Sunset Hill, from the series One Hundred Views of Famous Places of Edo, 4th month 1857 (£1,800-2,200). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2014.