Japanese WOOD BLOCK PRINT
READS on jacket: WOOD BLOCK PRINT - MITSUKOSHI Wood Block Print of what looks to be a Grand Monastery or Cathedral with a mountainous landscape in the background There is Japanes printing on the right hand side of print that is several lines and occasionally exceeds the border and is seen on print (under a frame of sorts) The edges of the paper are frayed and fuzzy, the ink has also bled thru to the cover beneath slightly. I do believe it to be pre-war as there were not many of these magnificant buildings left after demolition
A dear friend had owned it and kept it hidden away for years, never showing it. Was told it was very old and quite valuable, 20 years ago when I first received it
Auction House
Yes
Dear Colleen,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry and for your patience.
This is an unframed Japanese woodblock print of traditional Japanese scene from early 20th century. It follows a western style intaglio print of delicate scenario with Japanese calligraphy. It is signed but with no seal.
Japanese woodblock printing originated in ancient China and was brought to Japan after the unification of the country and Shogunat rule was established. Japanese woodblock prints, also called ukiyo-e (which means image of the floating world), are a traditional art form, which started to become very popular during the 20th century.
Comparable objects have been recently offered in large groups and sold on the international auction market. This piece is in fair condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 250 to 550 $.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
Thanks
Thanks for your appraisal
To be honest I am extremely disappointed as I was told it had been appraised at $15,000 in 1979….
Can I ask for a second opinion from another Specialist?
Also, where can I sell it safely?
Thanks so much ~ Colleen