180 Rare Hiroshige Prints to Be Auctioned at Christie's New York

The Japanese print market is set for a major event. Christie's New York has announced an exceptional sale of 180 works by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), a key figure of ukiyo-e, some of which are among the rarest ever offered. These pieces come from a private collection of more than 600 prints, assembled over decades by a passionate collector.

The auction will take place in September in New York, with estimates reaching up to $100,000 for the most sought-after pieces. Hiroshige, famous for landscapes like the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō, profoundly influenced Western art, particularly the Impressionists. His compositions, marked by bold framing and a sensitivity to seasons, continue to appeal to collectors worldwide.

This private collection, revealed for the first time, reflects the enduring fascination with Japanese art. The prints span the artist's major series as well as rare, sometimes unique sheets that will delight connoisseurs. Christie's has not disclosed the collector's identity but emphasizes the quality and impeccable provenance of the ensemble.

The sale comes amid a dynamic market for Japanese art, with regular records at international auction houses. Asian and Western collectors compete for major pieces, and this dispersion could reset price benchmarks for certain masterpieces.

The auction will be an opportunity to rediscover the work of a master whose influence transcends borders. As Japan prepares to celebrate its artistic heritage, this sale confirms Hiroshige's central place in global art history.

---

Written by the ADM desk based on Connaissance des Arts. Read the original article for the full story.