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Identification

Framed Toyohara Chikanobu Woodblock Print Triptychs, Chiyoda no On-omote

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The prints feature the clear signature 'Yōshū Chikanobu hitsu' and the series title cartouche 'Chiyoda no On-omote' (The Outer Palace of Chiyoda), specifically the 'Yabusame Jōran' (Viewing Mounted Archery) scene on the bottom triptych.

Story

Toyohara Chikanobu (1838–1912) was a prolific master of the Meiji period, known for his depictions of the transition between traditional samurai culture and modernizing Japan. The 'Chiyoda no On-omote' (The Outer Palace of Chiyoda) series, published in 1897, is one of his most celebrated works, documenting the ceremonies and martial arts of the shogunate. The market for Meiji-era ukiyo-e, particularly by Chikanobu, is active but highly condition-dependent.

Maker / Origin

Toyohara Chikanobu

Condition & Value

The prints are framed, which obscures critical condition details. There is significant water staining visible on the brown backing paper, though it is unclear if this moisture penetrated the prints themselves. The outer margins appear absent, raising the question of whether they were trimmed off or folded back to fit the frame.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for Meiji-era ukiyo-e, particularly by Chikanobu, is active but highly condition-dependent. While pristine, unframed triptychs with full margins command premiums from serious collectors, framed examples often trade at a discount due to the risks of fading, acid burn, and being laid down. Buyers for framed, slightly compromised prints are typically decorative arts buyers rather than purist print collectors, keeping prices in the accessible $150-$300 range per triptych.

Value Drivers

▲ Presence of two complete triptychs in a single lot doubles the baseline value of a single print.

▲ Exact match to the highly documented 1897 'Chiyoda no On-omote' series.

▲ Verified artist signatures and series cartouches confirm authenticity.

Concerns

▼ Unverified mounting — if the prints are glued flat to the backing (laid down), collector value drops significantly.

▼ Unverified margins — trimmed margins reduce the prints to decorative value, anchoring the $200 floor.

▼ Visible water staining on the backing board may have penetrated the print paper.

Best Venue

To maximize value, have a professional framer or paper conservator open the frame to inspect the prints. If they are loose (not glued down) and have intact margins, they should be removed from the acidic backing and sold unframed through a specialist Asian art auction. If they are permanently glued down, sell them as-is in the current frame locally or online to decorative buyers, pricing at $350 to allow for negotiation.

Upside Potential

If the frame is opened and the prints are found to be completely loose, free of water stains, and possessing full, untrimmed margins folded behind the mat, the pair could realize $500-$600 at a specialist auction, aligning with the Brunk Auctions comp for two framed triptychs in better condition.

▾

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 10 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Bonhams· 2013-11-07
    Yoshu Chikanobu (1838-1912) Dated 1895-1897
    Unspecified quantity and subject matter, likely a large lot based on similar listings.
    $1,750
  • Bonhams· 2013-11-07
    Yoshu Chikanobu (1838-1912) Dated 1895-1897 (Seventeen oban triptychs)
    Lot of 17 triptychs; subject is exactly two.
    $1,750
  • Bonhams· 2024-12-10
    KITAGAWA UTAMARO (CIRCA 1750-1806), UTAGAWA TOYOHIRO (1773-1828); KEISAI EISEN (1790-1848), YŌSHŪ CHIKANOBU (1838-1912), AND OTHERS 24 Woodblock Prints
    Lot of 24 prints by mixed artists; subject is exactly two triptychs.
    $1,152
  • Antique Arena Inc· 2024-02-03
    ANTIQUE JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINT BY YOSHU CHIKANOBU
    Unspecified print; lacks details to confirm form or quantity.
    $125
  • Aspire Auctions· 2013-05-25
    Toyohara Chikanobu (Japanese, 1838-1912)
    Unspecified print; lacks details to confirm form or quantity.
    $92
  • Capsule Auctions· 2024-03-28
    Toyohara Chikanobu - Geisha Performing, Triptych
    Link could not be verified.
    $64
  • Capsule Auctions· 2022-10-06
    Toyohara Chikanobu - Paying Respect, Triptych
    Link could not be verified.
    $63
  • Christie's
    TOYOHARA CHIKANOBU (1838-1912) Two Triptychs
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price
  • Bukowskis· 2025-09-17
    Toyohara Chikanobu, "The Front of Chiyoda Palace - Chiyoda no On-omote - Hunting at Kokinbara".
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price
  • Tajan· 2024-10-10
    CHIKANOBU (1838-1912) Triptyque d'estampes oban tate-e d'une série intitulée Chiyoda no on omote mokuroku
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price