Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
An authentic Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock print diptych by the legendary master Utagawa Kuniyoshi. It depicts the chilling climax of the famous kabuki play and folklore legend of the 'Lonely House at Adachigahara' (Adachigahara no Hitotoya), featuring the terrifying old hag of Adachigahara brandishing a knife over a pregnant victim.
Story
In 1845, Edo audiences gasped at this theatrical print depicting a cannibalistic hag of Japanese folklore. Kuniyoshi masterfully captures the tension of a rescue about to unfold, hiding the hero behind a bamboo screen.
Maker / Origin
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861) was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e style. Renowned for his dynamic warrior prints, ghostly apparitions, and whimsical cat drawings, his imaginative compositions and dramatic use of shadow heavily influenced modern manga and tattoo art.
Condition & Value
The diptych shows typical signs of age, including a visible vertical seam where the two panels meet, minor edge wear, and slight fading of the organic pigments. However, the registration of the blocks remains sharp, and the lack of backing paper allows the authentic ink bleed-through to be clearly inspected.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.