Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An original oban triptych woodblock print (nishiki-e) signed 'Isshōsai Shigenobu hitsu' (Hiroshige II before or shortly after taking the master's name). The dramatic composition depicts the legendary Minamoto no Raikō and his Four Heavenly Kings disguised as mountain ascetics trekking into Mount Ōe to defeat the demon king Shuten-dōji.
Story
Disguised as wandering monks with weapons hidden in pack-frames, warrior Minamoto no Raikō and his retainers hunt the demon king Shuten-dōji on Mount Ōe in this vivid Edo-period fantasy triptych.
Maker / Origin
Utagawa Hiroshige II (1826–1869), born Suzuki Chinpei, was the foremost pupil and adopted son-in-law of the legendary landscape master Hiroshige. Early in his career, he worked under the name Shigenobu (一立斎重宣 / 一生斎重宣), showcasing exceptional skill in warrior legends (musha-e) and theatrical subjects alongside landscapes.
Condition & Value
Fair to good antique condition. Colors remain vibrant with good pigment retention. Notable edge losses, binding punch holes along the joining margins indicating removal from an accordion album, and light horizontal creasing/backing residue. The physical damage moderately softens the market value.
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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.