Utagawa Kuniyoshi Antique Japanese Woodblock Book, Edo Period, Vol. V Complete (10 Books), 79 Engravings, “Ehon Toyotomi Kunkōki” — Tanekiyo

“Ehon Toyotomi Kunkōki” (Illustrated Chronicle of the Merits of Toyotomi) — complete Volume V, consisting of 10 traditional stitched books from the late Edo period, with an extensive illustrative corpus by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.

The volume contains 79 complete engravings by Kuniyoshi, including full-page prints and double-page compositions. The majority of illustrations are executed as wide double-spread images, forming a continuous visual cycle of battle scenes and historical figures of the Sengoku era.

Structure of illustrations within the volume:

Book 1 — 6 full-page engravings and 7 double-spread compositions.
Books 2–6 — 7 double-spreads each.
Book 7 — 11 double-spreads.
Book 8 — 7 double-spreads.
Book 9 — 6 double-spreads.
Book 10 — 7 double-spreads.

Text author: Ryūsuitei Tanekiyo.
Illustrator: Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
Date: Ansei 4 – Bunkyū 3 (1857–1863), late Edo period.
Technique: traditional Japanese woodblock printing.
Format: original stitched booklets (wahon).
Language: Japanese.

Volume V presents key episodes from the rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and portrays major historical figures of sixteenth-century Japan — military commanders, allies, rivals, and court figures. Kuniyoshi’s illustrations demonstrate dynamic composition, dramatic battle scenes, and expressive samurai imagery characteristic of the artist’s mature book-period work.

Complete set of 10 books within Volume V. Original covers and title slips preserved. No restoration.

Good to very good antique condition for its age. The paper shows natural age-related toning and moderate handling wear consistent with an authentic Edo-period woodblock-printed book. Minor isolated insect traces are present but do not affect the integrity of the text or illustrations.

Size (approx.): 15.5 × 22.5 cm (each book).

Safe and tracked shipping from Latvia (Riga Gallery of Japanese Art CloudyYokomido).

For US buyers: this item enters the United States duty-free.