Posted by Thomas Crossland on December 28, 1998 at 03:07:40:
In Reply to: Ebay Auctions posted by Sue Riggins on December 26, 1998 at 13:51:18:
: I've just stumbled on ebay, the online auction site. There are lots of Hiroshige prints selling there, but I can't tell whether they are originals or copies. One group claims to be 1870 Hiroshige, but that doesn't seem to make sense, and the prints themselves look to be much later. Can anyone out there offer some advice to steer me through? What's the best way to tell an original when all you have is a computer scan? Are these ebay prints originals or copies?
Sue,
I understand your concerns when it comes to purchasing prints from unknown strangers on Ebay; it can be either a minefield--or a gold mine. The question is, of course, how does one tell?
Having previously purchased several ukiyoe from tiny, unknown shops at various locations in Japan, I too, have recently purchased at least a couple dozen prints via the Internet--and I've never been disappointed, yet.
Here's a few tips. Oftentimes you can clearly see the uncut edges of the handmade paper in the image. This is a good sign. If unsure as to "printing method," it is always advisable to at least ask the seller if "when viewed from the BACKSIDE, have the ink colors bled through to the back?" This should at least weed out the possiblilty of a photocopy, litho, etc. At least you can be reasonably sure that it is at least a handmade print. However, what you still may be looking at could well be a "fukusei," which is the Japanese term for a print made from a later set of woodblocks carved to replicate the originals. This was widely done during the late 1800's to satisfy the demand for many of the earlier, poplar prints. Even years after the turn of the century, Watanabe's wookshop in Tokyo continued to produce many "fukusei" made from newly-carved blocks. These were of the highest quality and are, in their own right, wonderfully crafted pieces of Japanese art. These prints can sometimes be distinguished by their size, publisher's marks, etc--and simply be the newer feel of the paper.
If you are particularily interested in Hiroshige's, you could certainly purchase with confidence right here in Shogun's auction (many of the prices recently seem quite fair), or from the bi-monthly auction at the www.woodblockprint.com site where Hiroshige's appear nearly every auction. Both these auctions are run by very knowledgable, trustworthy dealers.
If you are interested in "shin-hanga" ("newer prints" by artist such as Hasui and Yoshida), I can also highly recomment the site at www.hanga.com.
Finally, if you have any "Ebay" purchases in mind and would like my opinion, I'll be glad to give you at least what is only my opinion. (I can be easily contacted at crossland@proaxis.com) Good luck. --Tom.