What is the estimated value of this 'Kinryūzan Temple' woodblock print?

This Mid-to-Late 20th Century woodblock print, 'Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa' after Utagawa Hiroshige, has an estimated market value of $150 - $250. This valuation is based on its assessment as a high-quality decorative reprint, supported by recent sales of similar reproductions on platforms like eBay. Original 1856 Edo-period impressions of this iconic design command significantly higher prices, ranging from $4,000 to over $6,000.

What era is this 'Kinryūzan Temple' woodblock print from?

This specific woodblock print is from the Mid-to-Late 20th Century. It is a faithful reproduction of Utagawa Hiroshige's famous 1856 masterpiece, 'Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa,' from his 'One Hundred Famous Views of Edo' series. While it captures the essence of the Edo period, its pristine paper condition and sharp lines confirm it as a modern reprint rather than a 19th-century original.

What condition is this 'Kinryūzan Temple' print in?

The print itself is in excellent condition, displaying vibrant, unfaded colors and sharp lines, with no visible foxing, tears, or creases. The paper is exceptionally bright and clean, lacking the typical toning expected of an antique. The modern black frame shows minor cosmetic wear, such as small chips and scratches, but this has a negligible impact on the overall decorative value of the print.

Where should I sell this Hiroshige reproduction woodblock print?

For this Mid-to-Late 20th Century decorative woodblock print, selling on online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy is highly recommended. These platforms provide direct access to retail buyers and decorative art collectors, maximizing your net proceeds ($130 - $215 after fees). Specialist auction houses typically have high minimum lot thresholds of $1,000+ and are not suitable for items in this value range.

Is this 'Kinryūzan Temple' woodblock print an authentic Utagawa Hiroshige original?

No, this print is assessed as a high-quality 20th-century reproduction, not an original 1856 Edo-period impression by Utagawa Hiroshige. The pristine condition of the paper, vibrant unfaded colors, and exceptionally sharp black keyblock lines are characteristic of modern reprints from recut blocks, rather than a 160+ year-old original print that would show signs of age and wear.

What makes the original 'Kinryūzan Temple' design so famous?

The original 'Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa' design by Utagawa Hiroshige is famous for its innovative composition, dramatically framing the snow-covered Sensō-ji temple with a massive red lantern. Part of his 'One Hundred Famous Views of Edo' series, it profoundly influenced Western artists during the Japonisme movement, inspiring Impressionists like Van Gogh and Monet with its evocative glimpse of historic Tokyo life.

After Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), 'Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa', Mid-to-Late 20th Century Woodblock Print Reprint

Estimated value: $150 - $250. After Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), 'Kinryūzan Temple in Asakusa', Mid-to-Late 20th Century Woodblock Print Reprint (Mid-to-Late 20th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This print captures one of the most celebrated images in Japanese art: a snow-swept view of the Kinryūzan Temple (better known as Sensō-ji) in Asakusa, part of historic Edo (modern Tokyo). The original design was created in 1856 by Utagawa Hiroshige, a master of the ukiyo-e, or 'pictures of the floating world,' genre. His series 'One Hundred Famous Views of Edo' was a sensation, offering evocative glimpses of city life that appealed to a rising merchant class. Hiroshige's innovative compositions, like the dramatic use of the giant lantern to frame this scene, had a profound impact on Western artists, fueling the 'Japonisme' movement that inspired Impressionists like Van Gogh and Monet. The immense and lasting popularity of this particular image led to the creation of high-quality reproductions throughout the 20th century. This print is one such example, made using traditional woodblock techniques to allow a new generation to own a piece of this iconic artistic legacy.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on the assessment that this is a high-quality 20th-century decorative reprint. This is supported by recent sales and current listings for similar reprints, such as an asking price of $113 on eBay and a realized price of $125 for a lot of two 'after' Hiroshige prints. This market is distinct from that of original 1856 impressions, which command prices from $4,000 to over $6,000 at major auction houses. The estimate reflects the item's excellent condition and strong decorative appeal as a fine reproduction. Should you choose to sell at auction, a reserve price of $120 is recommended. Net proceeds after a typical seller's commission of 10-15% would be approximately $125 - $225.

Comparable sales

The item is a "Suite of (6) colour woodblock prints from Fifty-three Stations of Tokaido Highway" by Utagawa Hiroshige. The prints are described as "Prints & Graphic Art" with sheet dimensions of 21.5 x 32 cm and 38 x 28 cm. — sold for — (MutualArt), 2022-12-14
An oban tate-e print of Asakusa Kinryuzan (Kinryuzan Temple, Asakusa), from the series Meisho Edo hyakkei (100 Famous Views of Edo), published by Uoya Eikichi, censor's seals aratame, date seal Dragon 7 (1856), signed Hiroshige hitsu. 37.2cm x 25.1cm (14 5/8in x 9 7/8in). — sold for $3,965 (Bonhams), 2023-05-23
Woodblock print, from the series Meisho Edo hyakkei (One hundred views of famous places in Edo), signed Hiroshige ga, published by Uoya Eikichi, 7th month 1856. Vertical oban: 141⁄4 x 95⁄8 in. (36.2 x 24.4 cm.) — sold for 5,000 USD (Christie's), 2021-09-29
Utagawa Hiroshige “Kinryuzan Temple At Asakusa” Japanese woodblock print with snow-covered temple and surrounding street scene. The primary material is paper, and it is a vintage original. — sold for $113.43 (eBay), 2024-01-01
ASIAN: Two woodblock prints after Utagawa Hiroshige (Japan 1797-1858) the first "Kambara, Night Snow", originally published c. 1833, from the series "Fifty-three stations of the Tokaido- Hoeido edition", depicts three... — sold for — (Invaluable), 2023-07-24
AFTER UTAGAWA HIROSHIGE I (1787-1868) THREE WOODBLOCK PRINTS. — sold for — (Bishop & Miller), 2023-01-01

Expert notes

This valuation is based on the high probability that the item is a 20th-century reprint. However, there is a significant value difference depending on the exact age. If, upon physical inspection, the print were confirmed to be an original 1856 Edo-period impression in this condition, its value would be substantially higher, in the range of $4,000 - $6,000. Before selling, it is strongly recommended to have the print professionally removed from its frame to allow a specialist to examine the paper, margins, and verso, which will definitively determine its age and edition.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your Japanese woodblock print worth?.