Procession of Monks by the River with Teahouse
Japanese woodblock print on chirimen-gami (crepe paper) • Attributed to the Utagawa School or publisher working in the style of Ando Hiroshige
Style & Movement
Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock print movement)
Medium & Technique
Polychrome woodblock printing (nishiki-e) on crinkled washi paper (chirimen-e)
Creation Period
Late Edo period to early Meiji period, circa mid-to-late 19th century
Dimensions & Format
Horizontal rectangular format, approximately 10 x 15 inches (25 x 38 cm)
Subject Description
A picturesque landscape scene depicting a procession of monks wearing traditional dark robes and conical hats walking along a riverbank. To the left is a rustic thatched-roof teahouse with calligraphic banners and a resting figure, while small boats dot the water in the background and cherry trees line the path.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. The print shows expected age-related toning, surface creasing intrinsic to chirimen-gami paper, and some edge wear or minor fraying.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired as a souvenir by a Western traveler during the Meiji period (Japonisme era) when chirimen-e prints were popular export items, descending through a private European or American collection.
Art Historical Significance
Chirimen-e (crepe prints) represent a fascinating technical sub-genre of Ukiyo-e designed primarily for the foreign export market during the opening of Japan in the late 19th century, reflecting the global fascination with Japanese aesthetics.
Notable Features
Distinctive crinkled texture (chirimen-gami) created by dampening and mechanically shrinking standard woodblock-printed washi paper, giving it a tactile, fabric-like quality.
Condition Issues
Characteristic distortion and shrinkage of the paper fibers due to the compression process used to create crepe paper, overall surface toning, and slight discoloration along the margins.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent further fiber degradation. Frame with UV-filtering conservation glass and acid-free matting without flattening the crepe texture.