Rating and value of Hiroshige prints and etchings

Rating and value of Hiroshige prints and etchings

Key takeaways

  • Prints by Hiroshige (1797–1858) regularly fetch several thousand euros at auction, with prices ranging from 30 to 17,190 euros depending on rarity and condition.
  • The most sought-after works are landscape prints, particularly the series of 55 prints depicting the route from Edo to Kyoto, produced beginning in the 1830s during a period of urban expansion.
  • The Japanese artist’s market value has been rising in recent years thanks to his unique style, which blends traditional influences with poetry and is highly prized by international collectors.

If you own a work by the artist Hiroshige or based on his work and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.


Rating and value of the artist

Hiroshige is a common artist and highly rated on the auction market. His works arouse keen interest among collectors and art lovers, particularly those who appreciate 19th-century Japanese printmaking. The most sought-after pieces are prints. Thus, a work signed by Hiroshige can fetch thousands of euros at auction, such as his print From the upright Tokaido series,adjudged for €17,190 in 2001, while it was estimated at between €11,460 and €13,100. 

Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious

Technique used

Result

Wood engraving wood

From €50 to €17,000

Estamp

From €30 to €17,190

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Artist's style and technique

Hiroshige is a Japanese artist who produced engravings and prints, mixing ancient Chinese techniques and woodcuts. He drew most of his inspiration from Japanese landscapes and myths.  

Hiroshige, estampe

Hiroshige's career   

Hiroshige (1797 - 1858), was a Japanese printmaker.

Born in Edo, Utagawa Hiroshige learned to paint as a child. He lost his parents at the age of 14, and took over his father's job as a fireman. At the same time, he studied in Toyohiro's studio, where he learned landscape etching. He took over the studio when his master died. He produced series on the major cities of eastern China.

In particular, he represented a series of 55 prints linking the stages from Edo to Kyoto, a journey intended to offer gifts to the Emperor. Thanks to the development of transport networks, the engraver enjoyed great success from the 1830s onwards, when the city of Kyoto was booming.

Hokusai popularized the genre of landscape paintings, which also increased Hiroshige's success with the general public. During this period, he developed a technique that allowed for gradations in the absence of motifs. He inscribed haiku (Japanese poems) on some of his prints.

Hiroshige died in Edo e, 1858.

Hiroshige's imprint on his period

Today, Hiroshige is recognized as one of the most influential Japanese artists of the 19th century. His prints are highly prized by collectors and are a great success at auction. His unique style, blending ancient Japanese influences and poetry, is particularly appreciated and sought-after today. Some of his works are exhibited in museums in Japan, but private collectors play a major role in preserving his work. His stock has been rising in recent years.  

His signature

Not all of Hiroshige's works are signed. It's also possible that it's a copy or that the mention has faded over time, which is why expertise is paramount.

Signature de Hiroshige

Expertise your property

If you own a work by Hiroshige, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.

If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each work.

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Frequently asked questions

  • Who is Hiroshige, and what is his historical context?
    Hiroshige (1797–1858) was a Japanese printmaker born in Edo, recognized as one of the most influential artists of the 19th century. Trained in landscape woodblock printing in Toyohiro’s studio, he distinguished himself through his series of landscapes inspired by Japanese cities and travels, notably the famous series of 55 prints connecting Edo to Kyoto. His unique style blends traditional Japanese influences with a distinctive poetic sensibility, including haiku in some of his works.
  • What is the average price of a Hiroshige print or engraving at auction?
    Hiroshige's prints can fetch anywhere from a few dozen to several thousand euros, depending on their rarity and condition. A print may sell for between 30 and 17,190 euros, while a woodblock print generally ranges from 50 to 17,000 euros. The most sought-after pieces, particularly those from prestigious series, fetch the highest prices at auction.
  • How can you authenticate a print or engraving by Hiroshige?
    To authenticate a work by Hiroshige, we recommend that you request a free appraisal from Auctie's. Our auctioneers and certified experts will examine your artwork and provide you with an accurate estimate of its market value. This step is particularly important because not all of Hiroshige’s works are signed, and some signatures may have faded over time or may be forgeries.
  • Is this the right time to sell a work by Hiroshige?
    Yes, now is a good time to sell a work by Hiroshige. His value has been rising in recent years, his prints are generating keen interest among collectors and enthusiasts of 19th-century Japanese art, and the market remains strong for this type of piece. Our experts will help you determine the best sales strategy to maximize the price of your piece.
  • How does the appraisal process work at Auctie's?
    The appraisal is free and non-binding. Simply fill out our online form with information and photos of your artwork. A certified expert or auctioneer will contact you within 48 hours to provide you with an accurate estimate of your item’s market value. If you’d like to sell, we’ll then guide you toward the best solution for your situation.