Japanese Gallery Kensington @JapaneseGallery

This triptych captures spring at Mount Arashi, where elegance and nature intertwine in classic ukiyo-e style. Created in 1862 by the joint brushes of Toyokuni III Utagawa and Hiroshige II Utagawa, this print is inspired by The Tale of Genji. It blends courtly romance with sweeping landscapes: flowing robes, delicate blossoms, and a serene springtime scene. Known as history's first novel, The Tale of Genji is a Japanese literature classic from the Heian period. The story revolves around Hikaru Genji, the son of the emperor. The Tale has 54 chapters which were often depicted in woodblock prints during the late Edo period. Artist: Toyokuni III Utagawa (1786-1865)/ Hiroshige II Utagawa (1826-1869) Title: Spring at Mount Arashi Series: Four Seasons of Genji by Joint Brushes Publisher: Fujiokaya Keijiro Date: 1862 Visit japanesegallery.com for more information on this print.

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As we will soon step into the Year of the Horse, a symbol of vitality, forward motion, and bold spirit, we are reminded of a timeless scene from one of Japan’s greatest artists, Katsushika Hokusai’s Musashi Senju from Thirty‑six Views of Mount Fuji. In this print, travellers and a horse pause on the riverside, gazing toward the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. Here’s to a year filled with strength, curiosity, and forward motion - just like that horse in Hokusai’s landscape, looking toward the towering beauty of new possibility. Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (1760 - 1849) Title: Musashi Senju Series: Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi Date: circa 1829-1833 This print is available at japanesegallery.com

Celebrate the winter season with this enchanting 1882 masterpiece by Yoshitoshi Tsukioka! 'Playing in the Snow' from the celebrated Snow, Moon, and Flowers series captures pure holiday joy as elegant ladies frolic in freshly fallen snow beneath blooming plum blossoms, while a high-ranking lady watches the delightful scene unfold. Warm festive wishes from the Japanese Gallery Team! We wish you joy, peace, and beauty this holiday season. May this exquisite artwork bring warmth to your heart during these festive days. 🎎❄️ Find more stunning pieces at japanesegallery.com 🌸 — #JapaneseArt #Ukiyoe

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Witness the fearless Sato Tadanobu mid-air in this dramatic snowy duel, leaping down in Yoshitsune’s armour to confront Yokogawa Kakuhan. A striking moment captured by master ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi from his Courageous Leaders in Thirty-six Battles series. The contrast between the quiet winter landscape and the intensity of the action makes this piece especially captivating. See more details about this print at japanesegallery.com

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In Hour of the Snake by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada), we step into one hour from his elegant triptych series ‘Twelve Hours with Genji’. This print, published in 1859, reflects Kunisada’s deep engagement with The Tale of Genji. Through fine lines and layered colours, he brings to life a refined scene of courtly beauty and quiet emotion. The way the figures are arranged and the space is rendered captures the calm yet playful atmosphere of a moment in time. See more of Genji-inspired art at japanesegallery.com

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December is just around the corner, and it's getting chilly. 🎄❄️ Make sure to wear your straw hats and come warm yourself up on Dec 1st at Kanada-Ya. On Monday, we will be exhibiting our original One Piece posters and hand-drawn sketches used in the series' animation process!

Thank you to everyone who has visited ‘The Art of Sumo’ exhibition at the Embassy so far. The last day of the exhibition Thursday 27 November.

This beautiful woodblock print by Ohara Koson shows a lone goose standing against freshly fallen snow. This design reflects Koson’s signature style: elegant composition, subtle colours, and that unmistakable stillness that draws you in. You don’t need to know much about Japanese prints to feel something here - it’s a simple and balanced image. Koson was a master of kacho-ga (bird-and-flower prints), known for turning everyday scenes from nature into works that feel timeless. See more of kacho-ga art on japanesegallery.com

In Circle Phase: Zen Sky, Takashi Murakami channels serenity and cosmic harmony into a hypnotic square format. Signed by the artist and published by Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd., this piece bridges Murakami’s trademark aesthetic with a deeply meditative energy.

Step into a tranquil autumn moment within the palace gardens where colourful leaves rustle gently and court ladies in elegant kimono stroll beneath the branches. This refined woodblock print captures both the beauty of nature’s seasonal shift and the quiet grace of court life. It’s the kind of scene where you pause, take a breath, and let the colour, texture and tradition carry you away. This woodblock print by Chikanobu Yoshu is a perfect image for autumn enthusiasts. See more at japanesegallery.com.

Kuniyoshi captures an extraordinary moment of tragic heroism. Ishikawa Sosuke Sadatomo stands wounded, his body pierced by arrows, yet his sword remains raised. His face and lips have already turned blue - a chilling sign that he is dead or dying - but his stance is resolute, his spirit unbroken. This masterful musha-e (warrior print) embodies the samurai ideal: courage and loyalty defying mortality itself. The artist freezes the instant between life and death, not the fall, but the refusal to yield. Artist: Kuniyoshi Utagawa (1797-1861) Title: Ishikawa Sosuke Sadatomo Series: Heroes of the Grand Pacification Publisher: Yamamoto-ya Heikichi Date: c.1848-1849 See more at japanesegallery.com

In Sumo, calligraphy art is a collector’s item. The banzuke-hyo is the officially approved list of wrestlers in Grand Sumo ordered according to their rank and updated after each official tournament.

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The legendary demon-queller Shōki (Japan) steps into a mythic space: while the emperor lies tormented by a demon in a feverish dream, Shōki emerges, his sword poised. He locks gaze with a cowering green-oni, the moment electric with dread and deliverance. Yoshitoshi’s brilliance lies in this frozen point of tension, the dream-threshold where invisible demons stalk the sleeping mind and the heroic figure intervenes. Artist: Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839-1892) Title: Shoki Capturing a Demon in a Dream Series title: New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts Publisher: Sasaki Toyokichi Date: 1890 See more at japanesegallery.com

In this evocative scene, the warrior Taira no Koremochi suddenly realises that the beautiful woman who has charmed him is in fact a demon in disguise. His eyes, heavy-lidded, lock onto her reflection in a shallow bowl of water (or perhaps an oversized sake cup). The creature’s bestial, horned face glares back. In that instant, Koremochi reaches for his sword, readying for confrontation. What makes this print especially compelling is Yoshitoshi’s decision to freeze the quiet moment just before the furious burst of action. The tension, the stillness, the psychological charge are all captured with refined artistry. Artist: Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839-1892) Title: Taira no Koremochi Vanquishing the Demon of Mount Togakushi Series: New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts Publisher: Sasaki Toyokichi Date: 1890 See more at japaneseallery.com

JG Auction is pleased to announce our last auction of the year, on 15th November at 1:00 pm GMT. This sale features ukiyo-e, tsuba, katana, sagemono, scrolls, lacquerware, ceramics, and more. Visit jgauction.com to see the full catalogue and register to bid.

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Nomi no Sukune and Taima no Kehaya are about to clash in a legendary battle of strength and spirit. According to ancient legend, this fierce showdown in 23 B.C. gave birth to sumo wrestling as we know it today. With fire in their eyes and their robes tucked high, these warriors stand poised - their powerful forms a tribute to the warrior spirit that still lives on in the ring. Artist: Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839-1892) Title: Nomi no Sukune wrestling with Taima no Kehaya Series title: Yoshitoshi's Courageous Warriors Publisher: Tsunashima Kemakichi Date: 1883-1886

More than a sport - Sumo is a tradition, a ritual, and a powerful expression of Japanese culture. From its ancient roots in Shinto ceremony to its rise as Japan’s national sport, Sumo embodies strength, discipline, and deep spiritual meaning. ‘The Art of Sumo’ exhibition at the Embassy of Japan in London explores the rich history and striking visual legacy of Sumo, highlighting the traditions and rituals still practised today. We at Japanese Gallery Kensington are honoured to collaborate on this exhibition and proud to have several of our prints featured as part of the display. The exhibition is open on weekdays, 09:30am - 5:30pm. 🎟 Tickets: eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-of-s… @JAPANinUK

👹Riviviamo insieme i momenti di NipPop 2025! 👻Oggi vi proponiamo l'intervento di Eddy Wertheim, esperto di antiquariato giapponese e proprietario della @JapaneseGallery, che ci parla degli Yōkai nell'arte premoderna. Link qui alla diretta qui: youtube.com/watch?v=02P2Db…

Grand Sumo comes to the UK this month and what better way to learn about this ancient sport than by visiting our exhibition ‘The Art of Sumo’. To book free tickets, see eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-of-s… Images: © Chris Christodoulou + @royalalberthall, @JapaneseGallery, @MangaOriginals

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🎉 We are delighted to share that we will once again be taking part in Japan Matsuri 2025! The festival celebrates Japanese art and culture, and we are excited to welcome you to our stall in the South East area of Trafalgar Square. We will be offering authentic woodblock prints, lacquer chopsticks, anime posters, and original production cels. Keep an eye out for exclusive Matsuri-only discounts and the launch of our brand-new tote bag! ✨ Let us know in the comments if you are planning to attend! 📅 Sunday 21 September 📍 Trafalgar Square @japanmatsuri

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