The catalogue raisonné for Ogata Gekko (尾形月耕)
Welcome to our tribute to the remarkable Japanese artist, Ogata Gekko.
Ogata Gekko (Oct 10, 1859 – Oct 1, 1920) stands as a prominent figure in the history of Japanese art, particularly during the Meiji and Taisho eras. His contributions to the world of ukiyo-e, a traditional woodblock printing technique, and his versatility as an artist encompassing various styles make him a fascinating subject of study. Born Nakagami Masanosuke, Gekko later adopted the art name Gekko, meaning “moonlight,” which came to symbolize his ethereal and luminous artistic creations. This introduction delves into the life and artwork of Ogata Gekko, exploring his early years, artistic influences, notable works, and lasting legacy.
Gekko’s early life unfolded against the backdrop of Japan’s rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration. Born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), he witnessed the dynamic shift from the samurai era to a more open and industrialized society. Gekko’s exposure to these transformative times significantly influenced his artistic sensibilities, as he navigated the complexities of tradition and modernity in his work. This tension is palpable in his diverse portfolio, where traditional ukiyo-e themes seamlessly coexist with depictions of contemporary subjects.
Drawing inspiration from both Japanese and Western art, Gekko honed a distinctive style that set him apart from his contemporaries. His mastery of ukiyo-e, evident in the intricacy of his woodblock prints, reflects a deep appreciation for the traditional art form. Simultaneously, Gekko experimented with new techniques and subjects, incorporating elements from Western realism and impressionism into his oeuvre. This fusion of influences contributed to the richness and uniqueness of his artistic expression.
Collectors interested in studying or acquiring his work may also browse original Ogata Gekkō woodblock prints and past listings at Moonlit Sea Prints. The collection includes examples from several of Gekkō’s major subjects and series, with photographs and available information about each impression.
Explore the art of Ogata Gekko (1859–1920), one of the leading Japanese artists of the Meiji period. This evolving catalogue raisonné documents Gekko’s woodblock prints, print series, illustrated books, paintings, signatures, and seals.
Collectors and researchers can use the catalogue to identify individual works, compare seal and signature forms, investigate publication dates and publishers, and place prints within Gekko’s wider body of work.
Begin by browsing the full catalogue, studying Gekko’s seals, or exploring his print series and biography.
Do You Have an Ogata Gekkō Print?
This catalogue can help owners identify woodblock prints by Ogata Gekkō through comparisons with documented designs, series, dates, formats, signatures and seals. Gekkō produced an unusually varied body of work that includes single-sheet prints, surimono-like compositions, book illustrations, albums, fan prints, diptychs and triptychs.
Identification often requires more than recognizing the central subject. Many of Gekkō’s designs belong to larger series devoted to historical narratives, fashionable customs, flowers, legendary figures, the Forty-seven Rōnin, Mount Fuji or the Sino-Japanese War. Titles, inscriptions, publisher information and adjacent sheets from a multi-panel composition can all help establish what a print represents.
Use the Ogata Gekkō catalogue raisonné to compare an impression with recorded works and consult the reference page for Ogata Gekkō’s seals. When photographing a print for research, include the complete sheet, its margins and reverse. If the work appears to be part of a diptych or triptych, note whether any accompanying sheets remain with it.
If you are considering selling an Ogata Gekkō print or a broader collection of Japanese woodblock prints, Moonlit Sea Prints purchases individual prints, inherited holdings and complete collections. Prints do not need to be fully identified before submission; clear photographs and any available information about their history are enough to begin a preliminary review.
