Description: , Collection of 52 (of 53) leaves (printed on recto only) consisting of 1 title-leaf (text in Japanese characters) & 51 (of 52) col. woodcuts (all signed in the block). Publ. by i.a. Matsuki Heikichi (after 1895). Ca. 32,5 x 21 cm. (image) & ca. 35,5 x 24 cm. (leaf). (52x), ? Provenance: Private Dutch collection. Very rare almost complete set of Ogata Gekko’s famous series “Gishi shijushichi zu” (Illustrations of the Forty-seven Loyal Retainers) depicting the deeds of 47 Ronin (Samurai without a lord or master). "The story tells of a group of samurai who were left leaderless (becoming ronin) after their daimyo (feudal lord) Asano Naganori was compelled to perform seppuku (ritual suicide) for assaulting a court official named Kira Yoshinaka, [..]. After waiting and planning for a year, the ronin avenged their master's honor by killing Kira. In turn, they were themselves obliged to commit seppuku for committing the crime of murder. This true story was popularized in Japanese culture as emblematic of the loyalty, sacrifice, persistence, and honor that people should preserve in their daily lives [..]" (cited from Wikipedia). ? In 1902 a commemorative edition of this series was published by Daikokuya Gaho[=Matsuki Heikichi] comprising 49 leaves, but the most complete edition consists of 53 leaves: 1 title-leaf, 1 col. woodcut depicting a memorial tablet & 51 col. woodcuts depicting scenes with Ronin. Our set lacks 1 col. woodcut (titled “Okano Kinemon Kanehide”). A few minor imperfections (several leaves sl. foxed/ browned), but altogether in good condition.