Christie's is preparing to auction a remarkable private collection of Japanese prints this September, led by more than 600 works gathered over five decades by American collector Alan Medaugh. The first sale, set for September 17 in New York, will feature over 180 prints and is drawing attention for its depth and quality.
The collection centers on Utagawa Hiroshige, one of the most influential names in Japanese printmaking and a longtime counterpart to Hokusai in the global art conversation. Specialists describe the group as one of the finest private assemblies of Hiroshige works ever brought together.
Christie's says the market for Japanese prints has expanded steadily in recent years, with stronger estimates and broader international interest. According to the auction house, younger collectors are entering the category, while top impressions continue to attract serious demand well beyond Japan.
Medaugh's collection reflects a lifelong pursuit of quality. He began with a single Hiroshige print during a trip to Japan and gradually developed a sharp eye for condition, color, and early impressions. Over time, he made repeated journeys, studied the field closely, and focused on acquiring the freshest examples rather than building volume alone.
That approach matters in woodblock printing, where each impression can vary as the carved blocks wear down. Earlier prints often preserve finer lines and more nuanced color, making them especially prized among collectors and scholars. Hiroshige's influence has also extended far beyond the auction world, shaping generations of artists and continuing to inspire new interpretations today.
For Medaugh, the sale is also about stewardship, allowing the works to move into new hands while their legacy continues to grow. As this collection reaches the market, it highlights how historical art can find renewed relevance in a global collecting era. The future may bring even wider recognition for Japanese printmaking as a cornerstone of visual culture.
