Yoshu Chikanobu

1838-1912

Illustration of the Honored Commanders, Receiving the Emperor's Gift Cup
(Kunko no sho tenpai o tamau no zu)

signed Yoshusai Chikanobu, with publisher's seal of Inoue Mohei dated Meiji junen kugatsu goka (Meiji 10 [1877], September 5th)

oban tate-e triptych 14 5/8 by 30 in., 37.2 by 76.2 cm

The leaders of Emperor Meiji's (1852-1912) pacification of the rebels of Kagoshima during the Satsuma Rebellion are seen celebrating their victory during a ceremony hosted by the Emperor featuring a presentation of 'Gift Cups.' The Emperor is seated on a raised platform wearing traditional court clothing surounded by attendants in courtly costumes. His Chancellor of the Realm (and future Prime Minister), Sanjo Sanetomi (1837-1891), is seated to his left wearing purple courtly attire. The military leaders, wearing western style formal military uniforms adorned with gold braids and epaulets, are seated awkwardly in four-legged chairs as two court ladies refill their red and gold lacquer sake cups using long-handled oversized lacquer ladles.

Reference:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession nos. JP3221 and JP3222; and JP3250 (similar subject by Chikanobu)

(inv. no. 10-5413)

price: $750