JUNE 2024 SALE OF FINE ARTS AND COLLECTIBLES

A CHIKANOBU YOSHU ORIGINAL WOODBLOCK PRINT, JAPANESE, "DAIMYO APPROCHING THE KIKYO GATE ON FOOT ON

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Start price: $350

Estimated price: $450 - $550

Buyer's premium:

This woodblock print is part of a second triptych series first published in 1897 illustrating the "Chiyodo Outer Palace" the domain of the shogun and his retainers at Edo Castle, also known as Chiyoda Castle.

Wonderful panoramic view of a long procession of feudal lords approaching Chiyoda Palace for the annual New Year’s Day greeting of the Tokugawa Shogun. At right, a daimyo rides in a palanquin, surrounded by his retainers, the two men in front carrying gifts in large wooden trunks.

Chikanobu Youshu (1838-1912) was a ukiyo-e artist from the end of the 19th century. He was one of the most prolific woodblock print artists of this period, working with both traditional subjects, such as actors, courtesans, scenes of famous sites, and beautiful women, and with topical subjects, such as war and rebellion. Even though Chikanobu’s prints showcase a variety of subjects, due to the wealth of his beauties and court ladies’ works, it is believed that the customs and events of the imperial family were his favorite subjects.

Japan – 1897

Each: 14 x 9 3/8 in., (35.5 x 24 cm.)

Provenance: Ex-Private Kensington, London, UK.

Condition: Very good overall. Some light soiling through the pieces and paper thinning in places. The middle panel has a vertical crease down the left edge with a slight tear at the top and bottom left corners.