Comments - Incredible triptych depicting a fire at Edo castle, with enormous red flames in the background, an orange cloud flecked with red embers rising above. Men rush through the background trying to fight the blaze. Acting as palace guards, the ladies of the court are assembled at right in charge of evacuating the inner palace. They carry covered naginata and lead a princess by the hand. Samurai and servants are gathered around, directing them and holding up paper lanterns. A fascinating image, nicely detailed with delicate embossing in the white kimono trim, soft shading, burnishing in the black robe and weapons, and soft shading in the night sky. A very intriguing triptych and a fine subject for a Chikanobu collector.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three panels, not attached at the seams. A few small tears in subject, loss at left edge of right panel, mainly in margin, repaired, blends well. Please see photos for details. Good overall.