Spring Flowers on the Sumida River, 1880

by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Current Status

Spring Flowers on the Sumida River, 1880 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Original Chikanobu (1838 - 1912) Japanese Woodblock Print
Spring Flowers on the Sumida River, 1880

Comments - Terrific scene of the Meiji Emperor and Empress enjoying a spring day on the boating on the Sumida River. They are playing a poetry game called "kyokusui no utage." Dating back to the Heian era, the game involved setting a sake cup afloat on the river. Downstream, each participant had to quickly compose a 31-syllable poem before the cup of sake floated past. The writer then got to drink the sake after fishing the cup out of the stream. The emperor sits in the boat at left, smiling as the ladies-in-waiting around him write verses on poem slips. The empress stand in the ship at right as one of her attendants leans over the edge with a cup in hand. The boats are elegantly decorated with colorful trim, and the emperor's boat has a dragon prow. Pink and white cherry blossoms frame the sky overhead, and two birds bob on the undulating water. A charming design with vibrant color and wonderful detail, including faint embossing in the white kimono trim and bokashi shading in the water and sky.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This triptych with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small holes, repaired. Slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Spring Flowers on the Sumida River, 1880 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)
Spring Flowers on the Sumida River, 1880 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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