Comments - Intriguing triptych depicting the Japanese steamship Jundo-maru chugging through large white-capped waves, with standards and pennants fluttering in the wind. The battleship is carrying the Shogun Iemochi back to Edo from Kyoto, where met with the Imperial court to discuss the issue of "foreign barbarians." Clouds of smoke issues from the stacks, billowing across the sky towards a group of deities floating on swirling clouds, accompanying and protecting the shogun on his journey. A warrior on horseback in a black robe thrusts his battle fan forward, with another riding on a wild boar behind him, thrusting his sword up into the sky. In the center, a long-nosed tengu floats in the sky, enveloped with red flames. At left, a group of foxes dressed as samurai walks along a cloud, carrying standards and wooden wands with zigzag paper streamers called shide, used in Shinto rituals. Other ships can be seen in the distance at left, with the sun sinking beneath the horizon in the center. Signed Chikamaro. A fascinating subject, also in the collection of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Artist - Kyosai (1831 - 1889)

Image Size - 14" x 29" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Wormholes and small holes, repaired. Toning, soiling, and creasing, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details.