Flowers of Edo, Excitement at Night, 1860

by Yoshitsuya (1822 - 1866)

Current Status

Flowers of Edo, Excitement at Night, 1860 by Yoshitsuya (1822 - 1866)

Original Yoshitsuya (1822 - 1866) Japanese Woodblock Print
Flowers of Edo, Excitement at Night, 1860

Comments - Fantastic kabuki triptych depicting three actors as firemen, each wearing a beautifully decorated quilted firemen's jacket. The fellow at right lifts a lantern high, his jacket patterned with a fierce dragon and red flames. The man at left leans forward with an anxious expression, his mouth slightly agape. He wears a robe featuring a bird with long colorful feathers, a dotted sash tied around his forehead. His companion in the center thrusts his arm out to the side with alarm, staring back over his shoulder with a frown, his jacket patterned with a lion and red peonies. In the background, additional firemen can be seen in dark silhouette rushing around with glowing lanterns in hand. A hand-applied spray of pigment that has oxidized to gray is spattered across the dark night sky to represent ashes or embers drifting from the fire. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Kodanji IV, Kawarazaki Gonjuro I, and Nakamura Shikan IV. A terrific design with wonderful color and detail, including soft bokashi shading in the background and intricate line work in the stitching on the jackets. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Yoshitsuya (1822 - 1866)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small holes and thinning spots, repaired. Slight rubbing along right edges of left and center panels. A few light creases, very slight soiling. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.

Flowers of Edo, Excitement at Night, 1860 by Yoshitsuya (1822 - 1866)
Flowers of Edo, Excitement at Night, 1860 by Yoshitsuya (1822 - 1866)

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