The Flower of Edo: Children's Games, 1858 - Terrific depiction of the New Year's parade of firemen, an annual ceremony known as "Dezomeshiki." Carrying red paper lanterns and tall fire hooks called tobiguchi (kite's beak), the men walk along in groups carrying their matoi or brigade standards trimmed with fringe. Several of the men carry bamboo ladders, used for athletic displays of acrobatics atop the ladders. A row of matoi runs across the bottom of the scene, with additional members of the procession in dark silhouette along the horizon. A fantastic design with wonderful detail. The first time we've seen this early Yoshitoshi triptych.

Artist - Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper, remargined at left side of two panels. Large losses at corners, a few holes, repaired. Rubbing. Please see photos for details.