Comments - Spectacular preparatory painting of Kuniyoshi's comic triptych "The Ink Battle." This scene depicts an ink battle among courtiers, a favorite pastime at the Imperial Court during the Nara period. Here, a raucous fight takes place with noblemen daubing each other with inky brushes, while at top center, a fellow throws a wooden pail full of ink at a courtiers. The men at upper right laugh and point as they watch the spectacle, while an elderly man below rushes forward with a teakettle dripping with ink, the floor covered with footprints. At upper right, a samurai wearing a blue kimono with a stylized wave pattern may represent senior councilor Mizuno Tadakuni, while the woman just below and left of him may be the Shogun's mistress. Kuniyoshi's hidden message suggests that the samurai have become as weak as the courtiers who waste their time on ink battles. A fascinating satirical image with wonderfully expressive figures.

Preparatory paintings are quite rare and those by Edo era masters like Kuniyoshi are highly coveted by collectors. Bid now on this beautiful, rare painting.

Artist - Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 29 3/8"

Condition - With excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Some wrinkling. A few light spots. Some minor toning. Please see photos for details. Good overall.