Comments - Terrific illustration of a banquet at the Gakushuin School, which was established for children of the nobility in the mid-nineteenth century. Several elegantly dressed beauties sit around the room on the floral carpet, drinking sake form red lacquer cups. Sweets are piled high on white offering trays, and two women carry long-handled sake servers to refill cups as needed. At left, the Meiji Empress sits on a platform holding a fan in her lap. At upper right, a woman serves drinks to a group of men in military uniforms in another room. The center panel features a low table covered a cloth that holds a large vase of flowers and trays with sake cups and refreshments. A lively scene with wonderful vibrant color and detail, including embossing in the white kimono trim, burnishing on the black kimono, and accents of metallic pigment that have oxidized to a dark tone.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small losses and tears, repaired. Slight soiling and ink offsetting, a few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.