Comments - Incredible triptych depicting a fire in the Kasumigaseki area of Edo following a major earthquake in Ansei 2 (1855), with a building collapsing at left and clouds of orange smoke and dark ashes billowing into the night sky. The ladies of a daimyo's palace are assembled at right to evacuate a princess. The women shoulder an elegant palanquin with the princess inside, preparing to remove her to safety. Samurai and servants are gathered around, directing them and holding up paper lanterns. At left, a woman has tripped in her haste to leave, and has sprawled on the ground as her companions hurry past her. At far right, a young girl takes the hand of an elderly woman, leading her out of the building. A fascinating image with wonderful detail in the expressive figures and beautiful rich color. Nicely detailed with delicate embossing in the white kimono trim, soft shading, and a hand-applied spray of fine pigment to create the flying ashes. A rare Chikanobu subject.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small losses and tear at edge, thinning repaired. Wrinkling and creasing, ink offsetting, slight rubbing and paper remnants at edges. Please see photos for details.