Comments - Terrific scene of beauties enjoying the fireworks at Ryogoku from pleasure boats on the river. The boat at right is crowded with elegantly dressed courtesans and a young attendant, one of the women wearing a magnificent kimono depicting the boy Kintaro climbing atop a giant carp, a scene from a popular folktale. Several men lounge on the roof of the cabin, smoking pipes, dressed in simple blue and white cotton kimono over black undergarments. Smoke swirls through the dark night sky dotted with tiny red explosions, and a pinwheel creates a shower of red sparks at left. Below the pinwheel, a vendor maneuvers his load of melons and other snacks between the ships, offering refreshments for sale. At top left, a beauty in a fine red kimono patterned with cherry blossoms stands in the prow of a boat for a better view, holding her fan next to her face. An incredible illustration of this popular summertime activity, with lively color and burnishing on the black lacquer trim on the boats. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection.

Artist - Yoshiiku (1833 - 1904)

Image Size - 28" x 13 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Some wrinkling and creasing in subject as shown. Some toning, rubbing, and soiling at edges. A number of small holes and losses repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.