Comments - Fascinating illustration of a ceremony presenting "Gift Cups" of sake from the emperor to the Imperial Army commanders who conquered the rebel samurai during the Satsuma Rebellion. The emperor sits at upper left wearing a military uniform with a sash across the chest and a plumed hat. He is accompanied by the empress and Prime Minster Sanjo Sanetomi, watching the presentation of the cups and enjoying the performance of a beautiful shirabyoshi dancer, who is accompanied by young boys playing flute and drum. On either side of the room, ladies-in-waiting fill the officers' enormous cups with sake from long-handled servers. The empress is seated at upper left behind low table holding a large tray with a pile tree and piles of sweets. At upper right, men in uniform wait their turns for the presentation. The elegant room features a patterned carpet, a large arrangement of chrysanthemums in a vase, and purple draperies overhead bearing the Meiji Imperial chrysanthemum crest. Beautifully detailed with embossing on the white kimono and burnishing on the black uniforms. A great image from this historic event.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Small losses and tears, repaired. Wrinkling and rippling. Please see photos for details.