Polo Tournament - Fantastic Chikanobu triptych of a group of Edo elite playing in a tournament of dakyu on the grounds of Chiyoda Palace, a game with similarities to both polo and lacrosse. Dating back to the eight century, dakyu was popularized by the Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune during the Edo era as excellent training for warfare. A lively scene with players jostling each other on horseback as they reach for the balls with bamboo poles with small baskets at the ends. The shogun watches from a pavilion at left, retainers kneeling at his side. Nicely detailed with delicate embossing on the white kimono, and burnishing on the black lacquer horse equipment. A terrific subject.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with somewhat stiff paper. Small loss at edge, repaired. A few creases and spots, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details.