Series: The Meiji period (明治時代, Meiji-jidai)
Restoration: 1868 -1912

Category: Women Samurai

Accession Number: DFJN2020PRWS0013

Title (Original): 西郷と反乱軍の指導者
Title: Saigō to hanran-gun no shidō-sha
Translated Title: Saigo and Rebel Leaders

Artist (Original):
Artist: Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912)
Medium: Japanese woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and colour on paper
Signature: Unknown
Seal: Unknown
Publisher (Original): 表記無し
Publisher: Unknown
Engraver: Unknown
Publication Date:       

Acquisition Date: 23 / 10 / 2020

Country of origin: Japan
Size: Vertical ōban. Triptych. 27 ½ x 14 (inches). 69.3 x 35.7cm

Condition: Excellent colour and detail. Three separate panels. Slight toning.

Intriguing image from the Satsuma Rebellion showing the rebel leader General Saigo and his fellow samurai meeting on a verandah. Dressed in military uniform with his hand resting atop his sword, Saigo stands in the centre, looking back over his shoulder. His attention seems to be focused on a bright star in the dark night sky, the man behind him shielding his eyes with his hand as he peers over the balcony railing. A cloth covered table is set with refreshments, and the warrior at right sits in a chair, pointing with his fan. A beauty gripping a naginata leans forward with an eager smile. A fascinating subject, the scene framed by a rushing waterfall and colourful Japanese maple leaves at left. Nicely detailed with burnishing on the black uniform and kimono, and soft shading in the sky.

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