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「銀婚御式奉祝の図」
The wedding anniversary of the imperial couple was celebrated not only within the palace but on the streets of Tokyo as well, with a parade including elaborate floats and costumes similar to those used for traditional events such as the annual festival of the Sannō Shrine. The figure at the top of the float represents Emperor Jinmu, the legendary first emperor. In the background is a view of the Imperial Palace, with its landmark double bridge (Nijubashi) and the Phoenix Carriage of the emperor. This European-style carriage is topped with a golden figure of the mythical bird hō-ō, translated in English as “phoenix,” although its legends are somewhat different from those of its Western counterpart. The fabulous bird became a symbol of the imperial family.
Illustration of the Celebration of the Silver Wedding Anniversary (Ginkongoshiki hôshuku no zu)
「銀婚御式奉祝の図」
Japanese
Meiji era
1894 (Meiji 27), February
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Vertical ôban triptych; 36.2 x 73 cm (14 1/4 x 28 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection
Accession Number2000.138a-c
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
The wedding anniversary of the imperial couple was celebrated not only within the palace but on the streets of Tokyo as well, with a parade including elaborate floats and costumes similar to those used for traditional events such as the annual festival of the Sannō Shrine. The figure at the top of the float represents Emperor Jinmu, the legendary first emperor. In the background is a view of the Imperial Palace, with its landmark double bridge (Nijubashi) and the Phoenix Carriage of the emperor. This European-style carriage is topped with a golden figure of the mythical bird hō-ō, translated in English as “phoenix,” although its legends are somewhat different from those of its Western counterpart. The fabulous bird became a symbol of the imperial family.
Catalogue Raisonné
Konishi, Nishiki-e Bakumatsu Meiji no rekishi 11 (1977), p. 18; Asai, Kinsei nishiki-e sesôshi 7 (1936), pp. 34-5
Signed
Baidô Kokunimasa
梅堂小国政
梅堂小国政
Marks
Artist's seal: Baidô
ProvenanceVarious dealers: primarily in London and Tokyo. Purchased between 1985-1999.