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「銀婚大典議式之圖」
The first event within the royal family that was publicized as an occasion to be celebrated by the entire nation was the 25th wedding anniversary of the Meiji Emperor and Empress in 1894, the “silver anniversary” according to the European tradition that was now adopted in Japan. In a formal ceremony at the palace, the ministers of state offer their congratulations to the couple. As was usual for such formal occasions, the Empress is dressed in the traditional costume of the Japanese court, while the Emperor wears a military uniform just as a European monarch would. To show deference, the artist has depicted a fine bamboo blind in front of the faces of the emperor and empress, although he has made the covering nearly transpaent.
Illustration of the Silver Wedding Celebration (Ginkon taiten gishiki no zu)
「銀婚大典議式之圖」
Japanese
Meiji era
1894 (Meiji 27), March
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Vertical ôban triptych; 37.2 x 73 cm (14 5/8 x 28 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection
Accession Number2000.236a-c
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
The first event within the royal family that was publicized as an occasion to be celebrated by the entire nation was the 25th wedding anniversary of the Meiji Emperor and Empress in 1894, the “silver anniversary” according to the European tradition that was now adopted in Japan. In a formal ceremony at the palace, the ministers of state offer their congratulations to the couple. As was usual for such formal occasions, the Empress is dressed in the traditional costume of the Japanese court, while the Emperor wears a military uniform just as a European monarch would. To show deference, the artist has depicted a fine bamboo blind in front of the faces of the emperor and empress, although he has made the covering nearly transpaent.
Signed
Yôsai Nobukazu hitsu
楊斎延一筆
楊斎延一筆
Marks
Artist's seal: toshidama
ProvenanceVarious dealers: primarily in London and Tokyo. Purchased between 1985-1999.