Complete Illustration of the Enthronement Ceremony of His Majesty the Present Emperor at the Shishiden (Kinjô Tennô heika Shishinden gosokuishiki dairei zenzu)

「今上天皇陛下紫宸殿御即位式大礼全図」
"H.i.M. The Present Emperor's Coronation ceremony at 'Shinshinden' Kyoto imperial Palace.　Nov., 4th Taisho. (1915)"

Tanaka Ryôzô (Japanese, 1874–1946)
Publisher: Shôbidô (Japanese)

Japanese

Taishô era

1915 (Taishô 4), printed October 10, published October 15

Medium/Technique Color lithograph; ink on paper

Dimensions 39.5 x 54.7 cm (15 9/16 x 21 9/16 in.)

Credit Line Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Collection

Accession Number2008.520

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings

ClassificationsPrints

A head-on view of the south courtyard of the Shishinden hall at the old imperial palace in Kyoto shows the many special furnishings and costumes prepared for the enthronement. The figure about to climb the stairs is the Prime Minister, preparing to deliver a speech congratulating the new emperor. After his speech, he will lead the assembled crowd in three cheers of “Banzai,” the equivalent of “Long Live the Emperor!” In 1915, the ceremony was precisely timed and the schedule announced ahead of time, so that the entire country could join in the cheering at exactly the right moment. For the 1928 enthronement, the brand-new technology of radio broadcasting, introduced to Japan in 1925, made it possible for Japanese citizens scattered around the world to join in as they listened to the live broadcast.

Signed Tanaka Ryôzô (artist, printer, and publisher)
田中良三

ProvenancePurchased by Fred Sharf; 2008, given by Fred Sharf to the MFA