Description: This is an original Meiji era, ukiyo-e woodblock diptych -- 2 separate pages making up one work of art. It's a dynamic depiction of a specific battle of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion. It was created, printed and signed by the important and influential artist Kobayashi Eitaku. Several woodblocks were carved to make the prints -- one for each color, and it was printed on handmade paper. Despite their age, the two prints have strong color and the diptych is in excellent condition. This is presented in a vintage, Japanese frame of carved wood that's elegant in its simplicity -- painted semi-gloss black with subtle, painted squares decorating its corners. Date of this print: March 30, 1877 (Meiji 10), made during the rebellion period. Frame size: 20.5" x 26.5" Visible print as matted: 14" x 18.25" The Satsuma Rebellion was a revolt of samurai against the new imperial government, nine years into the Meiji Era. The rebellion lasted from January 29, 1877, until September of that year, when it was decisively crushed. The scene depicted: In the midst of a large pitched battle, Colonel Nozu (mounted on his bucking horse and carrying the national flag) fights gallantly against samurai rebels led by Miyoshi Yoshitsugu. Reinforcement soldiers are arriving on the left. The artist: Japanese scholars have found it problematic to classify Kobayashi Eitaku (1843-1890). He was influenced by various styles, including Ming, nanga, and Western-style painting, and merged them into his own personal style of realism. As a painter and illustrator, his graphic talent and dynamic style livened up many novels. In 1879 he illustrated Kanagaki Robun's biography of Ulysses S. Grant. He created numerous illustrations for the early "crepe paper books" (chirimenbon) for children written by Hasegawa Takejiro (1853-1936). Eitaku enjoyed historical subjects and figures, but he perhaps made his greatest impact through his series of erotic drawings. And he holds historical importance for creating a scroll which shows a female corpse decomposing. While gruesome to look at, it’s also notable since it is a complete sequential narrative.
Price: 175 USD
Location: Richmond, Virginia
End Time: 2025-01-17T13:31:58.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Primary Material: Handmade Paper
Type: Paintings, Scrolls & Prints
Color: Multi-Color
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Featured Refinements: Japanese Woodblock Print
Region of Origin: Japan
Age: 1850-1899
Maker: Kobayashi Eitaku
