Kiyochika: Sogo at the Ferry Landing--An Authentic View
Artist: Kobayashi Kiyochika 小林清親 (1847-1915)
Title: Sôgo at the Ferry Landing--An Authentic View
Date: 1884
Considered Kiyochika’s finest historical triptych, we see the dramatic moment when Sôgo is kneeling to thank the Ferryman Jinbei for taking him across the river, a deed for which he will pay with his life. Sôgo is on a journey to plead for a reduction in taxes directly to the shogun for the starving farmers, an illegal act that will certainly cost him his life. The “snow”, comprised of gofun, has been applied in a unique way for each print, so it differs on every example. A popular kabuki play was created from this story.
Condition: Very good impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban triptych (36.8 x 24.7 each sheet)
Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi
Literature: See “Kiyochika: Artist of Meiji Japan”, page 66, number 71 by Henry Smith II. See National Museum of Asian Art, British Museum.
Signature: Kobayashi Kiyochika ga
SKU: KYC491