Chikanobu: Emperor Meiji and Empress Viewing Peony Flowers

Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu
Title: Peony Flower Viewing
Date: 1888

Peony Flower Viewing — 牡丹華遊覧. The Emperor and Empress Meiji visit a garden featuring enormous examples of peonies in bloom. The Emperor is dressed in his western military attire, with western-style sword and sash. The Empress and her court are wearing what must be the latest European fashions, complete with bustles and corsets. They carry fringed parasols and seem to be wearing tiny pointed shoes and elaborate western headgear. The enormous container behind them holds flowering  peonies of stupendous size, which must be exaggerated by artistic license. Interesting snapshot of a fascinating moment in Japanese history.

SKU: CHCS016