Kiyochika: The Sleeping Dragon Plum at Kameido (Sold)

Artist: Kobayashi Kiyochika
Title: The Sleeping Dragon Plum at Kameido
Series: Views of the Famous Places of Tokyo (Tokyo meisho shinkei no uchi)
Date: 1896

First Month: The Sleeping Dragon Plum at Kameido. This is among the last of Kiyochika’s triptychs of Tokyo. This series was intended as a set of landscapes for each month of the lunar calendar, but only the first three were ever issued. We see visitors bundled in winter wear enjoying themselves near the famous Sleeping Dragon Plum tree, which in the second lunar month would be budding out, as shown by the pink daubs on the branches here. A tea stand is selling refreshments as well as souvenir cups and has provided the tatami-covered benches. The three triptychs in this series show a strong influence of Japanese painting, departing from the artist’s previous ukiyo-e style. Rare design.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Minor trimming. Rare design.
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Publisher: Inoue Kichijirô
Literature: Pictured in “Kiyochika: Artist of Meiji Japan” by Henry D. Smith II, page 102.
Signature: Kiyochika

SKU: KYC238