Japanese Woodblock Triptych Imperial Phoenix Carriage Leaving the Palace by Kojima Shōgetsu, 1889

A Japanese woodblock triptych from the Meiji period.
"Imperial Phoenix Carriage Leaving the Palace (Nishinomaru tenkyo yori aoyama kampeishiki e hoosha goko no zu)", a historically significant depiction illustrating the Emperor and Empress Meiji in the imperial carriage on the afternoon of February 11, 1889. The carriage and accompanying procession had just crossed the Niju Bridge toward the parade grounds to celebrate Japan's new Constitution, and this was the first time in Japan's history that the Emperor and Empress were seen riding together in the same coach.
Nishiki-e, ink and color on vertical ôban by Kojima Shōgetsu 小島勝月 (Japanese, active c. 1870-1904).
Museum placard on verso.
Black metal frame glazed with acrylic.

Sight Height: 13.5 inches / 34.29 cm
Sight Width: 27.75 inches / 70.48 cm

Provenance
Collection of Sheldon and Heather Siegel

Exhibition
“Forging the New Japan: Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Collection of Sheldon and Heather Siegel." Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art at Midland Center for the Arts. Midland, Michigan, 2014.