Inoue Yasuji (Tankei), 1864-1889

Self-made Men Worthy of Emulation: no. 46, Reunion of Akiko and Kirino Toshiaki
(Kyodo Risshi no Moto: Akiko)

with karazuri (embossing) on the white brocade curtain draped across the top of the composition, the series title, Kyodo Risshi no Moto, in a banner above the composition framed by a decorative brocade border, signed Inoue Tankei ga with artist's seal Tankei, the stylized cartouche on the bottom margin with the design number, 46, the publication date to the right, on todoke Meiji jukyunen (registered Meiji 19 [1886]) and to the left, Gako ken shuppan Ryogoku Yoshikawacho 2-banchi Matsuki Heikichi ban, published by Matsuki Heikichi of Daikokuya, 1886

oban tate-e 14 3/8 by 9 1/2 in., 36.5 by 24 cm

Kirino Toshiaki (1838-1877) was a samurai and an Imperial Japanese Army general, and a senior commander during the Boshin War of 1868-1869. He served as a brigadier general in the Imperial army, but then joined forces with Saigo Takamori (1828-1877) during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, with whom he died at the conclusion of the war. The print celebrates not Kirino, but his charming and beautiful mistress, Akiko, who is portrayed bowing to greet her lover after a long separation.

References:
The Lavenberg Collection of Japanese Prints (myjapanesehanga.com)
(inv. no. 10-3264w)

$400