Utagawa Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899) Sangokushi (Record of the Three Kingdoms), 1870’s. Deluxe Chuban Triptych.
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This spectacular triptych is by the later Osaka print artist Utagawa Yoshitaki. Yoshitaki was a highly prolific Osaka theatre print artist. His work tends to be characterised by a very distinctive use of modern colours… the prints are often stunningly printed with deluxe techniques and the latest European and industrial age inks. This triptych is no exception. Perhaps one thing that makes his work stand out is the contrast between the archaism of the subject matter and the modernity of the feel of the works themselves.
The plot of the play is lost… as are so many Osaka productions compared to the better researched Edo dramas. The cast here is as follows: Arashi Rikaku as Gentoku, who took the oath of brotherhood with Kan-u in the middle, here played by Onoe Tamizo; and Chohi on the left, played by Ichikawa Udanji. The action here takes place famously in a peach orchard. In Chinese history, the Three Kingdoms was a long period (220-280 CE) of turmoil and warfare as the three major kingdoms, the Wei, Shu, and Wu, vied for rulership of the entire country. This time was later novelised as The Romance of the Three Kingdoms in the 14th century, and it is from this version that the Japanese drew inspiration for many Chinese based novels, paintings and theatre dramas.
The Oath of the Peach Orchard is most likely a fictional account of how the three key figures of the warring kingdoms swore to place aside their differences for the benefit of the people. They met… as shown here in Yoshitaki’s stunning triptych, in a peach orchard, to take an oath of brotherhood, swearing to serve each other and the state rather than continue fighting amongst themselves. The peach tree behind them is in full bloom, suggesting that the country is at last at peace. Peach symbolism features frequently in Chinese and Japanese art, thought to confer longevity or even immortality once eaten.
This is a deluxe Osaka print, richly printed and embossed. The blacks are lacquered and burnished, the metallics are delicately picked out. A very fine example of a late Osaka triptych by a master at the top of his game.
Colour impression and condition are all fine, slight trim from margin and unbacked. A copy of this print is in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum.
53 x 25 cm.
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