Evacuation of the Noblewomen on the Occasion of an Ancient Accidental Fire (Kyū shikka no sai okugata otachinoku no zu)
Artist
Toyohara Chikanobu
(Japanese, 1838–1912)
Date1889
Mediumwoodblock print; ink and color and silver dust on paper
DimensionsVertical ōban triptych
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineGift of John Rossetti
Object number2003.142
Label Text2003-04-03: Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912)
Looking into the Past: Evacuation of Noblewomen on the Occasion of an Ancient Accidental Fire
Series: "Flowers of the East"
Printed and published February 1889
Woodblock print; ink, color and silver dust on paper;
oban triptych
On loan from the collection of John Rossetti
Fighting fires was one of the samurai's most frequent and important duties in Edo. The Great Meireki Fire of 1657 killed more than 100,000 people and burned two-thirds of the city including 160 daimyo mansions and Edo Castle, sparing only the building sheltering the shogun.
The print depicts a shogunal advisor (roju) and daimyo probably leading the shogun's wife and concubines to safety (right). The women are dressed in night caps, holding spears. Mounted daimyo fire brigades (daimyo-hikeshi) equippeProvenanceOn loan form the collection of Johan RossettiOn View
Not on view
Toyohara Chikanobu
printed and published 1887
Toyohara Chikanobu
March 5, 1897
Hayakawa Shokosai III
Japan; Meiji Period (1868–1912)