井上安治画　『共楽泰平貴顕図』|Peaceful Pleasures of the Highest Nobility (Kyōraku taihei kiken zu)

Inoue Yasuji

1887 · Triptych of woodblock prints (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

It was Emperor Meiji (reigned 1867–1912) who guided Japan on the path toward modernization. He began wearing Western clothing for official appearances from about 1872, and was often depicted in French-style military uniforms, with rich gold braiding. His image in full dress uniform was also captured in a well-known albumen print. The empress and her court ladies were often represented in stylish Western gowns from about 1887. Dowager Empress Shōken (tenure 1869–1912) promoted the adoption of Western fashions but advocated the use of Japanese materials.

Artist

Inoue Yasuji

Date

1887

Medium

Triptych of woodblock prints (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Lincoln Kirstein, 1959