Original by Chikanobu Japanese 1877 Ukiyo-E Print Satsuma Rebellion Saigo Takamori Battle Tryptic #LS201

Yōshū Chikanobu / Toyohara Chikanobu — Triptych Woodblock Print / Nishiki-e "Fierce Battle at Otakemura, Nobeoka — Kagoshima Rebels Engaged" (鹿児島ノ賊徒延岡大武村激戦図)

Japan, Meiji 10 (1877)

A vivid and historically important nishiki-e triptych by Toyohara Chikanobu (楊洲齋周延), published in 1877 during or immediately following the Satsuma Rebellion — the last armed samurai uprising against the Meiji government. The composition depicts a chaotic cavalry and infantry battle set against autumn maples, with named principals identified in red title cartouches throughout. Saigo Takamori (西郷隆盛) is shown mounted at center; Kirino Toshiaki (桐野利秋) commands the right panel on horseback before the rising sun flag; Fuchibē Takakatsu (淵辺高勝) appears in the left panel. A female fighter on white horse (薩摩の女) is depicted in the left foreground — an unusual and dramatic detail. The right panel carries a large narrative text cartouche describing the engagement at Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture.

The colophon (image 6) bears the Meiji 10 censor seal, confirming contemporaneous publication. Engraved by Hori Mitei (彫ミ亭); published by Mizuno Keijiro, Tsuyu-cho, Ueno.

Dimensions: each panel approximately 14" × 9.5" (36 × 24 cm); full triptych approximately 14" × 28.5" (36 × 72 cm) Weight: [placeholder]

Chikanobu (1838–1912) was among the most prolific and accomplished Meiji-period woodblock artists, with a particular strength in battle prints and bijin-ga. His Satsuma Rebellion series captures the collision of old samurai culture and the modernizing Meiji military with unusual immediacy — these prints were produced as the fighting was still unfolding, functioning as visual journalism for an avid urban audience. Named-figure battle triptychs from this series with intact censor seals and bright color are increasingly scarce.

Condition: Very good; colors bright with minimal fading. Some light foxing consistent with age. No tears or significant creases. Unframed, three panels loose.