Woodblock Print Triptych Meiji Constitution Promulgation Ceremony 1889 LS#207

By Yamazaki Tokusaburo, Titled 憲法発布式之図 (Kenpō Happushiki no Zu) — Meiji 22 (1889)

A historically important nishiki-e triptych documenting the promulgation of the Meiji Constitution on February 11, 1889 — one of the defining events of the Meiji period and a pivotal moment in Japanese history. The composition depicts the formal ceremony in the Imperial Palace's ceremonial hall: Emperor Meiji enthroned at center on a red lacquered dais beneath an imperial tassel, receiving the obeisance of Prime Minister Kuroda Kiyotaka as the constitution is presented. Ranked officials fill the hall in Western-style court dress with sashes; labeled cartouches identify the 内大臣 (Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal), 宮内大臣 (Minister of the Imperial Household), 侍従長 (Grand Chamberlain), and 各国公使 (foreign ministers). The left panel depicts imperial princes (親王) and ladies of the court in elaborate Western dress — a striking visual record of Meiji Japan's self-conscious transformation. Published within weeks of the ceremony itself, this is a contemporaneous Osaka document of a nationally celebrated occasion. The right panel, with its assembly of labeled foreign diplomats and court officials, is particularly rich in historical detail.

• Title: 憲法発布式之図 (Kenpō Happushiki no Zu) — "Picture of the Ceremony Promulgating the Constitution"
• Artist: Yamazaki Tokusaburo (山崎徳三郎)
• Publisher: Tsutsumi Kichibei (堤吉兵衛), Nihonbashi, Osaka
• Date: Meiji 22, March 9, 1889
• Format: Oban triptych — each panel approximately 14" × 9.5" (36 × 24 cm); full triptych approximately 14" × 28.5" (36 × 72 cm)

Fair to good overall; right panel very good with bright color and no significant damage. Center panel has a horizontal tear running nearly the full width repaired with tape, visible from the front with associated tonal alteration along the repair band; the reverse shows a large area of paper loss and partial separation in the throne area, with evidence of prior repair that has partially failed. Left panel has an additional tape repair.

The print retains considerable visual impact at normal viewing distance and is priced accordingly. A study-quality example of a rare and important subject.