Original woodblock print triptych - Washi paper - Fireworks, Kimono - Watanabe Yosai Nobukazu (1872-1944) - "Ryōgoku hanabi no sankyoku" 両国花火之三曲 (Trio of Fireworks at Ryogoku) - Japan - ca 1890s

Original woodblock print triptych - Watanabe Yosai Nobukazu (1872-1944) - "Ryōgoku hanabi no sankyoku" 両国花火之三曲 (Trio of Fireworks at Ryogoku) - Japan - ca 1890s Artist: Watanabe Yosai Nobukazu (1872-1944) Title: "Ryōgoku hanabi no sankyoku" 両国花火之三曲 (Trio of Fireworks at Ryogoku) Publisher: Takekawa Date: ca 1890s Size: (R) 25. 1 x 36 (C) 23 x 35. 9 (L) 24. 8 x 36 cm Condition: Fold marks along the edges. Red pigment slightly smudged. Top edge slightly worn. See Ritsumeikan University acc. no. 0421-C135(01) Ryogoku Bridge was a popular spot for fireworks and entertainment in the summer. Crowds would gather on the river shore or on pleasure boats to relax and cool off in the evening after a hot and humid summer day. In this print, one lady is seen reaching out to the surface of the water with her sake cup while holding the sleeve of her kimono with her teeth, to prevent it from getting wet. Other ladies in the boat are playing music. It is a very relaxed atmosphere, befitting a summer night.