The First Month (Mutsuki), 1847 - 1852
Comments - Lovely triptych illustrating a scene from the first month of the year. Three beauties and a young boy are gathered in a garden beneath ancient plum trees covered with white buds and blossoms. The child rides a toy hobby horse, smiling back over his shoulder as he grips the striped reins. The elegantly dressed beauty at right can't help smiling at his enthusiasm, hiding her mouth behind her kimono sleeve as she giggles. Her robe is patterned with chrysanthemum blossoms, the flowing sleeves trimmed with tasseled bows. Her hair is adorned with clusters of blue flowers and hairpins with dangling bells. The woman in the center claps her hands with delight, while the beauty at left carries the young prince's sword upright. She wears a gray-green kimono with a design of gourds and vines, tied with a dragon obi. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A charming design, beautifully detailed.
Image Size - 13 5/8" x 28"
Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small losses, repaired. A few light creases. Please see photos for details.