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KIYOCHIKA, Kobayashi   (fl. 1847 - 1915)		Manufacturing Pots and Kettles in Kawaguchi
		Signed:                     Kobayashi Kiyochika hitsu Publisher:                Fukuda Kumajirô Date:                         1879 Size:                          aiban yoko-e (c. 20.5 x 31.5 cms / c. 8" x 12 3/8") Condition: Fine impression and color; the usual, faint centerfold, small residue from former mount on reverse; in fine overall condition. - Very rare - ref. no.:  # 783433 Price:  € 2,750

Kiyochika is well-know for his spectacular night scenes of Tokyo, many of which are illustrated in the excellent (and highly recommended) exhibition catalog of the Santa Barbara Musuem of Art, of the year 1988 (pls. see below). "... we know from Kiyochika's sketchbook that he actually visited the foundry to make the sketch on which this view is modeled. It is unique, not only within the oeuvre of Kiyochika, but within all of early Meiji art: nowhere else can one find such a direct and dramatic expression of men at work. Kawaguchi, located about ten miles miles north of Tokyo, emerged during the Edo period as a major center of iron casting... In Kiyochika's view a group of men in the center draw molten iron from the furnace, to be poured into the molds readied to the right. Above to the left, a row of shadowy figures pumps the bellows, while below stands a man who appears to be in charge of the entire operation. On the floor here and there are finished pots and kettles ..." (quote from the publication below) Reference: Henri D. Smith II, KIYOCHIKA - Artist of Meiji Japan; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1988. - This print is illustrated and described on p. 47, no. 43.

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