Artwork

Shinkokyo Oite Seiden Kempo Happu no zu|View of the Issuance of the State Constitution in the State Chamber of the New Imperial Palace

Shinkokyo Oite Seiden Kempo Happu no zu|View of the Issuance of the State Constitution in the State Chamber of the New Imperial Palace is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Adachi Ginkō. It dates from 2 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, part of a triptych, depicts a pivotal moment in Japanese history: the issuance of the State Constitution within the State Chamber of the New Imperial Palace. Executed in ink and color on paper, it captures a formal gathering with meticulous detail.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a solemn ceremony in a grand, ornate room. Attendees, predominantly in military uniforms, are arranged in orderly rows, some holding ceremonial objects. The scene conveys the gravity and formality of the constitutional issuance.

Technique & Style

Adachi Ginkō employs a Realist approach, emphasizing accuracy and detail. The use of woodblock printing allows for vibrant colors and textures, evident in the intricate patterns on walls and floor, the red carpet, and the natural view outside the window.

History & Provenance

Created in 1890, the print is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It commemorates a significant event in Japan's modernization, the promulgation of the Constitution on November 17, 1890.

Context

The work reflects Japan's Meiji period, a time of rapid modernization and adoption of Western political structures. The Constitution's issuance marked a shift towards constitutional monarchy, a key aspect of this transformation.

Legacy

As a historical document and artwork, it provides insight into the Meiji era's political and social landscape. Its detailed realism offers a unique window into the ceremonial and architectural aspects of the time.