勲功之将天杯賜之図|Illustration of the Honored Commanders, Receiving the Emperor's Gift Cup (Kunkō no shō tenpai o tamau no zu)

Chikanobu employs bold, flat areas of color—predominantly reds, blues, and golds—outlined with thick black lines. The figures wear brightly patterned kimono and military uniforms, and the print combines Japanese characters with decorative lettering, creating a lively, easily readable narrative across the three panels.

The print was produced during the Meiji period, a time when woodblock publishing flourished as a means of documenting contemporary events and ceremonies. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it remains on view as an example of Meiji‑era print culture.

Illustrations of imperial ceremonies were popular subjects for ukiyo‑e artists in the late 19th century, reflecting the new national identity and the emperor’s restored prominence. Chikanobu, known for his depictions of modern life and historical events, used this format to record the visual language of state ritual.