二品親王女三宮|The Third Princess and Kashiwagi, from Chapter 34, “New Herbs I (Wakana I)” (Nihon shinnō onna sannomiya)

Chikanobu employs the characteristic ukiyo‑e approach of strong, clean outlines and flat areas of color, emphasizing narrative clarity over realistic shading. The triptych format allows a panoramic view, and the delicate rendering of drifting cherry blossoms adds a lyrical touch that balances the boldness of the figures’ costumes with the subtlety of the night atmosphere.

Printed in Japan during the Meiji period, the work reflects the era’s fascination with historical romance and courtly drama. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it remains displayed as an example of Chikanobu’s contribution to late‑period woodblock illustration.