Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition

Catalog note / 解説

This series of prints were mounted as an album at one time, and it explains the backing. This is the reason why the colors are still vivid and bright. Although there are creases and fold lines, there is no loss of color, so the lines are not that noticeable. This series was published by Matsuki Heikichi starting from 1885 to 1890, and included 52 prints by 7 artists. Each print showed a famous person from Japanes history. The Lofty Ambition of the title is a Confucian concept meaning righteous determination that woul inspire others. Henry D. Smith II, Kiyochika - Artist of Meiji Japan, pp74-75. Riccar Art Museum, 1973 for a complete catalogue of the prints in this series.