Illustration of the Issuing of the State Constitution in the State Chamber of the New Imperial Palace - Adachi Ginkō

A detailed woodblock triptych by Adachi Ginkō depicting the 1889 promulgation of the Meiji Constitution within the Imperial Palace.

This woodblock print by Adachi Ginkō depicts the formal ceremony held on 11 February 1889, marking the promulgation of the Meiji Constitution. The scene captures the interior of the State Chamber within the newly constructed Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Emperor Meiji stands at the centre, presiding over the event, while officials and dignitaries gather in formal Western-style military and diplomatic attire. This shift in dress reflects the rapid modernisation and Westernisation policies adopted by Japan during the Meiji period.

The composition is a triptych, a format frequently used by Meiji-era artists to document large-scale public events and political developments. Ginkō employs a structured perspective to organise the numerous figures within the ornate, high-ceilinged hall. The deep purple drapery, gold-trimmed furnishings, and patterned carpets demonstrate the blend of traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities with European architectural influences. The presence of a large chandelier and wall-mounted clocks further emphasises the adoption of Western technology and interior design trends during this era.

Adachi Ginkō was a prolific artist known for his documentation of contemporary events, including military conflicts and political milestones. His work provides a visual record of the transition from the Edo period to the modern Meiji state. The print serves as a historical document, capturing the gravity of the constitutional process and the formalisation of the Japanese state. The attention to detail in the uniforms, the architectural features of the palace, and the arrangement of the participants offers insight into the social and political atmosphere of late 19th-century Japan. This print is an example of how traditional woodblock printing techniques were adapted to record modern history, bridging the gap between classical art forms and the changing reality of the nation.