Kobayashi Kiyochika (Japan, 1847-1915) Print, oban yoko-e, from the series Tōkyō meisho zu (東京名所図), Famous Views of Tokyo, plate Ryōgoku hanabi no zu (両國花火之図), Fireworks at Ryōgoku Bridge. Signed Kobayashi Kiyochika hitsu. Publisher Fukuda Kumajiro. Dated Meiji 13 (1880) (Bends, stains). Dim. 24,6 x 36,7 cm This print is a remarkable record of the Kawabiraki, the annual fireworks display held in mid-July to mark the opening of summer boating on the Sumida River. Originally a purification ritual to ward off summer illnesses, the fireworks became an ostentatious celebration in Kiyochika's time. Reference: A similar print in the Fine Arts Museums, San Francisco, no. 1969.32.59