Taguchi Tomoki was the editor of Yatsuo no tsubaki, a collection of woodblock prints he created. The book remains a relevant source of art for the later Edo period, with all of its characteristics: fine lines, vibrant colors, irresistible patterns, and an overall simplicity of the graphic compositions.
Empress Koken, as we have named this painting, is another intricate yet delicate pattern in a vibrant color. The ideograms read "the bed of Empress Koken", which seems to indicate the painting is a reproduction of a pattern he observed at her mausoleum, or simply as a tribute to an empress from the past. Empress Koken has reigned for nine years and is traditionally veneered to this day. She is also known for sponsoring one of the first printing initiatives in Japan, which more than justifies the tribute by Taguchi Tomoki.
