Eastern Brocades, Day and Night Compared - Designed in 1886, Chikanobu's extraordinary "Eastern Brocade" series features a fantastic range of subjects, including brave warriors, eerie ghosts, timeless beauties, and famous figures from traditional tales of triumph and treachery. These beautiful images bring the history and legends of Japan to life with colorful characters and a wonderful attention to detail. Note the appealing compositions and fine printing in these Meiji era masterworks, many of which include deluxe treatments such as burnishing, embossing, or the addition of mica. These attractive designs are a nice choice to collect or display.

Sansho dayu, No. 47 - Yasu-hime and her brother Zushiomaru were sold into slavery by Sansho Daiyu after their father Iwaka Masauji, a provincial governor, was overthrown. Iwaka's faithful samurai Tatebe Kanamenosuke tried to rescue the children, but was captured and sentence to death. On the day of his beheading, Sansho's daughter Osan turned into a bird and chewed the ropes off Tatebe, freeing the prisoner. Sansho realizes that Tatebe is actually his son, and allows Tatebe to kill him to atone for his evil ways. This scene shows the sister and brother pausing during their work to clasp hands, a rake and basket of leaves at their feet. The inset above shows an angry Sansho. A charming illustration from this classic story.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Some light rubbing and soiling at edges. A few light spots or faint ink offsetting. Please see photos for details. Good overall.