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.

Watanabe no Tsuna, No. 34 - The Rashomon gateway in Kyoto was said to be haunted by mysterious creatures. One of Minamoto Yorimitsu's four lieutenants, Watanabe no Tsuna, volunteered to investigate the situation. He arrived one night on horseback, meeting a beautiful young woman, but she later turned out to be a demon in disguise. The strange positioning of her feet indicates her otherworldliness, since as a demon she would fly rather than walk. In the inset, Watanabe, one of the Four Heavenly Kings (Shitenno), battles an opponent. A great image with fine detail and soft background colors heightened by the touches of red and violet. Includes embossing in the beauty's white kimono trim.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Backed with old paper. A few light spots and some minor soiling at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.