Mirror of the Ages - Published in 1897, Chikanobu's beautiful series "Mirror of the Ages" celebrates the beauty and fashions of women of the past. Each print in this delightful series features a single portrait of a young beauty, always carefully and stylishly made up, wearing the traditional contemporary fashion of her time. In the rectangular inset above the figure, Chikanobu has drawn a scene from the same time period suggesting a place where one might see this young beauty. This wonderful series was printed to the highest quality with fine line work and soft shading, and often with additional embellishments, such as delicate embossing or burnishing. A lovely series and collector's favorite.

Keicho Era (1596 - 1615) - Attractive portrait of a beauty lifting the edge of the gray and white veil draped over her head as she looks to the side. Small blue blossoms are scattered across the veil, and she wears a red kimono patterned with tiny checks and tie-dyed motifs in blue, green, and violet. Her hair is worn long, and her eyebrows are detailed with delicate line work. The inset above shows Izumo no Okuni, the founder of kabuki theater, performing a play. A lovely design with soft shading in the veil and embossing in the white kimono collar and trim.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 8 1/2" x 13" + margins as shown

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Backed with old paper. Some toning or spotting at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.