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.

The Bunsei Era (1818 - 1830) - Beautiful portrait of a Bunsei Era beauty, laughing with delight as she holds a shuttlecock with both hands. Under her arm she carries a decorative paddle called a hagoita for the traditional New Year's Day game of hanetsuki, which is similar to badminton. Her ponytail is wrapped with a red tie-dyed cloth and ornamented with a hairpin featuring a tiny fan and two dangling bells. The inset above shows people celebrating the New Year, one woman dancing with a fan while a man carries pine boughs for decoration. The sign on the stand at right advertises "nishiki-e," color woodblock prints. A charming design with beautiful color and soft pink shading around the eyes.

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.