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.

Princess Osakabe, No. 5 - Fantastic scene of the famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi confronting the spirit of Princess Osakabe, who was said to haunt Himeji Castle after it was built in the 17th century. She stands on a low platform before him, her dark hair flowing loose around her face, wearing a sumptuously patterned robe. Her ghostly attendants gather behind her, silhouetted in gray. Miyamoto defeats her, but then must face the ghost of Toyotomi Hidetori. The inset above shows the famous duel between Miyamoto and Sasaki Kojiro along the shore of Ganryu Island. A terrific, eerie, atmospheric image from this wonderful series, with fine wood grain impression and a dusting of mica along the top of the night sky. Great choice for a collector.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Backed with old paper. One small hole at top edge repaired from reverse. Some minor soiling in margins. Please see photos for details. Good overall.