Eastern Customs: Enumerated Blessings - Attractive image from a Chikanobu series published from about 1887 to 1890. These charming scenes illustrate words that include the syllable fuku (or huku), which has many different meanings, but the primary meaning is blessing or good fortune. Women, children, and families are shown in daily life, playing games, enjoying different traditions, and celebrating festivals and events. Beautifully drawn with fine detail and vibrant color, these lovely Chikanobu designs offer a wonderful look at life in Japan during the Meiji era. A rarely seen series and a nice choice for a collector.

Chikanobu estate collection - This incredible group of Chikanobu prints just arrived in a recent shipment from Japan. It was purchased complete from the estate collection of a Tokyo collector. This group features a wide variety of Chikanobu's works including some rarer designs as well as prints in very fine condition. Be sure to shop from this amazing collection of Chikanobu prints now being added to our auctions!

Fukuwarai: Girls Playing a Game of Fukuwarai - Terrific scene of girls playing a game of fukuwarai, which means "lucky laugh." The game is similar to pin the tail on the donkey, but involves placing facial features such as eyes, nose, and mouth, onto a face, creating humorous results. One girl laughs into her kimono sleeve as her blindfolded companion affixes a part to the paper face on the floor before her. The game is popular at New Year's and the woman watching the girls carries a decorated battledore used for another New Year's game similar to badminton. A plum tree blossoms in a blue pot behind the children. Lovely color and detail in the elegant fabrics.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13" x 9" + margins

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Lightly toned in margins and backed with thin paper. Faint spotting and soiling in subject. Minor creasing along edges and corners in some prints. Please see photos for a sense of individual condition. Nice overall.