The Koka Era (1844 - 1848)

by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Current Status

The Koka Era (1844 - 1848)  by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Original Chikanobu (1838 - 1912) Japanese Woodblock Print
The Koka Era (1844 - 1848)

Series; Mirror of the Ages

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 Koka Era (1844 - 1848) - Charming design of a beauty after a bath, using her sleeve to pat dry the side of her neck. Her kimono features a pattern of deep blue and lighter blue tie-dyed checks, the darker areas embossed with fine lines. Her hair is pulled back into bun adorned with a comb, a single hairpin with a miniature gourd container, and a lavender tie-dyed ribbon, a wisp falling alongside her face Above, a street vendor sells refreshments to a customer, handing him a bowl, while at right, a pilgrim on his way to the Konpira Shrine carries a large mask of the deity Sarudahiko on his back as a protective guide along the road. A lovely portrait with soft bokashi shading around the eyes and intricate line work in the hair.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 12 7/8" x 8 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Creasing and soiling. A few prints have a few small holes, repaired. A few prints have small stains. Please see photos for details. Generally in good condition overall.

The Koka Era (1844 - 1848)  by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)
The Koka Era (1844 - 1848)  by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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