Lady Matsushima, No. 26

by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Current Status

Lady Matsushima, No. 26 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Original Chikanobu (1838 - 1912) Japanese Woodblock Print
Lady Matsushima, No. 26

Series; Eastern Brocades, Day and Night Compared

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.

Lady Matsushima, No. 26 - The beautiful Lady Matsushima was an attendant of the shogun Minamoto no Sanetomo, but she was in love with the young samurai Wada Asahina Yoshihide. One night she tried to escape with her lover, but Sanetomo intervened. She and Yoshihide are shown on the palace verandah, trying to sneak off into the night, a glowing pink lantern in her hand. The angry shogun appears behind them, dressed in formal court robes. The inset above shows Yoshihide knocking down a gate during battle. An unusual and intriguing composition with the lantern blocking Yoshihide's face, focusing attention on Lady Matsushima and the shogun. Nice graphic appeal in the bold patterns and vibrant coloring, with delicate embossing in the white kimono trim and burnishing in the beauty's black kimono.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small V-shaped tear, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, stains, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Lady Matsushima, No. 26 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)
Lady Matsushima, No. 26 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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