Twenty-four Favorites of Enlightenment - Handsome design from a rarely seen Kunichika series pairing kabuki portraits with small scenes extolling modern inventions or modernized activities from the Meiji era, the "Enlightenment" of the title. These examples include rickshaws, streetlights, telegraph lines, steamships, and horse-drawn carriages. The figures are beautifully drawn and detailed with lively color, set off by a deep red background framed by a yellow border featuring confetti-like shapes. Some images includes deluxe publishing techniques such as burnishing and embossing. The series title is sometimes translated as "Twenty-four Favorites of New Civilization" or "Twenty-four Favorites of the Meiji Restoration." An interesting and unusual series.

Smiling Beauty - Charming kabuki portrait of a beauty smiling as she looks down, tugging on the ends of a rope draped across her shoulders. She wears a bright blue kimono patterned with leaves and blossoms over a red under robe, tied with a reversible purple and red obi. Her hair is pulled back into a neat bun, with a few loose hairs framing her face. The inset above shows a rickshaw driver lighting a lantern next to his vehicle as a uniformed policeman strolls off under a full moon, showcasing the "enlightenment" of the series title, referring to the rapid progress being made during the Meiji era. An attractive design, vibrantly colored with delicate line work in the hairstyle and soft pink shading around the eyes.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 5/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal centerfold. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.