Chiyoda Outer Palace - Following his successful "Chiyoda Inner Palace" series, Chikanobu designed a second triptych series first published in 1897 illustrating the "Chiyoda Outer Palace" (Chiyoda no on-omote), the domain of the shogun and his retainers at Edo Castle, also known as Chiyoda Castle. The men are depicted taking part in sporting and hunting activities, martial arts, annual ceremonies, and traditional rituals. The Outer Palace series was smaller than the Inner Palace series, with 32 triptychs instead of 40, and these designs are seen much less often. Chikanobu's characteristic attention to detail highlights the clothing and accessories worn by the samurai, as well as the indoor and outdoor settings. Many designs include deluxe printing techniques such and embossing and burnishing. The handsome "Chiyoda Outer Palace" series provides a wonderful look at life inside the Shogun's castle prior to the Meiji Restoration.

Pontoon Bridge at Matsudo, 1897 - Fantastic scene from Chikanobu's wonderful "Chiyoda Outer Palace" series showing the shogun arriving by ship at Matsudo. The roof of the large red boat is decorated with the hollyhock leaf crest of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the design repeated on the purple drapery festooning the craft. A procession of retainers walks across a pontoon bridge supported by small boats and adorned with banners and lanterns hanging from poles. The procession starts at lower right in a fenced area along shore, with the tiled roof of a palace visible at lower left. An intriguing subject, nicely detailed.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14" x 28"

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with paper. Some prints have a few spots or marks. Please see photos for details. Generally in nice condition overall.