East - Chikanobu's 1896 series "East" (Azuma) depicts beauties taking part in everyday life. Subjects range from performing music, sewing, and playing games, to seasonal activities such as cherry blossom viewing or a child's first visit to a shrine. The word "Azuma" most often applies to Edo/Tokyo or the surrounding area, as east of Kyoto. Compared to the quieter, more staid lifestyle of Kyoto, the former capital, the term suggests the livelier, more fashionable, and less restrictive society of Edo. These charming designs feature beautiful color and wonderful detail in the elegant kimono and obi fabrics, and many include deluxe treatments such as embossing or burnishing. One of Chikanobu's more rarely seen beauty series, these designs are a nice choice for a collector.

Playing Otedama - Attractive design of two young girls playing a game of otedama that involves juggling and tossing bean bags. The girl in the foreground leans forward with a smile, holding a colorful cloth bag. She wears a lovely blue kimono with a waterwheel design featuring cherry blossoms rather than buckets, tied with a purple floral obi and a red sash. Her younger companion wears a black robe with patterned with large flowers. A charming subject, nicely detailed with burnishing on the black kimono.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. A few creases and spots. Please see photos for details.