Stories of Famous Japanese Women - In 1893, Chikanobu began work on a series of diptychs depicting scenes from the lives of famous Japanese women. His "Stories of Famous Japanese Women" included women from various time periods as well as mythological heroines, highlighting their dramatic deeds or personal virtues. These intriguing subjects are beautifully drawn with Chikanobu's characteristic fine line work, and lovely soft shading. A rare and wonderful series and a great choice for a collector.

Wife of Kusunoki Masashige - Handsome depiction of the wife of the great warrior Kusunoki Masashige preventing her young son from committing suicide. After Masashige's defeat and death at the Battle of Minatogawa, his son Kunsunoki Masatsura considered killing himself, but his mother reminded him of his obligations to his family and the emperor, so he did not. The youth went on to become an important warrior, and his mother was regarded as the epitome of motherhood, a strong and virtuous woman. Here, the boy sits on a tiger skin robe, his knife in hand, as his mother admonishes him gently, waving her hands in a stopping motion. She wears a lovely outer robe shaded from purple to white to pale blue, with a design of vines, blossoms, and birds in flight, over a delicately embossed white kimono. The folding screen behind the figures shows the Buddhist deity Kannon, the goddess of compassion. A poignant image with a wonderfully detailed setting, including burnishing in the black lacquer elements.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 18 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Two attached panels, backed with paper. Light toning and spotting, a couple diagonal folds at bottom center. Please see photos for details. Good overall.