Mirror of the Ages - Published in 1897, Chikanobu's beautiful series "Mirror of the Ages" celebrates the beauty and fashions of women of the past. Each print in this delightful series features a single portrait of a young beauty, always carefully and stylishly made up, wearing the traditional contemporary fashion of her time. In the rectangular inset above the figure, Chikanobu has drawn a scene from the same time period suggesting a place where one might see this young beauty. This wonderful series was printed to the highest quality with fine line work and soft shading, and often with additional embellishments, such as delicate embossing or burnishing. A lovely series and collector's favorite.

The Bunsei Era (1818 - 1830) - Wonderful design of a smiling young woman from the Bunsei Era. She wears a simple blue and white cotton kimono, and carries a decorative floral case holding a hairpin. Her hair is pulled into a ponytail atop her head, with sleek loops draping down over each side, fastened in place with a narrow white cord. The inset above shows a pair of men hiding in tall grasses, frightening cranes away from their nesting site. A charming subject with nice embossing in the white kimono collar and fine wood grain impression in the top image.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight thinning at corner, a few pinholes in top corners. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases at edges, small spot, small rubbed spot. Please see photos for details. Good overall.