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 Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) - Charming print depicting a beauty from the Meiji Era. She looks rather surprised, her slightly open mouth revealing her teeth. She wears several layers of intricately patterned kimono, and a fashionable western-style ring on her finger. Her hair is pulled back into a large bun, held in place with a comb and several hairpins. The inset above shows fireworks exploding, sending a shower of orange sparks into the gray evening sky celebrating the victory of Japan in the Sino-Japanese War. Beautiful detail in the delicate hairline and fabric designs.

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. Pinholes at top corners, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and stains. Please see photos for details. Good overall.