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.

Ansei Era (1854 - 1860) - Delightful portrait of a happy young beauty grasping a towel over her shoulders. She smiles brightly as she looks to the side, her hair beautifully arranged with a large comb and decorative pins. She wears a blue violet and black checked kimono over a red under robe patterned with cherry blossoms and flowing streams. The inset above shows men tossing broken roof tiles from Mount Asuka under a blossoming cherry tree. A charming image with incredible fine line work in the elegant hairstyle.

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. Slight thinning on reverse at corners from previous mounting. Toning, slight soiling, a few creases and spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.