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 Keiou Era (1865 - 1868) - Charming portrait of a young beauty wearing an intricately patterned kimono. Her under robe features a delicate, almost watercolor-like pattern in soft violet. Her blackened teeth and shaved eyebrows indicate her married status. The inset above shows a busy street scene with palanquin bearers, shamisen players, a dog, and a noodle vendor. A lovely print with extremely fine detail in the hairline and soft pink bokashi shading on the face.

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 marks, a few small indents. Please see photos for details. Good overall.