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 Jokyo Era (1684 - 1688) - Lovely portrait of a Jokyo Era beauty holding a poem slip in one hand and a brush in the other. She pauses as she decides on her message, her hair pulled back with single comb and tied into an elaborate topknot. She wears a colorful red kimono patterned with tassels and kimono sleeves. The inset above shows three women and a man playing a ball game called "Tamauchi." Incredible fine line work in the delicate hairline, and soft pink shading about the eyes. A beautiful subject from this popular series.

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 paper remnants on reverse at corners from previous mounting. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.