Eastern Brocades, Day and Night Compared - Designed in 1886, Chikanobu's extraordinary "Eastern Brocade" series features a fantastic range of subjects, including brave warriors, eerie ghosts, timeless beauties, and famous figures from traditional tales of triumph and treachery. These beautiful images bring the history and legends of Japan to life with colorful characters and a wonderful attention to detail. Note the appealing compositions and fine printing in these Meiji era masterworks, many of which include deluxe treatments such as burnishing, embossing, or the addition of mica. These attractive designs are a nice choice to collect or display.

Gio and Gijo, No. 7 - Poignant image of the sisters Gio and Gijo on a verandah at night, Gio weeping as she writes a farewell message on a shoji screen. Both were popular shirabyoshi dancers in Kyoto, and Gio was a special favorite of Taira no Kiyomori. When Kiyomori fell in love with a new dancer named Hotoke gozen, Gio was forced to retire against her will, becoming a nun along with her sister and mother in Saga. The beauties wear colorful outer robes over embossed white kimono, their hair falling loosely over their shoulders. Cherry blossoms frame a view of lighted windows in a nearby palace. The inset above shows Hotoke gozen serving sake to Kiyomori and his guests. A lovely design with expressive figures.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13" x 9" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. Toning, slight soiling, stain at edge, slight curling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.