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.

Ushiwakamaru, No. 36 - The twelve-century young nobleman Ushiwakamaru, who would later earn fame as the great warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune, sought lodging in a cottage during his travels to Mutsu Province. When the cottage's owner, Ise no Saburo Yoshimori, returned, he pledged his allegiance to Ushiwakamaru because of family connections. This dramatic night scene shows Yoshimori holding a flaming torch as he looks through the doorway, surprised to find the young samurai inside. The inset above shows Yoshimori leading his horse. During the Genpei Wars, Yoshimori would serve as one of Yoshitsune's loyal generals. A great scene with these historic characters, nicely detailed with embossing in the white pants. A great choice for a samurai collector.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13" x 8 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small losses and thinning at edges, repaired. Slight soiling, a few creases and spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.