Chronicles of the Genji and Heike - Chikanobu's 1885 series "A Chronicle of the Rise and Fall of the Minamoto and Taira" depicts some of the most famous samurai and events of the bitter Genpei War between rival Minamoto and Taira clans from 1180 to 1185.The war ended with the fall of the Taira and the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate under Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192. These lively and colorful scenes document heroic warriors and daring feats along with a few quieter moments, each beautifully detailed with a handsome setting for the expressive figures. Many feature deluxe embellishments such as embossing or burnishing. A rarely seen Chikanobu series and an interesting complement to his more widely known series.

Taira no Kiyomori and Lady Tokiwa - Interesting scene of Taira no Kiyomori watching Lady Tokiwa in private quarters. Lady Tokiwa was the wife of Minamoto no Yoshitomo, and after he was killed by Taira no Kiyomori, she fled with her three sons. Learning that Kiyomori was holding her mother hostage, she returned and agreed to become his mistress in exchange for the release of her family. Here, she sits on a cushion, leaning against an armrest, looking modestly down as Kiyomori scowls at her from the next room. The verandah behind him opens onto a lovely garden with a pond, framed by blossoming cherry trees. Lovely detail in the sumptuous palace setting, with fine embossing in the beauty's white kimono.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 9 1/4" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Vertical fold at right edge. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.