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 Koka Era (1844 - 1848) - Beautiful portrait of a young woman dressed in a purple kimono a chrysanthemum motif, tied with a colorful obi. Her white under robe is delicately embossed with a geometric pattern, and she wears a single decorative hairpin in her sleekly styled hair. The inset above shows an official checkpoint for travelers with samurai and noblemen gathered outside. A lovely print with soft bokashi shading in the face and fine line work in the hair.

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. Slight separation at ends of vertical fold at right edge, a couple holes along fold, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few small marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.