Chiyoda Inner Palace - First published from 1894 - 1897, Chikanobu's "Chiyoda Inner Palace" (Chiyoda no Ooku) series depicts the lives of women in Edo Castle prior to the Meiji Restoration, when it was home to the shogun and his court. Edo Castle was also known as Chiyoda Castle, and the series includes 40 triptychs. The Inner Palace area housed the shogun's wife and unmarried daughters, his male heir, and many ladies-in-waiting and servants. These lovely triptychs illustrate seasonal activities both inside and outside of the women's private quarters, and a variety of ceremonies, rituals, and pastimes. The beauties are elegantly attired as they go about their daily lives, with wonderful attention and detail given to their sumptuous kimono and obi fabrics. Many designs include deluxe printing techniques such as burnishing, embossing, and mica or metallic pigment. Chikanobu's lovely "Chiyoda Inner Palace" series beautifully captures the world of upper-class women in mid-nineteenth century Japan.

Night Cherry Blossom Viewing in the Garden - Moonlight illuminates the beautiful cherry blossoms on a lovely spring evening at the Chiyoda Inner Palace. The woman in the center panel carries a bamboo lantern, casting a soft glow over the falling blossoms. A light breeze causes the petals to fall to the ground, highlighting the transience of life. At right, the silhouettes of women can be seen on the shoji windows of a palace building. Beautifully printed with delicate embossing in the white kimono collar. A wonderful Chikanobu cherry blossom viewing scene, considered one of the best in the series. This subject appears on page 173 of Bruce A. Coats's book "Chikanobu: Images of Modernity and Nostalgia."

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14" x 28 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.