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.

Chiyoda Outer Palace Title Page - Lovely triptych of two beauties of the palace watching servants engaged in the annual cleaning that takes place just before the New Year. The servants are giggling at the antics of a group of women at the left, who have lifted a man into the air while one woman has tumbled onto the ground. Mops, brooms, and buckets are scattered around. A charming and lighthearted print, beautifully detailed with embossing on the white kimono.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and stains, folds at side. Please see photos for details.