Mikagura Performance, 1895

by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Current Status

Mikagura Performance, 1895 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Original Chikanobu (1838 - 1912) Japanese Woodblock Print
Mikagura Performance, 1895

Series; Chiyoda Inner Palace (Chiyoda no Ooku)
A Fuji Arts Special Offer Auction

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.

Mikagura Performance, 1895 - Terrific image of a beauty helping a dancer prepare for a mikagura or formal ritual dance performance at the Imperial Palace. The performer stands in the center wearing a sumptuous costume and flowing red wig, and a headdress topped with a dragon figurine. The woman carefully removes a mask from it elegant lacquer box at right, looking over her shoulder at the dancer. Props for the theatrical dance can be seen at left. An incredible design with fine embossing on the beauty's white kimono collar and trim and burnishing on the black lacquer container at left and the black lacquer kimono stand. One of the rarer images from this beautiful series.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 3/8" + margins as shown

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

Mikagura Performance, 1895 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)
Mikagura Performance, 1895 by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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