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 upwards. A light breeze causes the petals to fall to the ground, highlighting the transience of life. Beautifully printed with delicate embossing in the white kimono collar and flowers. A wonderful Chikanobu cherry blossom viewing scene, considered one of the best in the series. This image appears on page 173 of Bruce A. Coats's book "Chikanobu: Images of Modernity and Nostalgia."

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 27 7/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. A couple small tears at edge, repaired. Slight toning, slight rubbing at side, a few stains. Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled. Please see photos for details.