Serving Spiced Rice Wine

by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Current Status

Serving Spiced Rice Wine by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Original Chikanobu (1838 - 1912) Japanese Woodblock Print
Serving Spiced Rice Wine

Series; Chiyoda Inner Palace (Chiyoda no Ooku)

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.

Serving Spiced Rice Wine - This lovely subject depicts the custom of drinking spiced rice wine on the first day of the New Year to ensure good health. The youngest member of the family or group is served first, here the young lady bowing before an older palace matron. The bamboo and plum blossoms on the folding screen behind the women are traditionally associated with the New Year. Beautiful detail in this attractive subject with lightly embossed geometric patterning on the white areas of the 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 separate panels. Diagonal folds. Tear and small loss at bottom left edge of right panel, repaired. Creasing and wrinkling, slight toning and soiling, a few stains. Please see photos for details.

Serving Spiced Rice Wine by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)
Serving Spiced Rice Wine by Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Auction Rules and guidelines

This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines

If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.