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.

Beauties in a Chrysanthemum Garden, 1895 - Beautiful Chikanobu triptych of beauties in a garden full of blooming chrysanthemums. The elegant women wear sumptuously patterned kimono in vibrant colors. The beauty at right sits on a bamboo bench atop a cushion bordered with a dragon pattern, an attendant kneeling beside her holding a lacquer box. A lovely image with attractive color and fine detail, including delicate embossing on the white kimono trim and the petals of the white flowers.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Creasing, slight toning, a few spots and folds. Please see photos for details.