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.

Moon Viewing Party - Lovely triptych of the ladies of Chiyoda Palace preparing for an autumn moon viewing party. The full moon is visible in the sky at left as beauties carry a flower arrangement and offering trays piled with fruit and sweets out to the garden. Delicate grasses and plants appear in soft gray silhouette in the background, providing a subtle backdrop for the elegant fabrics worn by the beauties. Nicely colored and detailed, including embossing on the white kimono collars and trim and burnishing on the hair. A wonderful design.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. A couple tiny losses at edges, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing, a few spots, vertical fold at side of right panel. Please see photos for details.