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.

Tea Ceremony - Lovely triptych of beauties greeting each other in a garden outside a teahouse as they meet for a tea ceremony. Two women bow respectfully to each other, standing on the stepping-stones in the courtyard. Two beauties rise from their seats on a bench behind them, wearing colorful flowing kimono. Beautifully detailed fabrics with fine embossed patterns on the white kimono collars and trim. A handsome scene of a traditional Japanese activity.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

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

Condition - This print with excellent color as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal and vertical folds. Creasing, slight toning and soiling, staining at corners. Please see photos for details.