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.

Chiyoda Inner Palace Cover Page - Handsome cover page for Chikanobu's beautiful "Inner Chiyoda Palace" series. A lovely portrait of an upper-class beauty, her hair arranged with an ornament featuring a spray of flowers and a butterfly. The white collar of her kimono is embossed with a geometric pattern. An attractive subject and a nice complement to the series.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Hole, repaired. Toning, a few spots and wrinkles. Please see photos for details.