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.

Dog Playing, 1895 - Charming Chikanobu triptych of a young girl and two upper-class beauties watching a small dog playing around their feet. Carrying a box draped with lavender cloth, the girl smiles as she looks down at the pet, which wears a ruffled collar tied with a red bow. The beauty in the center wears a lovely white outer kimono featuring colorful leaves and blossoms and an embossed geometric design. Another woman kneels at left, a glowing lantern on the floor beside her. The pale gray background features a subtle pine branch design. A lovely triptych with additional embossed detail on the white kimono trim and the dog's fur, along with burnishing on the hair. A great subject for anyone who loves dogs.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 28 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds between panels. Slight toning and soiling, a few ripples and creases, light lines where backing papers meet. Please see photos for details.