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.

Catching Fireflies at a Country House - Lovely scene of a favorite summer pastime, catching fireflies. At left, a girl swats at the softly glowing insects with a red fan, while two boys behind her chase after them with a stalk of bamboo and a fan tied to a pole. A woman relaxes on a bench in the center, smiling as she watches the children over her shoulder. Another beauty at right carries a small insect cage, the handle of her fan caught between her teeth, a young girl next to her capturing a firefly against the ground with her fan. A stream meanders through the garden, the softly shaded evening sky framed by willow trees. A charming triptych.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 14" x 27 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with somewhat stiff paper. A couple creases and small marks. Please see photos for details.