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.

Washing Fruit - Lovely woodblock print showing a high-ranking lady of the palace washing the fruit in a lacquer bowl on the floor before her. The attendant at left holds out a towel on a lacquer tray, while the one at right holds a water pitcher. They all wear elegant kimono spread out on the floor around them. An attractive image with beautiful embossed detail on the white kimono fabric of the two attendants, and burnishing on the black lacquer bowl.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 28 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds between panels. Creasing throughout, writing at upper right corner. Please see photos for details.