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.

Title Page for Chiyoda Inner Palace - Beautiful title page for Chikanobu's lovely "Inner Chiyoda Palace" series depicting the lives of upper class women inside the shogun's palace in Edo. The text panels feature delicate cloth embossing, enclosed within a blue frame with a scene of a flowing stream bordered with trees and colorful flowers, with a small teahouse at right. An elegant diptych and a fine choice for Chikanobu collectors.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 18 5/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with nice color and detail as shown. Two separate panels, backed with paper. A few small wormholes, repaired. A few creases at edges. Please see photos for details.