Series; Chiyoda Outer Palace (Chiyoda no on-omote)
Chiyoda Outer Palace - Following his successful "Chiyoda Inner Palace" series, Chikanobu designed a second triptych series first published in 1897 illustrating the "Chiyoda Outer Palace" (Chiyoda no on-omote), the domain of the shogun and his retainers at Edo Castle, also known as Chiyoda Castle. The men are depicted taking part in sporting and hunting activities, martial arts, annual ceremonies, and traditional rituals. The Outer Palace series was smaller than the Inner Palace series, with 32 triptychs instead of 40, and these designs are seen much less often. Chikanobu's characteristic attention to detail highlights the clothing and accessories worn by the samurai, as well as the indoor and outdoor settings. Many designs include deluxe printing techniques such and embossing and burnishing. The handsome "Chiyoda Outer Palace" series provides a wonderful look at life inside the Shogun's castle prior to the Meiji Restoration.
Scene of the Kajo Ceremony, 1897 - Terrific scene of a group of daimyo receiving cakes from the shogun at Chiyoda Palace during the Kajo Ceremony in the sixth month. Trays of mochi cakes and other food decorated with pine sprigs are arranged across the floor, to be given to the shogun's retainers. A nobleman kneels with his gift of rice cakes, bowing after receiving it. The men are dressed in formal court robes with extremely long pants that trail along the floor, the intricate fabric patterned beautifully recreated. In an adjoining room, a courtier bows before a low table holding vegetables and a sake bottle. A fascinating look at this carefully orchestrated ceremony. Wonderful detail, including burnishing on the black lacquer scabbards and the black lacquer frame of the screen at left.
Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)
Image Size - 14 1/4" x 28 1/2" + margins as shown
Condition - Good color and detail. Vertical fold at side, a few creases at edge, diagonal wrinkle at lower left of right panel.
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