| Method | Woodblock (nishiki-e) |
| Artist | Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912) |
| Published | 1893 |
| Dimensions | Ôban tate-e triptych [Each sheet ~15.6 x 10.7 inches] |
| Notes |
Series: Shunkashūtō: The Four Seasons Signature: Chikanobu A triptych depicting two bijin (beauties) in elaborate kimonos, with three children. Two of the children are playing cats cradle beneath the persimmon tree, whilst another child is handing a branch to one of the bijins. Another bijin is watering some flowers with a watering can. Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912) was a student of Toyohara Kunichika (not to be confused with the Kunichika Toyohara (1835-1900) of the same name). Originally Hashimoto, he took both the last name and the second part "chika" of his master's first name. This followed an old tradition of students inheriting the already established names of their masters. Favorite subjects of Chikanobu were historical and mythological legends and histories from Japan's past and genre scenes with women and children. The percentage of triptychs among the prints created by the artist is maybe higher than for any other artist of the Meiji period. His best known series are triptychs showing court life in and around the Chiyoda Palace. Like Chikanobu's contemporary, Yoshitoshi, his print themes concentrate on the history and traditional values of old Japan. These series must be seen against the background of an era when Japan was striving to adopt Western technology and civilization without any criticism. The Japanese society then regarded their own traditional and culture as something of low value that had to be replaced by Western values as fast as possible. Condition: Light toning to sheets. |
| Framing | mounted |
| Price | £625.00 |
| Stock ID | 51228 |