Antique Japanese Ukiyoe Woodblock Print

This is a Japanese woodblock print Ukiyoe by Chikanobu Yoshu.  The title of the kanji characters say Chiyoda’s Great Inner Palace (千代田之大奥). 

“Chiyoda’s Great Inner Palace” is a collection of works created by Yosuzi Shuen (also known as Hashimoto Shuen), depicting the year-round events and the daily life of the female attendants in the Great Inner Palace of Edo Castle (also known as Chiyoda Castle). This collection was published in 40 installments from Meiji 27 to Meiji 29 (1894-1896) by the publisher Fukuda Hatsujiro. Due to the strict rules prohibiting the recording or disclosure of the inner workings of the Great Inner Palace, not much is known about life inside. However, it is believed that performing arts, including dance and music, were essential skills for daughters serving in samurai households. During the annual festival known as “Hatsuuma” held in February in Edo, women attendants in the Great Inner Palace, such as “Otsugi” and “Osan-no-ma,” are said to have performed dances and comedic plays, which were observed by the “Midaidokoro” (the chief lady-in-waiting) from behind the curtains. Please note that there may not be a direct English translation or equivalent for the term “Chiyoda’s Great Inner Palace,” as it refers to a specific historical context in Japan. Ukiyoe is a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries. Its artists produced woodblock prints and paintings of such subjects as female beauties, kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers, scenes from history and folk tales, travel scenes and landscapes, flora and fauna, and erotica.

• Title: Chiyoda’s Great Inner Palace
• Woodblock print (Hanga), ink print
• Paper 
• Item weight: 20 grams
• Packed weight: 220 grams
• 1880
• Approx. 38 cm long x 74 cm wide
• Good condition. Some rips. Light creasing. Light wear and tear. Please see the photos.
• This piece was purchased at the famous Osu Antique Market in Nagoya.

Shipping: We ship worldwide by Japan Post. Adding this item to your cart shows you the shipping prices and options. We do combine shipping and if the cart does not give you a discount, we will refund any extra shipping paid in the case of overpayment.

About Us: We are Dan and Maiko. Since moving to Japan in 2001, we have gained a vast knowledge of Japanese antiques and vintage items. We are excited to offer you a delightful glimpse of the beauty that Japan has to offer. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.