Comment - The complete series is one of the outstanding achievements of late 19th century Japanese art. "Mirror of Historical Ages", depicts women throughout history in fashion and hairstyle. Despite nostalgia for the times gone by, these prints are unmistakably modern and contemporary. The subject of each print is the finely rendered figure in the foreground, depicted as a portrait head, and in the upper part a scene with gray background from the chosen period. The print quality is superb, particularly Chikanobu's use of white to depict the powdered faces. The Kaeiei Era was a time of several severe earthquakes. The landing of the "Black Ships" under commander Perry and others lead to the opening of Japan.

The upper part shows two traders, one of them with a large backpack. Next to the title and series cartouche on the upper right, a kadomatsu pine tree hints to the time around New Year. A small yakko kite lays on the ground.


Series - Mirror of Historical Eras (Jidai kagami, 時代かがみ)


Artist - see Biography


Signature - Yōshū Chikanobu (Yōshū Chikanobu, 楊洲周延) on the lower right margin with his red ootoshidama;


Publisher - Matsuki Heikichi (松木平吉), Daikokuya Publisher's (大黒屋), left margin with complete address


Image Size - 25.2 x 37.5 cm   ( 9 15/16" x 13 1/4" + margins as shown)


Condition - single panel; nishiki-e (cloured woodblock); Vertical ôban (ôban tate-e);