Bunka

Series TitleMirror of the Ages (Judai kagami)

Artist Toyohara Chikanobu (Japanese, 1838 - 1912)

Date1896

MediumWoodblock print

DimensionsOverall: 14 7/8 × 9 7/8 inches (37.78 × 25.08 cm)

Credit LineGift of Carol Shankel

Object number2016.29.4

SignedArtist's signature on the bottom right "Yōshū Chikanobu (揚洲周延)"

InscribedCartouche on the top right is the title "Jidai kagami, bunka no koro (Mirror of the Ages, Bunka)"; and the inscription on the top left in the upper inset reads "sentō gaeri (on the way back from public bath)".

On View

Not on view

Collections

East Asian Art

Terms

DescriptionMirror of the Ages is a series of 40 prints that celebrates the fashion of each era during Edo period (1615–1868). Each print has a female figure dressed in the fashion of the period together with the hairstyle in mode, and it is accompanied by an inset that also present the trend of the time. Offered print is supposed to be for Kan’ei era (1624–1628), during which elaborately designed, tie-dyed kimono was popular. The ruffled collar of the dog may reflect the European influence of that time. In the inset above, a group of people are walking back from public bath.

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