Toyohara Chikanobu (豊原周延) (artist 1838 – 1912)
One of the prints from the series of True Beauties (Shin Bijin - 真美人) - this is #1 of 36
08/20/1897
9.5 in x 14 in (Overall dimensions) Japanese woodblock print
Signed: Yōshū Chikanobu
楊洲周延
Publisher: Akiyama Buemon (Marks 005)
秋山武右衛門
Dated: Meiji 30, 8th month, 10th day
(明治三十年, 八月, 十日)
British Museum
National Diet Library
Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna
Tokyo Metropolitan Library
Ritsumeikan University
The National Museum of Art
Lyon Collection - another print from this series, #14 The title of the series is boldly printed directly below the image: 真美人 ('True Beauties')
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Use the tool offered by this site to enlarge this image and look closely at the fine carving of the hair trailing down. Also, inspect carefully the gauffrage or embossing used on the surface of the fan. The way the ribbing radiates is remarkable and so lifelike. And before you leave this print take a moment to look more closely at the delicate bokashi, i.e., shading, of the nadeshiko or fringed, pink dianthus. Another beautiful touch.
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There are at least 34 of 36 prints in this set which are viewable at the Museum für angewandte Kunst in Vienna. There are two prints from this group in the Lyon Collection, this one and #1506.
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The publisher's address is given vertically along the left side. It reads:
臨写印刷兼発行者日本橋区室町三丁目九番地 秋山武右衛門
The transliteration is:
"Rinsha insatsu ken hakkosha Nihonbashi ku Muromachi sancho me ku banchi Akiyama Buemon."
Akiyama Buemon (秋山武右衛門) (publisher)
beautiful women (bijin-ga - 美人画) (genre)
Meiji era (明治時代: 1868-1912) (genre)