Toyohara Chikanobu (1838-1912) - 1877 Japanese Woodblock Falling Sakura

Description

A striking late 19th Century ukiyo-e woodblock, showing a mother and her child, both in full traditional dress with exquisitely patterned kimonos, strolling hand in hand as they are showing with falling sakura petals. The Japanese kanji characters down the left state that this was printed in 1877. The artist's signature and seal can be seen to the lower left edge. The woodblock has been presented in a simple black frame with card mount. On pith paper.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some minor discolouration. The frame is in fine condition.

Size

32.5 x 22cm (12.8" x 8.7")
Framed Size: 45.2 x 34.8cm (17.8" x 13.7")

Collection Information

This well presented collection showcases Chikanobu's explorations traditional Japanese culture, values, heroes and feminine beauty, through the noble art of Ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock printing).

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Artist Biography

Chikanobu Toyohara (also known as Chikanobu Yoshu) was a leading woodblock print artist of the Meiji Period. Born in Niigata prefecture as Naoyoshi Hashimoto, Chikanobu began his life as the son of samurai in the service of the Sakakibara clan. During the Meiji Restoration, he joined the shogitai, an elite samurai brigade in direct support of the waning Tokugawa Shogunate, and fought bravely in the Battle of Ueno in 1868. Though captured in the fray, he was released unharmed. As the Shogunate fell, Chikanobu focused on a career in art.

Though trained in Kano school painting from an early age, Chikanobu shifted his attention to ukiyo-e around 1852. He began his printmaking career under the tutelage of Utagawa School masters Kuniyoshi, Kunisada and Kunichika. Like many of his contemporaries, Chikanobu Toyohara worked as a newspaper illustrator as well as a print artist. By 1871, he had established himself as a leading print artist. He designed across all genres, from kabuki actors and beauties to military exploits of past and present. During the 1870s, Chikanobu captured Meiji Japan’s rapid modernization through kaika-e, or “enlightenment pictures.” Attuned to current events and public taste, he produced designs of both the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion, an ill-fated insurrection again Meiji government, and well as the 1882 Imo Incident in Korea. Chikanobu’s reflected his changing world not only through his subject matter, but also in his materials. Incorporating the purples and reds of imported aniline dyes, he achieved an element of subtlety and sophistication rarely seen in his era. In 1912, he died of stomach cancer.