Yoshu Chikanobu

1838-1912

Preparatory Drawing and Print of 'Annual Events and Customs of the Eastern Capital: Twelfth Month'
(Azuma fuzoku nenju gyoji: Junigatsu)

sumi ink on paper with red underdrawing, lightly attached to paper backing at corners, inscribed near upper edge indicating the title, juni (twelve); the print signed Yoshu Chikanobu with red Toshidama seal, dated in the publisher's cat-shaped seal Meiji nijusannen -gatsu -ka insatsu (printed in Meiji 23 [1890] -month -day), Donen -gatsu -ka shuppan (published in the same year -month -day), followed by the publisher's information, Insatsuken hakkosha Hasegawa Sonokichi, with his address in Nihonbashi-ku, 1890

drawing 14 1/8 by 9 3/8 in., 36 by 23.8 cm
oban tate-e14 1/2 by 9 17/32 in., 36.8 by 24.8

This composition is a preliminary drawing related to Chikanobu's 1890 series, Annual Events and Customs of the Eastern Capital which illustrated women engaging in seasonal activities according to the twelve months. The beauty is bundled up with a pale blue head scarf and a Western-style fringed shawl over her lilac outer-robe as she passes through the lively outdoor Toshi no Ichi (Year-End Fair) at a shrine.

The drawing is newly paired with an impression of the woodblock print which was only very recently located.

(inv. no. C-1785)

price: Sold