976 - Two woodblock prints by Chikanobu Yoshu

Two woodblock prints by Chikanobu Yoshu Japan, Meiji period (1838-1912), 1895 - Chiyoda Castle (diptych) - Two color woodblock prints on washi (Japanese paper). Sheet dimensions: each approx. 25.4 × 37.3 cm. Both sheets are loose. Condition: slightly browned, age-spotted in places. Chikanobu Yoshu (1838-1912) was one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e of the Meiji period. Famous for his vivid depictions of modernizing Japan, he captured the profound cultural changes of his era - from Western fashions to new social roles and the transformation of the imperial court. As a former samurai who turned to art, he combined traditional woodcut aesthetics with contemporary themes. His works are characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions and a keen eye for the life of his time, forming an important bridge between the Edo tradition and the modernity of the Meiji era.