Chikanobu: Snow Moon and Flowers
Ronin Gallery is pleased to present 12 prints from Chikanobu’s series Setsugekka at the turn of the century. The term Setsugekka is from a famous 9th century poem by Bo Juvi referring to the changing season: snow for winter, moon for autumn and cherry blossoms for spring. It is an beloved and reoccurring theme in Japanese art and an integral part of Japanese culture. These lyrical prints portray beautiful women and children during different times of the year. Chikanobu (1838-1912) is best known for his work portraying women’s fashions, pastimes, and customs.
He was trained in Kano School painting but turned his attention to woodblock printing and studied with the Utagawa masters Kuniyoshi, Kunisada and Kunichika. He designed prints in all genre, from kabuki actors to historical military scenes, but is best known for his bijin-ga (beautiful women). Subtly colored, beautifully printed and designed with a deep admiration and respect for Japanese beauty and history these prints are a joy to view.
