Chikanobu: Magic Lantern Slide Series; Beauty and Playing Cat and Oji Waterfall (Sold)

Artist: Yōshū Chikanobu (1838-1912)
Title: Beauty Admiring Kirifuri Waterfall
Date: 1890

This interesting series shows Japanese women during a period of breakneck modernization when women’s societal roles were rapidly evolving. The main image of a beauty is superimposed on a Magic Lantern image, with the relationship between the two sometimes being rather indirect and challenging to unlock. In this design, we see men enjoying frolicking in the sacred waterfall of Oji in the Magic Lantern image.  It is possible that women were restricted from bathing in these areas at the time, so perhaps she is enjoying something within her home that relates to playing in a waterfall. Her long, cascading obi could perhaps be compared to a waterfall, and the cat is certainly frolicking at the bottom of it. Magic Lantern slide shows were very popular with the public at the time, and one would guess that images of famous pilgrimage sites would be quite popular.

Series: Magic Lantern Comparison (Gento shashin kurabe)
Publisher: Yokoyama Ryohachi
Condition: Excellent impression and color; very good condition. Backing remnants, verso.
Dimensions: ôban 35.8 x 23.3 cm
Signature: Yôshû Chikanobu hitsu

SKU: CHCS017