Pair of large Japanese Meiji period woodblock prints

This pair of large Meiji period woodblock prints was made in Japan towards the end of the nineteenth century. The Meiji period, an era of huge of social, economic, and political change in which the island was opened up to the world, also saw a vast increase in artistic production, and prints such as these are no exception.

Each large print in a triptych-form depicts interior scenes of courtly life in Japan. With a group of elaborately and extravagantly dressed women in each frame, their garments are depicted in vibrant reds and blues that fade into white; the rooms open up to give views of beautiful landscapes of cities, rivers, and mountainous terrain, and inscriptions are scattered throughout. Fine artistic works, they are a highly desirable pair for any with an appreciation and love of Japenese culture and art.

Frames: height 42.5cm, width 78.5cm, depth 2cm
Prints: height 35cm, width 78.5cm