Chikanobu: Ikebana (Flower Arranging Lesson)

Artist: Yoshu Chikanobu (1838-1912) Title: Ikebana Series: Fujin shoreishiki no zu (Pictures of Ladies’ Ceremonies and Manners) Date: 1896 We see two very well-dressed women bringing the items needed for flower arranging to a woman who has been seated on the cushion of honor. We can assume that this might be their ikebana teacher; she is also wearing a kimono that is very subdued, befitting someone in such a position. The woman at left holds a tray with scissors and already cut flowers and leaves. The woman on the right brings a western-style jug of water on a tray, and on the table before the central figure is a low-form rectangular flower arrangement stand. Behind them is a low table with a quite exuberant ikebana display. It includes a very large bamboo holder with cut-outs, and features twirling wisteria vines and flowers, as well as curving purple irises. Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. Unbacked. Dimensions: ôban triptych (37.2 x 25 cm each sheet) Signature: Yôshû Chikanobu