Japanese Woodblock Print; Asaji Fields; No. 6 from Eastern Brocades, Day and Night Compared by Chikanobu (1838-1912)

This antique, Japanese, woodblock print, Asaji Fields, No. 6, was designed in 1886 as part of the "Eastern Brocades, Day and Night Compared" series.

The artist, Chikanobu, lived from 1838 to 1912.

This print depicts the story of a man who has left home to sell the silk his wife has woven. He cannot return home for years because of war, and when he is able to reach home, he is met by devastation. However, his wife, still beautiful and young, greets him. The next morning, she is gone, and when she reappears before her husband (on the left in the print) holding a torch pointing back toward their home, he realizes she is a ghost. The torch reveals a shadow in the window that is a ghostly woman spinning silk. In the upper left corner of the print, villagers are shown praying to Kannon or Quan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy

The print measures 13" x 9" plus the margins.

*****Condition - Excellent color and detail. Some foxing. Some soiling near edges. Creasing. Please see photos for details and let me know if you would like more as I will be happy to oblige.

Thank you for looking.