previous page

view print

CHIKANOBU, Toyohara (1838 - 1912)		Picture of the fireworks of two nations - a key block proof print -
		Signed:                  Chikanobu Date:                       c. 1880s Size:                       oban triptych,                                  c.  36.5 x 24 cms / 14 3/8" x 9 1/2", each sheet Condition: a very faint water stain in each sheet, else fine ref. no.: # 561483-2 Price: € 250.00

In spite of the title we do not yet see any fireworks in this print. Obviously they are part of one of the color blocks carved at a later stage in the block carving process. Key block prints represent the first step in the printing process. A number of prints were pulled from the key block, on which the artist indicated instructions for the coloring, each written on a separate proof sheet. From these the color blocks were cut. A typical element on Japanese key block prints are the 'kento' (registration marks) which were cut in each block, so that the final print sheet could be placed correctly on each color block. Key block prints have two kento, usually at the lower right corner and along the right paper edge. LINKS to more key block prints elsewhere in our web gallery, prints by: Toshikata  ('Customs & History' section)          Tamanami (?)  (a sumo print)

   previous page                                                                 view print