Witty Work for Silhouettes

Publisher: Kadzusa-ya Iwazô

1848-1851

This series of prints consists of 3 pairs of separate prints. In each pair, one print is a silhouette of the other. The series is not listed in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961). The individual prints are each about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ôban.

Professional Jester

Benkei Dragging the Bell of Miidera Temple up Mt. Hiei

Lobster with Shellfish

Fisherman Seated Among Leaves

Goldfish and Red Carp

Hunter and Raccoon Dog (with huge scrotum)

This pair of fan prints (uchiwa) was published by Iba-ya Sensadurô about 1840 and bears the title ‘Ekyodai awase kagami’. It shows three of the seven gods of good fortune: Daikoku as a snake, Hotei as a toad and Ebisu as a snail.

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