This plate comes from Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys, the woodblock album in which Kawasaki Kyōsen (1877–1942) recorded the folk playthings of old Japan. It is an omocha-e, a toy picture. A tall tiered ornament rises at the top of the sheet, while a reclining doll and a small folk mask rest along the lower edge.
Kyōsen drew the toys from observation and cut them as a woodblock. The patterned red, black and green of the tiered piece, the pale body of the reclining doll and the small bright mask are laid in as flat colour. The objects are spread across the open sheet, so each toy keeps its own clear shape.
On a wall the plate has a light, playful character. The tall ornament and the resting doll give it gentle variety without crowding, and the cream ground keeps it airy. It suits a child's room, a playroom, or a bright shelf that welcomes a touch of folk colour.
Printed on heavy fine-art paper with a soft natural-white surface. Fram . . . Read More >>
This plate comes from Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys, the woodblock album in which Kawasaki Kyōsen (1877–1942) recorded the folk playthings of old Japan. It is an omocha-e, a toy picture. A tall tiered ornament rises at the top of the sheet, while a reclining doll and a small folk mask rest along the lower edge.
Kyōsen drew the toys from observation and cut them as a woodblock. The patterned red, black and green of the tiered piece, the pale body of the reclining doll and the small bright mask are laid in as flat colour. The objects are spread across the open sheet, so each toy keeps its own clear shape.
On a wall the plate has a light, playful character. The tall ornament and the resting doll give it gentle variety without crowding, and the cream ground keeps it airy. It suits a child's room, a playroom, or a bright shelf that welcomes a touch of folk colour.
Printed on heavy fine-art paper with a soft natural-white surface. Framed editions arrive behind shatter-resistant acrylic in a slim wooden moulding; the canvas option is a satin-coated cotton weave. The colours stay clear and lively in daylight.
Frequently asked questions
What is shown in this print?
A tall tiered festival ornament with a reclining folk doll and a small mask below — drawn from the actual playthings.
What kind of toys are these?
They are folk festival pieces: a decorated tiered ornament and simple character dolls of the sort kept and played with in homes.
Which album is this from?
It is plate Nr. 13 of Kyōsen's Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys (Kyōsen Omocha-shū), a record of traditional folk toys.
Where does this print fit at home?
Its light, playful character suits a child's room, a playroom, or a bright shelf that welcomes folk colour.
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Japan historical period: Taisho 大正 (1912-1925)
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