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 bamboo pole crowned with blue tasselled pine decoration rises through the sheet, a small black puppy and a white kitten toy set against it, and a brown reclining animal toy resting below.
Kyōsen drew the toys from observation and cut them as a woodblock. The blue tassels of the festival decoration, the black of the puppy and the warm brown of the lower animal are laid in as flat, lively colour. The tall pole lifts the eye while the small toys gather low, so the open cream paper keeps the arrangement light.
On a wall the plate has an airy, festive character. The tasselled pole recalls New Year and seasonal decoration, the little animals adding folk warmth. It suits an entryway, a child's room, or a bright corner that welcomes a tall, cheerful sub . . . 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 bamboo pole crowned with blue tasselled pine decoration rises through the sheet, a small black puppy and a white kitten toy set against it, and a brown reclining animal toy resting below.
Kyōsen drew the toys from observation and cut them as a woodblock. The blue tassels of the festival decoration, the black of the puppy and the warm brown of the lower animal are laid in as flat, lively colour. The tall pole lifts the eye while the small toys gather low, so the open cream paper keeps the arrangement light.
On a wall the plate has an airy, festive character. The tasselled pole recalls New Year and seasonal decoration, the little animals adding folk warmth. It suits an entryway, a child's room, or a bright corner that welcomes a tall, cheerful subject.
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 blue and brown stay clear in daylight.
Frequently asked questions
What is shown in this print?
A tall bamboo pole crowned with blue tasselled pine decoration, with a small black puppy and white kitten toy and a brown reclining animal toy — drawn from the actual playthings.
What is the tasselled pole?
It is a seasonal festival decoration, pine and tassels recalling the New Year and the auspicious greenery hung at that time.
Which album is this from?
It is plate Nr. 2 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 airy, festive character suits an entryway, a child's room, or a bright corner with a tall, cheerful subject.
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Japan historical period: Taisho 大正 (1912-1925)
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