This sheet from the Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys (Kyosen Omocha-shu) by Kawasaki Kyosen (1877-1942) scatters a loose procession of folk toys across the page: white spotted dog figures, a small rider on a toy horse carrying a banner, and a pair of round daruma-like figures below. Kyosen, an Osaka artist who gave his life to recording Japan's regional playthings, lets the toys drift over the paper rather than lining them up, so the eye wanders from one to the next.
The plate is omocha-e, the picture of toys, each object observed from life and printed by woodblock. The line is light, the colour applied in small soft touches, and the wide empty ground does much of the work, giving the scattered figures air and rhythm. A red seal sits low at the side.
On a wall the print is playful and open. The drift of small figures across pale paper keeps it airy, an image that feels unforced in a room. It suits a child's room, a hallway, or a relaxed study, and sits wel . . . Read More >>
This sheet from the Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys (Kyosen Omocha-shu) by Kawasaki Kyosen (1877-1942) scatters a loose procession of folk toys across the page: white spotted dog figures, a small rider on a toy horse carrying a banner, and a pair of round daruma-like figures below. Kyosen, an Osaka artist who gave his life to recording Japan's regional playthings, lets the toys drift over the paper rather than lining them up, so the eye wanders from one to the next.
The plate is omocha-e, the picture of toys, each object observed from life and printed by woodblock. The line is light, the colour applied in small soft touches, and the wide empty ground does much of the work, giving the scattered figures air and rhythm. A red seal sits low at the side.
On a wall the print is playful and open. The drift of small figures across pale paper keeps it airy, an image that feels unforced in a room. It suits a child's room, a hallway, or a relaxed study, and sits well beside light wood and other simple prints.
Available as fine-art paper with a soft matte surface, as a framed edition behind shatter-resistant acrylic, or as satin-coated cotton canvas for a warmer, textile feel.
Frequently asked questions
What does this print show?
A loose procession of folk toys, including white spotted dogs, a small mounted figure with a banner, and round daruma-like figures, scattered across open paper.
Where does the image come from?
From Kawasaki Kyosen's Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys, an album of omocha-e recording the regional toys of early twentieth-century Japan.
What are the spotted dog toys?
Inu-hariko, papier-mache dog toys long given as charms for children's health and safe growth; Kyosen drew them from life.
Where does it suit best?
In a child's room, a hallway, or a relaxed study, where the airy scatter of figures keeps the wall light and playful.
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Japan historical period: Taisho 大正 (1912-1925)
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#Classic
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#Kawasaki Kyosen
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#Minimalist
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