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 large soft bird toy fills the sheet, its plump pink-and-crimson body patterned in patchwork, a striped tail fanning out behind and small green and dotted shapes set nearby.
Kyōsen drew the toy from observation and cut it as a woodblock. The deep pinks and reds of the body, the banded tail and the scattered greens are laid in as flat, generous colour. The bird's rounded shape holds the centre of the sheet, while the cream paper keeps its outline soft and clear.
On a wall the plate has a warm, cheerful presence. The patchwork bird is plump and good-humoured, a folk plaything made for delight rather than likeness. It suits a child's room, a playroom, or a bright corner that welcomes a single bold, friendly shape.
Printed on heavy fine-art paper wi . . . 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 large soft bird toy fills the sheet, its plump pink-and-crimson body patterned in patchwork, a striped tail fanning out behind and small green and dotted shapes set nearby.
Kyōsen drew the toy from observation and cut it as a woodblock. The deep pinks and reds of the body, the banded tail and the scattered greens are laid in as flat, generous colour. The bird's rounded shape holds the centre of the sheet, while the cream paper keeps its outline soft and clear.
On a wall the plate has a warm, cheerful presence. The patchwork bird is plump and good-humoured, a folk plaything made for delight rather than likeness. It suits a child's room, a playroom, or a bright corner that welcomes a single bold, friendly shape.
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 pinks stay warm and clear in daylight.
Frequently asked questions
What is shown in this print?
A large soft bird toy with a plump pink-and-crimson patchwork body and a striped tail, with small green shapes nearby — drawn from the actual plaything.
What kind of toy is this?
It is a folk cloth or papier-mâché bird toy, shaped for cheer and play rather than for true likeness, the sort kept and handled in homes.
Which album is this from?
It is plate Nr. 6 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 warm, cheerful presence suits a child's room, a playroom, or a bright corner with a single bold shape.
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Japan historical period: Taisho 大正 (1912-1925)
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