This plate from Kawasaki Kyōsen's (1877–1942) Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys shows a hagoita battledore decorated with a fierce red face and black hair, set above a small figure holding a carp. The hagoita — a paddle used in the New Year game of battledore and shuttlecock — was also a decorated keepsake, its painted faces drawn from theatre and legend.
Kyōsen drew it in omocha-e, the woodblock genre of toy pictures, printing each colour from its own carved block onto paper. The hand is bold with the red mask-face and careful with the paddle and the lower figure, keeping the whole clear. It records a real, decorated toy without embellishment.
On a wall the plate is striking and festive. The strong red face carries the image, while the open ground and the small lower figure keep it balanced. It suits a child's room, an entry hall, or a wall where a bold, New Year image is welcome.
Each print is made to order on thick, smooth fine art paper, or fra . . . Read More >>
This plate from Kawasaki Kyōsen's (1877–1942) Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys shows a hagoita battledore decorated with a fierce red face and black hair, set above a small figure holding a carp. The hagoita — a paddle used in the New Year game of battledore and shuttlecock — was also a decorated keepsake, its painted faces drawn from theatre and legend.
Kyōsen drew it in omocha-e, the woodblock genre of toy pictures, printing each colour from its own carved block onto paper. The hand is bold with the red mask-face and careful with the paddle and the lower figure, keeping the whole clear. It records a real, decorated toy without embellishment.
On a wall the plate is striking and festive. The strong red face carries the image, while the open ground and the small lower figure keep it balanced. It suits a child's room, an entry hall, or a wall where a bold, New Year image is welcome.
Each print is made to order on thick, smooth fine art paper, or framed behind shatter-resistant acrylic, or as a satin-coated cotton canvas. Choose the format that suits your wall.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hagoita?
A wooden battledore paddle used in the New Year game of battledore and shuttlecock, often decorated with painted faces and kept as a keepsake.
What does this print show?
A hagoita decorated with a fierce red face and black hair, above a small figure holding a carp — a decorated New Year toy.
Who is the artist?
Kawasaki Kyōsen (1877–1942), who recorded Japan's folk toys as woodblock prints in Collected Illustrations of Japanese Toys.
Where does this print fit?
A child's room, entry hall or a bold wall. Its strong red face makes a festive, eye-catching image, balanced by open ground.
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Japan historical period: Taisho 大正 (1912-1925)
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#Art
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#Classic
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#Illustration
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#Japanese
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#Japanese Folk Art
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#Kawasaki Kyosen
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#Sketch
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#Traditional Illustration
