Gonin no Kakube, Junin no Hataraki [Five Kakubei Doing the Work of Ten]

US$470.00

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Gonin no Kakube, Jūnin no Hataraki [Five Kakubei Doing the Work of Ten]

Ippōsai, Yoshifuji [illustrated by].

[Tōkyō]: Isetatsu, [ca. Taishō to early Shōwa period (ca. 1910s-1930s)].

After a design by Ippōsai Yoshifuji, this unusual woodblock print depicts a jumble of Kakubei-jishi performers. Five heads are ingeniously arranged so that each appears to belong to two different bodies, leaving the viewer uncertain whether the image depicts five performers or ten. Kakubei-jishi is a traditional lion dance originating in Echigo (modern-day Niigata Prefecture). According to tradition, the dance was created by a farmer known as Kakubei, from whom it takes its name. During the Edo period, Kakubei-jishi performers—usually children—entertained crowds with acrobatic feats such as handstands while wearing small lion heads. A colourful print that uses a lively, comical design to emphasise the exuberant acrobatics of Kakubei-jishi.

One leaf, woodblock-printed on one side, complete. A few light marks and stains. Light creases and discolouration to extremities. Mounting paper residue to verso. 38.1 x 25.2 cm.

Gonin no Kakube, Junin no Hataraki [Five Kakubei Doing the Work of Ten]
Price: $470.00 (USD)