Humorous Short Poems with Pictures

(Kyôka-e)

Publisher: Jôshû-ya Kinzô

1839-1842

 

Kyôka (狂歌) poems are short humorous poems that are often satirical, bawdy or just silly. This series is not listed in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961).  The series was published in at least two states—one with the poems and a later printing without.  The images are each about 4.7 by 5 inches (12 by 12.5 centimeters), and six images were printed on a sheet of paper about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ôban.

 

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

This is the second state of the above print (without the poem).  The prints below are all from the second state.

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

A kappa (river sprite) trying to pull man into the water

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

Raikô and the severed head of Shunte-dôji

Kuniyoshi -  Kyoka-e

 

 

A samurai (possibly Yoritomo) falling or being pushed out of a cave on Mount Ishibashi, where he may have sought refuge

Kuniyoshi - (koban) Kyôkun zenaku kozô zoroe, SC137800

 

An uncut sheet of six prints

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