Premier Spinning Top Tricks by Takezawa
Toji
(Ichiryű kyokugoma Takezawa Toji, 一流曲独楽 竹沢藤次)
Publisher: Wakasa-ya Yoichi
c. 1843
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This
series shows fantasized performances of the top-spinner Takezawa
Toji (竹澤 藤次). It is
listed as number 208 in Kuniyoshi
by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961). However, Robinson gives the series title as
Happiness in One Style of Entertainment (Ichiryű
kyoku dokuraku). The prints are each about 14 by 10 inches
(36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ôban. I
am grateful to Robert Pryor for assisting with this series. |
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Description: Takezawa Toji spinning top on
raised left hand |
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This alternate state of the above design, without clouds and with
a different text, has two censor’s seals, indicating a republication date of
1846-1852. |
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The above design was reprinted c. 1847 to represent the performer
Hakata Chonosuke (博多蝶之助). |
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Description: Takezawa Toji spinning top on
right hand with a closed fan in his mouth |
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Description: Takezawa Toji with tops
spinning in a fountain |
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Description: Takezawa Toji spinning top on a
long tobacco pipe |
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Description: Takezawa Toji spinning top on a
raised hand |
