Witty Work for Silhouettes

(Sono omokage hodoyoku utsushie, 其面影程能写絵)

Publisher: Kadzusa-ya Iwazô

1848-1851

This series of prints consists of 3 pairs of separate prints. In each pair, one print is a silhouette of the other. The series is not listed in Kuniyoshi by Basil William Robinson (Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1961). The individual prints are each about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a size known as ôban.

Professional Jester

Benkei Dragging the Bell of Miidera Temple up Mt. Hiei

Lobster with Shellfish

Fisherman Seated Among Leaves

Goldfish and Red Carp (金魚にひごいっ子)

Hunter and Raccoon Dog [with huge scrotum] (猟人にたぬき)

This pair of fan prints (uchiwa) was published by Iba-ya Sensadurô about 1840 and bears the title “Ekyodai awase kagami” (絵鏡台合かゞ身). It shows three of the seven gods of good fortune: Daikoku as a snake, Hotei as a toad and Ebisu as a snail. Other fan prints from this series may be found under Brother Pictures for Comparison.

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