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福助のかるわざ （便箋）
Sheet of Letter Paper: Fukusuke Dancing on a TIghtrope of Beards
福助のかるわざ （便箋）
Kawanabe Kyôsai (Japanese, 1831–1889)
Japanese
Meiji era
about 1870s–1880s
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
32.9 x 23.9 cm (12 15/16 x 9 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Asiatic Curator's Fund
Accession NumberRES.64.24
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Kyōsai’s satirical talent comes across gently in this sheet of letter paper decorated with cartoon figures. A Shinto priest and a top-hatted foreigner have tied their beards together in a tightrope for the dancing Fukusuke, a symbol of good fortune. The picture hints that international cooperation can bring prosperity, though it may be difficult and perhaps uncomfortable at first.
Signed
Seisei Kyôsai ga
惺々暁斎画
惺々暁斎画
Marks
Artist's seal: Kiga (or Gaki?)
Provenance1964, purchased by the MFA from Mrs. Joseph McGoldrick, Brooklyn, New York. (Accession Date: November 12, 1964)