Yoshiiku: Two Men and a Terrific Leopard

Artist: Ochiai Yoshiiku (1833-1904)
Title: Two men and a leopard   Date: 7/1860

A serious-looking man startles his gun-toting companion with the same stare that the large leopard behind him seems to have. The leopard is skillfully rendered, at once playful and fierce. The Japanese would often use the same name for a tiger as they would to indicate a leopard. An actual leopard was exhibited near Ryogoku Bridge in Edo during the 7th month of 1860. This work may be combining a form of playful satire with the terrific image of the big cat, who seems tamed by the seated official. 

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: ôban 36 x 23.8 cm
Seal: Carver’s seal: Watanabe hori Ei (Watanabe Eizô)
Signature: Ikkeisai Yoshiiku with the square Yoshikiri seal below

SKU: YII049