Yoshitoshi: Competition of Drunks (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Competition of Drunks
Series: Comparison of Drunken Stupors (Kigen kurabe)
Date: 1885

The prints in this rare series concern drunken conversations or monologues by people of various occupations. The writing is by Ryûtei Tanehiko (1783-1842), most famously the author of Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji. This was intended as a chûban series, but here is an uncut example of two designs. Above we see a public official, not a high-ranking one, holding out his goblet, presumably for a refill. Before him is a tray of food. He wears a western-style coat and western-style moustache and hairstyle, and seems to be enjoying the benefits of his position. Below is pictured a mother-in -law, her robe open due to the summer heat. Her face is unkind, to put it mildly, and we can guess that she has a critical nature. The cat next to her seems unperturbed.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. crease along midline.
Dimensions: ôban
Publisher: Nogawa
Literature: Keyes numbers 470.11 and 470.12.
Seal: Taiso
Signature: Ôju Yoshitoshi (giga?)

SKU: YOT603