Kuniyoshi: Tanuki (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Title: Tanuki
Series: Another version of Playful Racoon Dogs (aratamete tanuki no tawamure)
Date: ca. 1843-17

Above, we see a young sumo wrestler comprised of a takuni scrotum, is the eight-tatami-size kintama of a raccoon dog, with manservant behind. A group of a racoon dog family? on a street are watching him with curiosity. A mother talks to her child „How scary it is to see such a big man……It is the 8 mat-size kintama of a raccoon dog.” A man carries kine, a mallet for making mochi rice cake. He says “Look! A large man is coming. Come out and look at him.” Kintama means gold ball but also penis and testicle. Below, seven tanuki use ropes tied around one giant scrotum to flatten the ground, perhaps for a sumo tournament. Their happi coats show the writing kintama, and some the mark of a Buddhist temple. Their conversation goes on about the racoon dog making hot water,“ referring to the story of „bunbuku chagama.“at the temple „Morin-ji.

Condition: Very good impression and color. Good condition. Some trimming and soiling.
Dimensions: ôban
Seal: Kiri seal
Signature: Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga

SKU: KUY490