Image

A woodblock print in muted tones. A seated woman in a patterned robe plays a three-stringed musical instrument. Above, in a fan-shaped frame, are two bats dressed as samurai.

Utagawa Toyokuni II (Toyoshige)

Popular Comic: Bat Nikki (Ryukō kyōga Nikki)

Description

Maker

Utagawa Toyokuni II (Toyoshige) (Japanese, 1777-1835)
Yamamotoya Heikichi 山本屋平吉 (Japanese, 1816 - 1886), publisher

Title

Popular Comic: Bat Nikki (Ryukō kyōga Nikki)
from the series Contemporary Figures (Imayō sugata)
Imayo sugata

Period

Edo (Japanese period)

Year

1830s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

color, ink

Supports

Geography

Place Made: Japan; Place Made: Tokyo

Dimensions

Vertical ōban: 37 x 25.4 cm (14 9/16 x 10 inches)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

Signature: Kosotei Toyokuni ga

Seals: Artist's toshidama seal; censor's seal | kiwame

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Bequest of Isaac C. Bates

Object Number

13.1408

Type

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Striking Chords
Music in *Ukiyo-E* Prints
Feb 05, 2022 – Jul 31, 2022

Label copy

An elaborately dressed and styled young shamisen player adjusts the bridge on her instrument. Framed above her are two frolicking bats personifying kabuki theater characters Nikki Danjo and Arajishi Otokonosuke. Kabuki plays were often accompanied by music, and Toyoshige’s comical interpretation of this scene is fittingly enhanced with the anticipated sounds of the shamisen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwVt0DLN1xg

Use & Feedback

Image use

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This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Utagawa Toyokuni II (Toyoshige) (Japanese, 1777-1835)
Yamamotoya Heikichi 山本屋平吉 (Japanese, 1816 - 1886), publisher
Popular Comic: Bat Nikki (Ryukō kyōga Nikki); from the series Contemporary Figures (Imayō sugata); Imayo sugata, 1830s
Polychrome woodblock print
Vertical ōban: 37 x 25.4 cm (14 9/16 x 10 inches)
Bequest of Isaac C. Bates 13.1408

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