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Silhouette of a Jester (Taikomochi), from the series Lingering Traces in Excellent Shadow Pictures (Sono omokage hodo yoku utsutshi-e)


其面影程能写絵(そのおもかげほどよくうつしえ) たいこもち
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Japanese, 1797–1861)
Falsely attributed to: Ippitsusai Bunchô (Japanese, active about 1765–1792)
Japanese
Edo period
1847–52 (Kôka 4–Kaei 5)

Medium/Technique Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions Vertical ôban; 37.1 x 25.8 cm (14 5/8 x 10 3/16 in.)
Credit Line William S. and John T. Spaulding Collection
Accession Number21.4698
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsPrints

Catalogue Raisonné Fujisawa, Asoberu ukiyo-e (2008), p. 50 (the pair); Suzuki et al., Utagawa Kuniyoshi ten (1996), #278 (the pair); Suzuki 1992, #426 (#425 is the other half of the pair, showing Benkei); Inagaki and Isao, Kuniyoshi no kyôga (1991), #120 (the pair)
DescriptionFrom a series of shadow pictures paired with surprising visual explanations of the shadows; the "jester" is really Benkei with the bell of Mii-dera.
The series title includes a play on Kuniyoshi's pen name Hodoyoshi.
This impression has had its title and censors' seals removed and a false signature of Buncho added.
Signed False signature: Ippitsusai Bunchô ga (the original has a signature on the matching sheet)
一筆齊文調画
ProvenanceSpring 1913, purchased by William S. and John T. Spaulding from Frank Lloyd Wright; December 1, 1921, given by William S. and John T. Spaulding to the Museum.