Advanced Search 
狸の戯画 「狸の川がり」 「狸の夕立」
Tanuki Fishing in the River (Tanuki no kawagari) (T) and Tanuki in a Shower (Tanuki no yûdachi) (B), from an untitled series of Tanuki (Raccoon-dogs)
狸の戯画 「狸の川がり」 「狸の夕立」
Japanese
Edo period
about 1843–44 (Tenpô 14–Kôka 1)
Medium/Technique
Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper
Dimensions
Two horizontal chûban on uncut vertical ôban sheet; 35.5 x 23.9 cm (14 x 9 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.36667
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Catalogue Raisonné
Iwakiri 2011, #333; Suzuki et al., Utagawa Kuniyoshi ten (1996), #246; Suzuki 1992, #418; Inagaki and Isao, Kuniyoshi no kyôga (1991), #26; other prints in the series: Ôta Mem. Mus., Warau ukiyo-e (2013), #s 15-24
DescriptionIn Japanese folklore, the racoon-dog (tanuki) is said to have a magically expandable scrotum.
Signed
Ichiyûsai Kuniyoshi ga (on each design)
一勇斎国芳画
一勇斎国芳画
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850–d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 19, 2005)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.