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狸の戯画 「狸のうらない」 「狸のかんばん」
Tanuki Fortuneteller (Tanuki no uranai) (T) and Tanuki Shop Signs (Tanuki no kanban) (B), from an untitled series of Tanuki (Raccoon-dogs)
狸の戯画 「狸のうらない」 「狸のかんばん」
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 23.8 cm (14 x 9 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
William Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession Number11.36713
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsPrints
Catalogue Raisonné
Inagaki and Isao, Kuniyoshi no kyôga (1991), #21; 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 giga (on each design)
一勇斎国芳戯画
一勇斎国芳戯画
Marks
No censors' seal
No blockcutter's mark
No blockcutter's mark
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.