1838-1912
An Array of Auspicious Customs of Eastern Japan: A Pair of Hanging Scrolls
(Azuma fuzoku fukuzukushi: Sofuku)
signed Yoshu Chikanobu hitsu at lower left, with publisher's seal of Takekawa Unokichi dated Meiji nijunen (Meiji 22 [1889])
oban tate-e 14 5/8 by 9 7/8 in., 37.3 by 25.2 cm
This series presents a collection images based on words that sound like the word fuku, which has several meanings, including 'auspicious.' In this case, the title, so-fuku, refers to the pair of hanging scrolls that the beauties are in the process of either hanging up or taking down from a tokonoma display niche using a yahazu. Unlike several prints from this series, the setting is in a traditional Japanese home and the figures wear kimono and their hair in typical Japanese coiffures. The girl on the verandah dangles a temari ball on a string above a black and white cat who has managed to snag the toy in its claws.
Reference:
Edo Tokyo Museum
(inv. no. 10-5199)
price: Sold