Kyosai’s Rakuga 暁齋樂画 “Drawings for Pleasure”

Beautiful album of traditional Japanese scenes from one of the last masters of traditional Japanese painting

Kyosai’s Rakuga 暁齋樂画

“Drawings for Pleasure”

Kawanabe KYOSAI 河鍋 暁斎(1831-1889)

Published in Tokyo – 1881 by Takeda

2 volumes of 18 pages each. 33 double page colour woodblock prints in total.

21 x 14 cm approx.

Complete album with original covers in near fine condition. Protected in a modern Japanese folding case

Kyosai was one of the most unique artists of the Meiji period, and his varied output reflected the great changes of the era. He lead an unstable life, often under the influence of alcohol, which is reflected in his uninhibited compositions and designs.

Kyosai’s style was grounded in traditional painting, as he initially trained under the Kano school. Later he became interested in more modern styles and learnt Ukiyo-e under Kuniyoshi.  In many of his works he abandoned traditional styles and he became known for his imaginative and often humorous caricatures. His “Battle of the Farts” is one of his best known compositions.

This album was created towards the end of his life, and displays more traditional images of animals and Japanese scenes. In one image, a cat playful toys with mice in a flora scene, while a turtle rests rests on a leaf in another beautifully crafted image. The images are beautifully composed with bold colours and the use of space to highlight each compositions main themes.