<p>The Humorous<br/>"Kawaii" Culture of Edo</p>
The popularity of ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi has been soaring in recent years and his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions around Japan and the world. "Goldfish" is a series of ukiyo-e woodcut prints by Kuniyoshi. It is a delightful depiction of aquatic creatures such as frogs and turtles as well as goldfish that are all given comical human traits. The laughing, running, singing and dancing goldfish are so animated and comical that you cannot help but smile at their cuteness. In the latter half of the Edo Period, goldfish became popular as pets among the common people.
They must have been thrilled to see their pets portrayed in such a lively manner.
The history of the Japanese pop culture of "kawaii" or the love of cuteness that spread around the world in recent years can already be seen in Kuniyoshi's ukiyo-e series "Goldfish" from the Edo Period.
Hyakumonogatari (One Hundred Tales)
It's the Cat Goblin from the ghost stories!
Saraitonbi (The Thieving Hawk)
Hey! The hawk snatched the fried tofu!
Tamaya, Tamaya (Bubble Vendor)
The soap-bubble vendor is here!
Sake No Zashiki（A Drinking Party）
The goldfish are having a ball at the party!
Matoi (Firefighters and the Banner)
Here come the firefighters!
Niwaka Amenbo (Sudden Rain of the Water Gliders)
Is it a shower? It's the water striders!
Susano-o no mikoto
Take down the Eight-Forked Serpent played by the eel!
Ikadanori(The Raftsmen)
Roll up your fin like a real man
Bonbon（The Folksong)
Stroll down the street with a fan in hand and sing the Bonbon song
<p>Half-joking, half-size ukiyo-e</p>
Underneath the artist's name "Kuniyoshi" in the picture are the characters "giga," which means "caricature." It was typical of the "iki" = "stylish" aesthetic of the Edo period to present such a playful piece in a compact size. "Goldfish" is a series of ukiyo-e that can be enjoyed lightheartedly.
<p>Only the Adachi edition includes the full series of nine works</p>
In addition to the eight works that were previously known, the ukiyo-e titled "Bonbon" was discovered more recently to be a part of the "Goldfish" series. No other collection includes all nine titles, and only the Adachi edition provides them as a set! Enjoy the endearing goldfish that charmed the people of Edo and were revived in vivid colors, just as they were seen in those days.
Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)
A great master of ukiyo-e woodcut prints who rose to popularity in the late Edo Period. He came into the limelight when he was about 30 years old and he produced a series of warrior prints inspired by the Chinese novel "Suikoden (Water Margin)." Kuniyoshi's subjects included many genres such as beautiful women, kabuki actors and caricatures. Still today, the satirical and humorous ukiyo-e created by an artist who carried the spirit of the townspeople are loved by people around the world.
Sales price for 9-piece set: 80,000 yen (not including tax)
10,000 yen for each piece x 9 pieces + 8,000 yen for frame = 98,000 yen (not including tax)
A discount of 18,000 for the full set!
Goldfish (Kingyo Zukushi) 9-piece set
Goldfish is a series of woodcut prints by the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi of the Edo period. It depicts goldfish, turtles, frogs, and other water creatures, all humorously endowed with human characteristics.
Set purchase bonus: 1 free frame:
Gold-colored aluminum frame
You can choose a free frame from two types as a bonus for the set. Please select the type of frame and add the item to your cart.
Aluminum "gold" frame:
Offers a sleek and elegant appearance.
Aluminum "woodgrain" frame:
Features a gentle woodgrain texture.
Quantity:
| Size/Weight | Print Size: 26.0 × 18.5 cm each |
| Material | Paper: Echizen Kizuki Hosho Washi made by Living National Treasure, Ichibei Iwano |
| Feature | Type of print: Woodcut Print |
| Notes | The set includes 9 prints of ukiyo-e reproduction (Goldfish) in total, explanations for each design, and a paper storage case included. [Bonus feature]: 1 free frame. |
The order for domestic destination(inside of Japan) is shipped by Yamato Transport and international destination (outside of Japan) is shipped by either FedEx or Japan Post's EMS (Express Mail Service).
Domestic Shipping (Inside of Japan)
Yamato Transport Co., Ltd.
You can choose the delivery date and time window. Shipping fee is 700 yen for any destination inside of Japan.
<Free Shipping Service>*Domestic destination only
Free Shipping is available when a total of purchase is over 50,000 yen (for one destination) .
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International Shipping (outside of Japan)
FedEx
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EMS international shipping service may be used for the area which has no or limited FedEx delivery.
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Customs
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*FedEx offers the service to charge the custom to a purchaser (not a consignee) after the fee is fixed for the destination country. This service is useful when you would like to ship the item as a gift and do not want the consignee to pay for the custom. Please request us if you would like to use this service.
Utagawa Kuniyoshi "Goldfish"
Adachi's Philosophy and Mission
At Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, we create attractive works that are in keeping with the times while maintaining the basics of traditional woodcut printing techniques.
Adachi's Meticulous Quality and Materials
At Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, we use carefully selected materials and tools to bring out the original beauty of woodcut prints to the fullest.
Traditional Techniques and Adachi's Artisans
The production of ukiyo-e, which developed as a commercial printing method, focused on efficiency and profitability. And so, all processes are streamlined and sophisticated. We will introduce the basics of ukiyo-e techniques.
