MUGIWARA ZAIKU: STRAW CRAFT. Title Is Misleading & Cryptic. A Large Kawaraban [B

Tango Toyooka Kyoto 1872. Large Kawaraban, sheet:49 x 35.4cm print: 44.4 x 33.3 cm., clean bright paper, black and white woodblock print, very good impression, neatly rebacked, mild center fold, verso blank, clean, 29 boxed illustrations.RARE . *** **** *** . . . .A STORY TOLD IN 29 BOXED IMAGES ON A SINGLE KAWARABAN SHEET . . . SHOWS SEVERAL ANIMALS REAL & MYTHOLOGICAL . . . BIRDS, ELEPHANT, FOX, BOAR, RACCOON, GOAT, TIGER, DEER, . . . FOX, HEROIC AND GREAT CARP, PEACOCK, FU-DOGS, DRAGON &c. . . * The title is cryptic and a bit misleading. Although there is no text, per the first line at the far right of the sheet, this is a New Year’s Celebration print. . It symbolizes the use of magical animals. They are often bewitched and can also bewitch people. There are lots of Japanese superstitions relating to many of these animals, both real and mythological. . A fascinating example used to appease the "Gods" in the New Years celebration period. These were also called "Mamori" or "protection" as a kind of religious or superstition to gain protection from being bewitched by these magical animals. This kind of example was commonly displayed in Japanese houses during New Years. . Unusual and decorative, a work of naive charm. . *** Color photos are posted to our website. . *** CONDITION: The work was gently re-backed at the time of publication, with a mild center fold, clean & solid, with good impression & registry. . There are not defects, worming or stains, by and large an excellent example. . * .