The Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892

by Meiji era artist (not read)

Current Status

The Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892 by Meiji era artist (not read)

Original Meiji era Japanese Woodblock Print
The Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892

Comments - Intriguing illustration from the old folktale of "The Tongue-cut Sparrow," the Japanese equivalent of Pandora's Box. According to legend, an old man kept a sparrow as a pet, tenderly caring for it. When the sparrow ate some of the rice-starch his wife had prepared for laundry, the evil woman cut out its tongue and shooed it away. While searching in the mountains, the old man eventually found the sparrow, who graciously invited him into its home, entertaining him with food and wine. When he was ready to leave, the sparrow offered him his choice of two wicker trunks as a gift. Being old and feeble, he took the lighter of the two, which turned out to be filled with gold and jewels. Instead of being pleased, his greedy wife decided to retrieve the heavier basket, presuming that it would hold even more treasure. When she opened it, demons and spirits filled the room, tormenting her to death. Here, the old man makes his way toward home with the trunk on his back, looking up and remembering the wonderful time he had with the sparrows. The circular inset shows the man seated on a cushion with a large sake cup, laughing with delight as the sparrows perform a dance. At left, the birds stand at the garden gate bidding farewell to their guest. A charming depiction of this famous tale, with soft bokashi shading in the mountains and sky, and burnishing on the black trunk.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 28 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Light horizontal centerfolds. A few small holes, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, stains, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892 by Meiji era artist (not read)
The Tongue-cut Sparrow, 1892 by Meiji era artist (not read)

Auction Rules and guidelines

This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines

If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.