Comments - Fantastic depiction of people gathered around a large black kanji character for life, taking part in a variety of activities, seemingly to encourage their own lives for the better by caring for it. At lower right, several men scrub and polish the symbol while near the center, a kneeling woman carefully irons it with a pan of hot coals. At lower left, a man captures a smaller gold kanji in a fishing net, while a man in blue plaid kimono just below chases after the symbol. At upper right, an archer takes aim while a beauty washes a symbol in her wooden tub. Other folks tie the characters to a rope around the large symbol. At upper left, a woman in a plaid kimono leaps to her death with her hands clasped in prayer. A very unusual subject based on an earlier design by Kuniyoshi with a few minor changes in the figures, such as the addition of a bowler hat on one man's head. An intriguing print.

Artist - Meiji era artist (not read)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 18 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels, backed with paper. A few holes, repaired. Ink marks, slight soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.