Comments - Amusing illustration from the famous tale of the lucky teakettle of Morin Temple. According to legend, a woodcutter saved a badger’s life and in gratitude, the badger, which like a fox is capable of many transformations, turned itself into a teakettle. The woodcutter sold the kettle to a priest, but temple life was not comfortable for the kettle. One day when the priest placed it over a fire, the kettle sprouted legs, turned into a badger, and began running around the temple in search of a route of escape. The artist shows the kettle in the midst of its transformation with the badger's legs, tail, and head as it howls in pain next to a floor hearth. Notice the eye peering through the tear in the shoji panel at upper left. A great depiction of the classic story.

Artist - Ginko (active 1874 - 1897)

Image Size - 7" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight toning and curling. Please see photos for details.