Famous Elephants Imported from India at Play (Tenjiku torai dayhyoban zo no giyu)

Maker(s)
Artist: Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎 (1831-1889)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1862
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 36 x 24.7 cm (14 3/16 x 9 3/4 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Bequest of Florence Leonhart
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2007.1
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
Edo period (1615 - 1868), elephant, Japan, playing, ukiyo-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This delightful image shows elephants cavorting in various likely and unlikely poses, many of them anthropomorphic. One writes the title of the print with a calligraphic brush, while another wears the mask of a fox on the end of its trunk. Chinese attendants participate in the elephants' playful antics.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, Milo Cleveland Beach, The Honorable and Mrs. William Leonhart. Yokohama: Prints From 19th Century Japan. Exh. cat. Washington. .
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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