Late 19th century

Nine Ōtsu-e Subjects

Japanese, 1825 - 1891

Otsu-e (Otsu pictures) were named for the area near Miidera temple along Japan's eastern sea route, where they were first produced and sold during the seventeenth century. Local artisans painted such pictures, often with a touch of humor, as mementos for pilgrims to the temple. Religious themes and folk tales were the most frequent subjects, with categories such as beautiful women added to the repertoire in later centuries. The delightful grouping on this miniature handscroll is by the Kyoto artist Suzuki Hyakunen and some of his students.