「暁斎楽画 五」

The fifth print in Kyōsai's Rakuga series, a numbered sequence of satirical and humorous woodblock prints issued through popular publishers in the early Meiji period. By the fifth installment, the series would have established a recognizable visual register — likely alternating between supernatural subject matter and topical social commentary. Kyōsai's Rakuga work is notable for its willingness to push beyond the conventions of standard ukiyo-e subjects, incorporating grotesque humor and pointed observation that reflect his reputation as an artistic provocateur. The compositions in this series tend toward bold figural arrangements with limited background detail, foregrounding Kyōsai's expressive line and economy of means over decorative elaboration.