Collection of Things with Names That End with Men
- Date:
- c. 1830–44
- Medium:
- Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 21.8 × 28.7 cm
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description
This witty nishiki-e assembles a visual catalogue of objects, animals, and concepts whose names end with the Japanese syllable "men" — masks, noodles, faces, and more. It belongs to a tradition of playful encyclopedic prints that Kuniyoshi embraced with particular relish, using the constraint of a shared syllable to generate surprising and humorous juxtapositions. Produced between c. 1830 and 1844, the print reflects the satirical and comedic vein in his output that coexisted with his warrior heroics.
More Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Woman as the Hero Taisō in Palanquin Holding a Pipe
c. 1830
Woodblock print (surimono), ink and color on paper
Yan Qing (Roshi Ensei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
Poem by Abe no Nakamaro, from an untitled series of One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets
Hu Sanniang (Ko Sanjo Ichijosei), from the series "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Water Margin (Tsuzoku Suikoden goketsu hyakuhachinin no hitori)"
More Figures Prints
Frequently Asked Questions
Collection of Things with Names That End with Men was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (歌川国芳) in c. 1830–44.
Collection of Things with Names That End with Men depicts figures and daily life.
Collection of Things with Names That End with Men measures 21.8 × 28.7 cm (Oban format).