A collection of playful prints from over 200 years ago prove that Japan’s highly-refined sense of cute has a very long history indeed.
The images in this article, taken from two different volumes of artwork created by the Japanese artist Nichōsai (耳鳥斎), prove that the country has long been gripped by its enduring love of cute characters. See for yourself in this collection of prints, available now for free download as two different e-books from the Apple iBooks store.
The collection comes from two separate books made in 1780 and 1803. The earlier book, called E-hon mizu ya sora, consists of a variety of caricatures and other cartoonish images of well-known Kabuki actors of the day, rendered in a way that’s frankly pretty adorable. The second book of the series, which comes in color, is called Katsurakasane.
▼ Now these are some serious poses!
At first glance, there’s something very contemporary about these images, which seem to predict Japan’s recent fixation on so-called yuru-kyara (cute mascots).
But a careful look inside the cover of these books reveals that these were actually made well over two centuries ago during the Edo Period (1603~1868). So who was the artist that made them, exactly?
Nichōsai (c. 1751-1803) was an ukiyo-e artist and caricaturist living and working during the eighteenth-century around Osaka. The subject of Kabuki-actors and other popular figures was common for other ukiyo-e artists at the time, and it seems that Nichōsai was well-known for his talent at making giga (戯画), or humorous images.
▼ These are either exaggerated, or people were really creepy back then…
Nichōsai is identified in most resources as an adherent of the Kanō school of artists, who were responsible for a style of painting very popular with the Japanese nobility from the 16th century onwards. But little of that school’s bold brushwork and stuffy, classical aesthetic is evident in these cute little sketches of actors and dancers.
These charming, manga-like images by Nichōsai seem to share more in common with a contemporary, Yosa Buson (1716-1784), than any Kanō painter I know of. But that’s just a little art history geekery for you!
▼ Work from Buson, a clear influence and fellow painter of the cute
Make sure to download the books, because the rest of the collection is definitely worth a look. There’s something very human about this series, and it’s almost kind of comforting to think that people back then had a sense of humor and an appreciation for cute stuff despite all that tuberculosis and cholera.
You can download E-hon mizu ya sora here and you can get Katsurakasane here.
Sources: Japaaan Magazine, Wikipedia
Top Image: iTunes/Nichōsai
Images: E-hon mizu ya sora images from iTunes/Nichōsai, Katsurakasane images from iTunes/Nichōsai, Oku no Hosomichi images from Wikpedia/Yosa Buson
Famous Japanese painter’s centuries-old cat artwork proves Japan has always loved felines
Uniqlo brings cultural cuteness to Edo animals T-shirt line with Japanese history’s greatest artists
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Godiva melts minds by releasing a new corn chocolate drink in Japan
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Shinto shrine’s night sky firefly sweets are Japan’s newest breathtaking, mouthwatering desserts.
Retro fashion magazines from Tokyo’s street market remind Mr. Sato of a special gift from his dad
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events