Kawanabe Kyosai (Gyosai)

Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), Japanese Legends, Proverbs and Folklore

Kawanabe Kyosai's original woodcut, "Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru, Kaeru no tsura e mizu" is printed on nineteenth century Japanese mulberry paper and with full margins as published by Okura Magobei in the Kyosai Hyakuzu, 'Kyosai Hyaku-zu' (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai) between 1881 - 1886, a series laden with images and allusions to pre-twentieth century legends, proverbs, and folklore. In this scene Kyosai depicts a humorous image with various sized frogs (Kaeru). Here we see a giant toad reading from a scroll, and surrounded by crowd of people filled with laughter. There are objects associated with these amphibians, such as, lotus leaves, water, pots, and an umbrella. The imagery is accompanied by two Japanese 'kotowaza' (proverbs, expressions, or idioms). The first reads; "Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru" which has a literal translation of (The child of a frog becomes a frog), but an English equivalent is similar to, "like father, like son" or "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree". Both 'kaeru and kawasu' mean (frog or toad), and 'ko' means (child). The second expression reads; "Kaeru no tsura e mizu" the word "tsura' means (face, skin or surface) and 'mizu' (water), which literally translates to (Water on a Frog's Skin), but loosely translated parallels the English expressions "Don't let it bother you", "don't let it get under your skin", or "He's got a thick skin". In Japan, the expression "Kaeru no tsura e mizu" can refer to a person who remains calm under stressful situations, or can negatively refer to people who could care less. Note: In Japanese culture, frogs and toads are generally considered messengers of good fortune. They are believed to posses magical powers associated with energy, perseverance, fertility and the rainy season' (tsuyu). These amphibious creatures are much beloved, and throughout history they have been portrayed in poetry, art and theatre. Such gems include the popular frog story linked to Ono no Tofu, one of the most famous calligraphers in Japan; or the stories of the renowned Japanese adventurer, Tenjiku Tokubei which tell of his journeys and escapades; in poetry, we can still enjoy the poems of one of the greatest Haiku masters, Matsuo Basho with his famous "Frog" haiku; and the tales of "The Frog Prince", and the "Two Frogs from Japan" still feature prominently in today's literature. This is a fine, original example of the folklore art created by the famous Japanese artist, Kawanabe Kyosai (Gyosai).

Title:	Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), Japanese Legends, Proverbs and Folklore
Artist:	Kyosai, Kawanabe, 'Gyosai' (Japan, 1831 - 1889)
Date:	1862-1866 (Magobei edition)
Publisher:	Okura Magobei (Okuraya)
Medium:	Original Japanese Woodcut
Signature:	Signed Kyosai (contains Wakasay Yoichi seal)
Source:	One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai (Kyosai Hyakuzu)
Note:	Kawanabe Kyosai (Gyosai): During the 1840's and 1850's the famous warrior and legend woodcuts of Kuniyoshi began to play a new and vital role in the formation of Japanese art. For perhaps the first time, strong emotional and individualistic characteristics were seen. In the following Meiji era (1868 - 1912) it was left to Kuniyoshi's two most important students to carry on and develop these themes, eventually dominating the art of their era. Yoshitoshi, Tsukioka (Japan, 1839 - 1892) became the master of dramatic often violent images. By the time Yoshitoshi entered Kuniyoshi's workshop in 1850, Kawanabe Kyosai -- the most bizarre and eccentric of all Japanese artists -- had already left to foster a second career as a great Kano school painter. Kyosai's paintings, drawings and woodcuts were exhibited at the Vienna International Exposition in 1873 and at the Paris Exposition of 1883. Furthermore the British architect and artist, Josiah Conder (1852-1920), became a pupil of Kyosai (also spelt, Gyosai) in the 1880's and in 1911 published his important book, "Paintings and Studies by Kawanabe Kyosai".
	As early as 1852, Kyosai (Gyosai) became notorious for both his art and his rather dissolute lifestyle, particularly his abiding love for sake. Famous both as a great painter and printmaker, most of Kyosai's woodcuts were published in smaller sized albums. Albums of note include, such works as the Kyosai Gadan (Kyosai's Treatise on Painting), woodcuts in the traditional Japanese and Chinese paintings styles, four volumes published in two parts by Iwamoto Shun (1887), Ehon Taka Kagami (Picture Book Mirror of Hawks), published by Nakamura Sasuke in five volumes in yellow wrappers (1875), Kyosai Gafu Shohen (Kyosai's Picture-Album) published in one volume by Kinkado (1880), Kyosai Donga Shohen (Sketches by Kyosai) published by Inada Genkichi (1881), Kyosai Manga Shohen (Kyosai's Rambling Drawings), published by Makino Kichibei (1881), and one of his most popular series entitled, Kyosai Hyakuzu, also spelt, 'Kyosai Hyaku-zu' (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai), (1862-1866), which dealt with Japanese folklore, legends and proverbs ('kotowaza). Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), is a fine original example of his mythological imagery and certainly meets with all the expectations of Kyosai's skill and humour.
	One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai (Kyosai Hyakuzu): The original woodcuts from the set of "100 Pictures by Kyosai" were first published by Wakasaya Yoichi (aka Jakurindo Yoichi) between (1862-1866), and issued as single-sheet prints in packages of ten. The complete series was later re-published in album form by Okura Magobei (Okuraya), (1881 - 1886). As Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), was originally bound in an album, it most likely hails from the Okura Magobei edition. Influenced somewhat by the Shijo style, it is in these small and wonderful works that Kyosai's unique talents come to the fore. Most of the images in the Kyosai Hyaku-zu draw upon Japanese mythology, folklore and proverbs (in Japanese 'proverb' means 'kotowaza'). Many of the woodcuts from this series depict unexplained manifestations and beastly creatures while others seem to represent the pastimes and foibles of villagers and peasants. Sometimes, Kyosai combines all of these elements into a single woodcut. In total, the Kyosai Hyakuzu contained over two hundred original woodcuts, all emphasizing strange, sinister or humorous aspects of life. The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog (Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru), Water on a Frog's Skin (Kaeru no tsura e mizu) is a fine original example of the Mythological and surreal art created by the Japanese artist, Kawanabe Kyosai.
	Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), Japanese Legends, Proverbs and Folklore: This original Kawanabe Kyosai woodcut is laden with images and allusions to pre-twentieth century legends proverbs and folklore which may make it difficult for today's viewers to appreciate their significance. At first glance, it looks like a scene from a comic book. Kyosai depicts a fictitious scene in the form of caricatures with images of frogs, creatures generally considered messengers of good fortune in Japan. The two central figures are represented by a giant frog or toad, and a man holding a scroll in front of him. They are surrounded by a crowd of men and women who are either enjoying or laughing at the frog reading. Kyosai has also placed smaller frogs, and various objects associated with these amphibians, lotus leaves, water, pots, an umbrella, and other artifacts within the image. This particular scene includes two Japanese 'kotowaza' (proverbs, expressions, idioms), that may help to explain Kyosai's imagery. The first kotowaza reads; "Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru" (The child of a frog becomes a frog), and a native English equivalent of this idiom would be "like father, like son", "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" or something similar. The Japanese words 'kaeru or kawasu' mean (frog or toad), and 'ko' means (child) and the second kotowaza reads; "Kaeru no tsura e mizu" (face, skin or surface) and 'mizu' (water), which literally means (Water on a Frog's Skin). Interestingly, this Japanese proverb also exists in Western culture, loosely translated, it parallels the expressions, "Don't let it bother you", "don't let it get under your skin", and "He's got a thick skin". In Japan, the expression "Kaeru no tsura e mizu" can refer to person who remains calm under stressful situations, or can negatively refer to people who could care less. The symbolism behind these two Japanese proverbs are surely relevant to Kyosai's woodcut, but in order to understand, the viewer must analyze the scene from different perspectives. It is possible the proud frog is reading a funny story written by the prodigal son (the tiny frog leaping in the background). Viewed in this manner, the expression "Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru" (The child of a frog becomes a frog), could apply. It is also possible the arrogant frog could care less if his audience wishes to listen to the story he is so intent on finishing. In that case, "Kaeru no tsura e mizu" (Water on a Frog's Skin), ("Don't let it bother you", "He could care less", etc.) , is very fitting. The Los Angeles County Museum of art (LACMA), contains an impression similar to this original woodcut in their collection collections, Accession Number, M.84.31.527. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston also contains an impression of this original Kyosai woodcut in their permanent collection, Access Number: 11,22636, and 11, 37038. Catalogue Raisonne: Tokita, E de tanoshimu Edu no Kotowaza, 2005, p. 79).
	Frogs (Kaeru), have long since played an important role in Japanese culture and are well represented in the arts. They are believed to posses magical powers that can bring good fortune, a long life and money to those around them. They are also associated with energy, perseverance, fertility and the rainy season' (tsuyu). It is believed frogs bring the much needed rain that helps produce healthy and abundant harvests. In Japan, rain is of particular importance due to their agricultural economy which has been largely based upon the flooded rice paddy. In this woodcut, Kyosai makes reference to this by including images of frogs, lotus leaves, water, and an umbrella. Kaeru or Kawasu stands for frog or toad in Japanese, but it is important to note that the word Kaeru may have other associations that depend upon various combinations of letters or words used with it. For instance, because the Japanese word for 'frog' is very similar to the word 'return' or 'come again', people believe it signifies the return of success, a safe journey home, good fortune and other related connotations. These beliefs have placed frogs in a most favorable position; they are not only venerated for their association with the cycle of nature and life, but are also treated as lucky amulets (charms). It is not uncommon to find ceramic and hand-made frogs being sold at places of worship and elsewhere in Japan.
	As mentioned earlier, Kaeru and Kawasu are much beloved in poetry, art and theatre, as such, there are many stories, plays and visual works of art portraying them throughout history. One very popular frog story is linked to Ono no Tofu, who was one of the most famous calligraphers in Japan. It is said Ono no Tofu was inspired to continue his path as a calligrapher after observing the perseverance of a frog who could not reach a dangling willow branch. Although the distance was great, the determined frog was able to reach his goal on his eighth attempt. The story is meant to inspire people by making them stronger in mind, faith and body. Another famous Japanese story tells of Tenjiku Tokubei (1619-1686), a Japanese adventurer who traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia during a period in history when very few Japanese people were allowed to leave their country. After his return to Japan, many stories appeared in literature and art, describing his journeys and escapades. The Japanese artist, Utagawa Kuniyoshi created a woodcut depicting the character, Tenjiku Tokubei' in a series of warrior prints published by Kawaguchi Uhei around 1826/1827. That woodcut depicts Tokubei riding a giant frog in a thunder storm. The adventurer / magician is also a popular character of Kabuki (Japanese theatre), often portrayed as a wizard-like master of magic. It is said that one of Tenjiku Tokubei's many magical powers involved casting spells on stones used to make pickled vegetables and transforming them into giant toads to attack his enemies. In Japanese poetry, there are 'Haiku' poems that include frogs within their narrative. One of the greatest Haiku masters, Matsuo Basho (a Japanese poet from the Edo period, 17th century Japan), created his famous "Frog" haiku. In Matsuo Basho's poem, the presence of the frog denotes springtime, the season when these little amphibians awaken and emerge from their burrows or undergrowth and leap into the paddy fields. It is believed Matsuo Basho's poem conveys an association between the old pond and the frog leaping into it. Note: Haiku, also spelt (hokku or haikai) is a type of Japanese poetry that follows very precise rules. This original Kawanabe Kyosai woodcut is a fine example of frogs and toads portrayed in Japanese art.
	These amphibious creatures also feature prominently in folklore, fairytales and fables, and this Kawanabe Kyosai woodcut, with its striking imagery, appears to fall into this category. Popular tales in this field include, "The Frog Prince", "Frog and Mouse", "Three Legged Toad who lives in the moon", "Two Frogs from Japan". The relationship between the moon and the toad/ frog is a symbol attributed to various ancient cultures from different countries, such as Japan, India, and China. Celestial mythology has been passed on from generation to generation and stories relating to the creation of the moon, the sun and other heavenly bodies, as well as legends about the creatures who inhabit them are still treasured today. For example, there is the Chinese fable of the "Three Legged Toad who lives in the moon". Legend has it that the beautiful wife of one of the eight immortals ascended to the moon after stealing the elixir of immortality and was turned into a three legged toad when she drank the elixir. It is said that the toad's digits represent the three lunar phases, the relationship with heaven, earth and the opportunity for prosperity. In Japanese folklore, there is a story that takes place in the woods and starts out with three animals, a fox, a rabbit, and a monkey who are confronted by a hungry old man begging for food. As it turns out, the fox and the monkey quickly gave him what was available to them, but the rabbit, who had nothing to offer, sacrificed himself (as the meal). In the end, the old man turns out to be a deity who grants the rabbit immortal life by placing him on the moon for his noble gesture. In Chinese folklore, the moon rabbit is often portrayed as a companion of the moon (toad), goddess, always pounding the elixir of life, but Japanese versions have him pounding the ingredients for rice cakes. The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin (Toad Immortal), is based upon the story about a Chinese alchemist who learned the secret of immortality from the "Three Legged Money Toad". These are only a few examples of the many legends associated with frogs.
Size:	6 3/4 X 4 1/2 Koban (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)
	Matted with 100% Archival Materials
Buy Now	Price: $285.00 US
Condition:	Printed on nineteenth century Japanese mulberry (rice) paper and with full margins as published by Okura Magobei in the Kyosai Hyakuzu, 'Kyosai Hyaku-zu' (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai) between 1881 - 1886. A finely printed impression and in excellent condition throughout. Altogether Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), Japanese Legends, Proverbs and Folklore is a splendid example of the famous art of Kawanabe Kyosai (Gyosai).
Subject:	Kawanabe Kyosai, Gyosai, Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), Japanese Legends, Proverbs and Folklore, Okura Magobei in the Kyosai Hyakuzu, 'Kyosai Hyaku-zu' (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai), original woodcut, Japanese mythology.
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Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai' (1831 - 1889)
#	Image	Title and Artist	Medium	Date	Subject	Notes	-
01.-		A Gathering of Demons (Haykki Yagyo, 'Night Parade of 100 Demons') by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	1865	Yokai, Oni (Demons Ogres & Goblins)	Published by Daikoku-Ya Kinnosuke	Sold
02.-		A Hero Battling a Dragon (Yokai, Japanese Serpents, Mizuchi or Ryu) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Mizuchi, & Ryu (Serpents, Animal Spirits & Demons)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)	Sold
03.-		Jigoku no Kyujitsu (Holiday in Hell), Legends of Yokai, Oni and other Spirits by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Oni (Apparitions, Demons Ogres & Goblins)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)	Sold
04.-		Jigoku de Hotoke, A Buddha in Hell (Japanese Proverbs & Folklore, Yokai, Oni, & other Supernatural Beings) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Oni (Demons Ogres & Goblins)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)
05.-		Kaeru no ko wa kaeru to naru (The Child of a Frog Becomes a Frog), Kaeru no tsura e mizu (Water on a Frog's Skin), Japanese Legends, Proverbs and Folklore by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Kaeru (Frogs and Toads, Lucky amulets and Good Omens)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)
06.-		Ljin Jiyu (Foreign Children at Play, Children's Games) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Ljin Jiyu (Foreign Children in Japan)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)
07.-		Master Artists at Work, Japanese Legends of Oni (Demons Ogres & Goblins) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Oni (Demons Ogres & Goblins)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)
08.-		Nagai mono ni wa makarero (Resistance is futile - Japanese Mythology & Proverbs) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, (Apparitions, Animal Spirits & Demons)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)	Sold
09.-		Oni no inu ma ni sentaku (Doing the Laundry While the Demon is Away - Japanese Folklore & Proverbs) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Oni (Demons Ogres & Goblins)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)	Sold
10.-		Sado No Kuni Doza Tanuki (The Raccoon-Dog Doza (Danzaburo Danuki) of Sado Island (Japanese Mythology, Yokai & Supernatural Creatures) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Tanuki (The Raccoon-Dog, Animal Spirits & Demons)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)
11.-		Setsubun, Mame-maki, Oni wa Soto; Fuku wa Uchi (Bean-Throwing Spring Festival, Get Out Demons; Come in Good Fortune) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Oni, Setsubun (Festivals, Demons Ogres & Goblins)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)
12.-		Tengu, Mischievous & Supernatural Crow like, Humanoid Yokai (Japanese Mythology, & Proverbs) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Tengu (Crows, Animal Spirits & Demons)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)
13.-		The Spectral Cat (Japanese Folklore, Yokai, Bakeneko) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokai, Bakeneko (Cats, Animal Spirits & Demons)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)	Sold
14.-		The Style of Painting of Kano Koi by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	1887	The Style of Painting of Kano Koi depicts the effects of joy and laughter	Published by Iwamoto Shun for the Kyosai Gadan (Kyosai's Account of Painting)
15.-		Watonai, Hariko no Meijin (Watonai, as Master of Paper Mache) & (Daruma Dolls Terrifying their Makers) by Kawanabe Kyosai 'Gyosai'	Original Japanese Woodcut	c. 1881 - 1886	Yokaii (Watonai & Daruma Dolls)	Published by Okura Magobei (Okuraya) for the Kyosai Hyakuzu (One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai)

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