From the series Famous Products of Japan (Nihon meisan tsukushi)
Woodblock print
Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga (left and right sheets) and Chooro Kuniyoshi ga (centre sheet)
Circa 1840
Censor's seal: Kiwame (approved)

This rare triptych depicts a panoramic view of whaling around the Goto and Hirado islands off Kyushu. On these islands villagers earned their living primarily from fishing and agriculture, with whaling forming an important component of the local economy and cultural traditions. Kuniyoshi's triptych provides detailed information regarding the species hunted, local topography and technology used in the hunt and subsequent processing, in which most of the village population was involved.

Vertical oban triptych:
Left sheet: 35.7 x 23.9 cm. (14 x 9 ⅜ in.)
Middle sheet: 35.8 x 23.8 cm. (14 ⅛ x 9 ¾ in.)
Right sheet: 35.7 x 25 cm. (14 x 9 ⅞ in.)

Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.