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【SOLD】Otsu-e: Geho no Hashigo-zori (Geho's Ladder Shaving)

 

SOLD 

 

Frame:D90cm × 43cm

 

This artwork is a classic example of Otsu-e, a genre of Japanese folk art that originated during the Edo period near the Otsu post station on the Tokaido road, where they were popular souvenirs among travelers. It is selected as one of the definitive "Ten Celebrated Otsu-e Motifs."

 

The central figure, known as "Geho," is an alternative name for Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He earned this moniker due to his extraordinarily elongated head. In this whimsical and humorous composition, his half-body-length head is drawn with delightful exaggeration. To reach the top, Daikokuten—another of the Seven Lucky Gods—has raised a ladder and is carefully shaving Geho’s head with a razor. While Geho sits composed in formal haori and hakama robes, Daikokuten is amusingly clad only in a hood and a traditional fundoshi (loincloth), showcasing the playful satire and lighthearted wit characteristic of folk art.

 

Since olden times, this particular motif has been revered as a powerful talisman bringing blessings of longevity and the fulfillment of one's deepest wishes, making it a highly auspicious piece for any collection.

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