(Asakusa Kannon temple caricatures D) c. 1900

Awashima Kangetsu created this ink drawing on paper, titled "(Asakusa Kannon temple caricatures D)." The composition is a horizontal procession of figures, lightly sketched with an economy of line and wash. Predominantly earthy tones define the forms, while thin washes create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The figures appear as caricatures, deconstructing traditional representations. This approach destabilizes established meanings by presenting familiar religious iconography through a contemporary lens. Kangetsu engages with poststructuralist ideas by challenging the notion of fixed, authoritative interpretations. The visual language, while seemingly simple, reflects broader cultural shifts and philosophical inquiries. Note the tension between the traditional subject matter and the modern style. It functions not just aesthetically but also as part of a larger discourse.