Sketches of Kyōsai 1881

This is the cover of a sketchbook belonging to the renowned Japanese artist Kawanabe Kyōsai. Completed in 1881, the brown cover is patterned with a repeating motif. The sketchbook features a label indicating its contents - “Kyosai Mangwa - Kyosai's Sketches.” This object is an important glimpse into the creative process of this prolific artist, who was famous for his humorous and imaginative depictions of human and animal figures. The sketches within the sketchbook likely capture Kyōsai’s preliminary ideas for paintings, as well as his playful and whimsical approach to art.