Collection of Humorous Leftovers (Kokkei zansai bukuro 滑稽残菜嚢) Possibly 1882

Kawanabe Kyōsai made this woodblock printed book in 19th century Japan, which was a time of great social change. It's full of satirical images, contrasting old and new ways of living, and of showing that no one escapes the artists pen. On one page we see what looks like a Western man smoking a pipe and a traditionally dressed man together, while on the other page we can see a women with a man. But what are they doing? Is it raining? What is the symbolic meaning of the umbrella? To understand this work more fully, scholars turn to sources such as period newspapers, diaries, and other prints. These sources help us to unpack the book's visual codes and cultural references, and to better understand the social structures of the time.