Turtles Climbing a New Year's Decoration c. 1790 - 1800

This charming print by Katsukawa Shun'ei depicts three turtles climbing a multi-tiered New Year's decoration. The artist, who was active in the late Edo period, is known for his humorous depictions of animals, often engaging in human activities. The turtles, with their long tails, are rendered in a playful style that is characteristic of Shun'ei's work, creating a delightful and humorous scene that is sure to bring a smile to the viewer's face. The use of woodblock printing, a popular technique in Japanese art, adds depth and texture to the image. This work is a fine example of the genre of *ukiyo-e*, which portrays the floating world of everyday life in Japan.