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

This is Collection of Humorous Leftovers, a woodblock printed book created by Kawanabe Kyōsai. In nineteenth-century Japan, Kyōsai occupied a unique position, straddling traditional artistic styles and the influx of Western influences. Kyosai's work frequently satirized social hierarchies and cultural norms. The book’s caricatures invite us to reflect on the complexities of identity, gender, and class dynamics during a period of rapid modernization. Consider the diverse figures he depicts: from Westerners, instantly recognizable by their dress and mannerisms, to Japanese men and women in traditional clothing. What stories do their interactions tell? How does Kyōsai use humor to critique the societal transformations he witnessed? Kyosai remarked that, “Painting is like striking a sword; it must be done with speed and precision.” In this book Kyōsai wields his brush like a sword, challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths with a mix of laughter and introspection.