(Asakusa Kannon temple caricatures C) c. 1900

Awashima Kangetsu’s *Asakusa Kannon temple caricatures C* is a whimsical and charming watercolor on paper that depicts a series of figures in a loose, expressive style, likely based on the figures and deities found at the Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo's most well-known temples. The artist’s light strokes and delicate washes of color lend a sense of movement and whimsy to the scene, offering a playful take on traditional Japanese religious imagery. Kangetsu, born in 1859 and active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was known for his humorous illustrations and caricatures of Japanese life. This work, created around 1900, reflects his unique artistic voice and skillful depiction of everyday scenes.