Puppies in the Snow

Koryusai established kachoga-which had a long history as a subject of Chinese and Japanese painting-as an important subject of Japanese prints. He produced some 150 designs of flowers, birds, and animals. In one of his most charming designs, seven puppies huddle together under a shelter that protects a blossoming narcissus from the snow. The print also incorporates references to 1778, the year in which the print was published. Each year in the cycle of twelve years was associated with an animal of the zodiac; 1778 was the Year of the Dog, as was the seventh year of the An'ei era (1772-81), which is represented by the seven puppies. Calendar prints like this example were distributed as gifts at the beginning of the New Year, which on the lunar calendar fell in mid- to late February when narcissus began to bloom but snow might still fall.

National Museum of Asian Art Collection

Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection (September 15, 2002 to January 9, 2003)