kyo0028

Chiyogami : Large size

"Choju-giga"

Choju-giga is a national treasure of Japan. It is also known as the oldest cartoon which was painted 800 years before. The author is unknown. This is a picture scroll owned by Kosanji-temple which consists of 4 parts. This Chiyogami is the 3rd part. Various kinds of personified animals are playing in the picture. It is believed that this is a stinging satire by unknown priests who are dissatisfied with the world. The rabbits in this picture are persons easily pleased by praise or flattery and are scatterbrained and frogs which are serious and passionate. Even a serious person will laugh at their behavior.