Comment - The print shows the illustration of article 16 from a 'code of conduct' named "A comprehensive explanation of over 50 articles" or in short "50 Explanatory Illustrations". The print illustrates a warning of uncontrollable huge kites.
The foreground shows two workers with pickaxes working on the path in front. Left to them, an adult is hanging in a kite line, obviously not able to control a huge kite. A second adult holds the loose kite line. Beneath him is a kite line basket. A boy is watching. The background on the upper right shows two edo kaku kites, the right one with the Japanese sun flag. A river or a canal with houses lining the far embankment is on the background. A violet shading illustrates sundown. The sky above shows a tranquil blue bokashi shading.

The red title cassette dominates the upper center of the print. Two blue cassettes explain the rules for safe kiting.


Series - After the opening of Japan, more and more foreigners flooded Tokiyo. In an effort to create a less "Barbaric" impression in the face of the "Western Barbarians", the Meiji administration issued in the 1870ies a code of conduct with legal and penal character (fines for violation). It served as an illustrated explanation of examples of illegal practices and regulations.
For those most often illiterate women and girls, there were hand-outs with illustrations. The prints were issued as double pictures (two yoko-e pictures on one oban sheet). Prints for 'Code-of-Conduct' Article 13/50 (kite and kite flyers interfering a horsman), Article 16/50 (this one), Article 29/50 warning against reckless carriage drivers (toddler in baby carrier on the back of his mum with small Edo-Kaku kite on stick;lower print), and Article 38/50 (kite interfering with electric power line; lower print).


Artist - see Biography


Signature - "Shōsai Ikkei" ("昇斎一景") in the red cassette at lower left


Publisher - Tsutaya Kichizô (蔦屋吉蔵), (Kôeidô Publishers, 紅栄堂)


Image Size -   16.5 X 23.5 cm (6 1/2" X 9 1/4") (cut)   


Condition - Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper, single sheet, vertical ôban; yoko-e (landscape) (cuts)