Comment - Lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Asian countries in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to bring good luck and fortune. The lion dance is usually performed during the New Year and other traditional, cultural and religious festivals. It may also be performed at important occasions such as business opening events, special celebrations or wedding ceremonies, or may be used to honour special guests by the communities.

The "January" print of "ju-ni kagetsu no uchi" (Twelve Months) shows Lion Dance performance (Shishi Mai , 獅子舞) in front of a kadomatsu decorated house with the "lion" biting a man who is wearing a badger or fox mask during New Year's festivities. Another mask is laying on the ground, next to the right bare foot of the "lion". Several spectators in the background seem to enjoy the scene. A lady right to the "lion" has lost her decorated hanetsuki rack, laying on the ground with the shuttlecock. Next to the lady stands a boy with his small Yakko kite. Mt. Fuji dominates the background, the sky is glowing in deep red, blooming red shrubs are covered by snow, a flock of three red-crowned cranes is reaching the scene, it may be sunrise on New Year's Day.

Crêpe print (Chirimenshi-e, 縮緬紙絵) is a mechanically wrinkled print sold as a "curiosity" item, which offered a different aesthetic from the image printed in standard editions. It was often used for children's books and calendars, because it was more resistant to tears and soiling.


Series - "Twelve Months" ("ju-ni kagetsu no uchi", "十二ヶ月之内) in the fan shaped title cassette


Artist - unknown


Signature - none


Publisher - Sato


Image Size - 19.5 x 27.2 cm   ( 7 7/10"  x 10 7/10") 


Condition - single sheet, crepe print; on presentation cardboard