Comment - Omocha-e (玩具絵) are toy prints, encompassing a wide range of woodblocks designed for play or learning. Omocha-e became popular with both children and adults in the late Edo and Meiji eras. Subjects range from games, puzzles, and paper dolls to groups of household furnishings, articles of clothing, or wigs, along with construction toys to cut out and build. Others can be folded to create small booklets, or double-sided cards or paper dolls. Many feature wonderful detail or bright color.

This design features two fringed octopus banners hanging from bamboo poles, two rectangular pictures, a hanging pennant in the form or a yakko-dako or man kite ("yakko dako", "奴凧"), a kite designed as a fan kite (depicted as "kite", "凧"), and a Bekaku kite. Bekaku kites have humorous looks and need a tail to get a stable flight. The kite has a prolonged tongue as stabilizing feature. This type of kite is originated in Yokosuka district, Shizuoka prefecture which is famous for having a variety of kites. The eyes of these kites often have a wind driven rotating mechanism, as is also stated in the Toy Print of this kite. The 'kimono' maybe a Sode kite. The item on the lower right with the multiple stripe tail, may be another kind of kite (not identified). Other items on the print are each carefully labeled (mostly unread).


Series - unknown series


Artist - unread Meiji era artist


Signature - none


Publisher - unread


Image Size - 30.5cm X 20.3cm   (12 1/8" x 8 1/4") + margins as shown


Condition - single sheet; monochrome woodblock;