Art Institute of Chicago

Rabbit and Fish

Shiko

Date

spring 1855

Medium

Color woodblock print; surimono

Culture

Japan

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This print was made in the year of the rabbit, and the animal has a minor role on the print surface: as a part of the decoration on the packaging of a child’s fishing game. The fishing game came in a simple package printed with a pattern of waves. The title on the package reads Haru no umi , literally the “Ocean of Spring,” or, in this context, “New Year’s Ocean.” The object of the game was to hook the large red sea bream, a traditional New Year delicacy, with the small fishing pole provided. The game was probably played at New Year’s, when everyone took a break from work and spent their time eating, visiting, and playing.

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