Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) A preliminary sketch (shita-e), Edo period, 19th century

This rare shita-e, or preliminary sketch for a woodblock print, is for a comical series based on one of the seven gods of good fortune, Fukurokuju, who brings good fortune, wealth and long life, and has an unusually elongated head. He features in every print along with some other gods in some designs, with his head being used to hilarious effect in activities such as carrying packages for moving house, accidentally sending offerings flying off a kamidana (household shrine) with his head, having woken in a start from sleep, providing transport for people crossing a river, as a tool to beat tatami mats (as in the present lot), or as various disguises. The completed prints are chuban-size and so were printed two per oban sheet, as can be seen in this shita-e.