“a rooster and a couple” (1767) by Harunobu Suzuki
Are you planning on sleeping in this weekend? Well, you can try hiding your alarm clock, lowering your heavy curtains and wearing an eye mask. Or, since you’re already turning to Japan for their art of tidying, forest bathing, fixing, and accepting things, you might as well try their art of sleeping in.
In 1767, Harunobu Suzuki, a Japanese designer of woodblock print art, created this print titled Niwatori to Danjo (鶏と男女) which translates to ‘a rooster and a couple.’ It depicts a male and female couple who are looking forward to spending a long, fun night with each other. And to ensure they’re not woken up early they’ve brought out a pot of sake and are trying to get the rooster so drunk that it doesn’t crow in the morning.
And judging by the look on it’s face, the rooster may have caught on the the couple’s plan. This print, along with many others, is part of a large Ukiyo-e exhibition in Tokyo that’s going on now through September 22, 2020.
Have a great weekend!
August 15, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Oh this is hilarious. Thanks for sharing.
August 21, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Brilliant! “Cocka doodle doooooo!” “Why is the rooster cocka doodle doodling at midnight?”
August 22, 2020 at 2:01 pm
I do enjoy how androgynous the couple is.