Description
In a similar frenzy to the "tulip mania" in the 17th-century Netherlands, Japan experienced a burst of "rabbit mania" between 1872 and 1874. After Japan opened its ports to international trade, rabbits - especially calico rabbits - were one of the foreign imports that caught the public eye. The speculative market boomed as people turned to rabbit breeding, thinking it was a quick way to get rich. In cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, breeders presented their bunnies in rabbit shows. This print advertises top breeders, including the owner's name, address, and breeds on offer. The bubble burst as the government stepped in with greater oversight and a monthly tax per rabbit.
About the artist
Yoshitsuya II was a woodblock print artist active during the 1870s. A member of the Utagawa school, he was a student of Yoshitsuya. His given name was Eikichi Minowa, but little else is known about this artist. Yoshitsuya composed some designs of the Satsuma Rebellion as well as some prints of animals.