Kawanabe Kyosai woodblock “Boiling Navel Tea; Biting a Man’s Leg”, Edo satire 1863–66

Artist: Kawanabe Kyosai (1831–1889)
Series: One Hundred Pictures by Kyosai (暁斎百図, Kyosai Hyakuzu)
Date: ca. 1863–1866 (late Edo period)
Publishers and editions: the series was issued twice in the 19th century — first as single sheets in the 1860s (Wakasaya Yoichi), and later as an album reprint in the 1880s (Okura Magobei)
Format: chūban (approx. 13 × 18 cm)
Medium: polychrome woodblock print (nishiki-e) on handmade washi paper

Subject and scene
Two scenes from Kyosai’s series of grotesque proverbs.
Upper: “Boiling Navel Tea” (Heso no cha o iru) — a lazy monk boils tea over his own belly, watched by mischievous companions.
Lower: “Biting a Man’s Leg” (Ashi o kamu) — a quarrel rendered as literal biting, symbol of pointless disputes.

Meaning and context
Kyosai visualizes popular idioms through surreal physical comedy. These scenes parody human foolishness — indulgence, idleness, and senseless argument — using his signature blend of humor and grotesque exaggeration.

Material and stylistic notes
Printed on moderately thick handmade washi characteristic of early impressions distributed as single sheets (not bound album copies). Distinct pigment bleed and warm color gradients confirm hand-printed technique typical of 1860s editions.

Condition
Good for its age; vivid pigments, paper with natural wear and marks of time.

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