Totenko- A Cock Crows

Catalog note / 解説

Sunday, 6 February 2005 Artist: Takeuchi, Keishu Date: 1909 Description: Kuchi-e, A Cock Crows Image Size: approx. 8" x 11.5" UK#: K107 "A Cock Crows by Takeuchi Keishu was for 1909, the year of the cock. The Japanese title, Totenko, was the equivalent of 'cock-a-doodle-do.' The three kanji used to write this title, however, give it special meaning. They are to, meaning east, ten, meaning sky, and ko, meaning red. Thus, the sound of the title in Japanese also means 'red at dawn in the eastern sky.' This phrase, like the flag, was a symbol of Japan and contributed to nationalist sentiment. In the print a young woman is kneeling with a partially furled Japanese flag in hand. She gazes intentl…