Abstract
The cartoon by Kazuko Ashizawa ([4 Oct., p. 43][1]) illustrating the contents and introduction to “Science in Japan: Competition on campus” is a close adaptation (without credit) of the theme and general form of one of the most dynamic woodblock prints of the great Japanese ukiyo-e artist Toshusai Sharaku. The print shows the actors Otani Oniji II and Ichikawa Omezo in the kabuki drama “Nihon-matsu Michinoku-sodachi” (“The Countryman from Nihonmatsu in the North”) performed in August 1794. Sharaku is the ephemeral mystery man of Japanese art history about whom little is known. His work was produced in a 10-month period around 1795, after which he disappeared suddenly ([1][2]). The cartoon is analogous to Leonardo da Vinci's “Mona Lisa” depicted smoking a cigar. 1. 1.[↵][3] 1. R. Lane , Images from the Floating World: The Japanese Print (Tabard, New York, 1978), pp. 122-127. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.274.5284.43 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1. in text
Published Version
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