When Animals Became Edo’s Craftsmen in 1840

Rats, oxen, tigers and other animals take up unexpected jobs in a lively print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. His Twelve Earthly Branches Craftsmen, created around 1840, transforms the zodiac into a portrait of Edo trades. Look closely at the tools, costumes and jokes: how many professions can you recognise? Discover the wit connecting familiar animals with the craftsmen of the Tokugawa city.