untitled (pedestrians at stall of physiognomist and palm reader)

Ryōko, artist

active 1860–1870

untitled (pedestrians at stall of physiognomist and palm reader), 1870s, Meiji period (1868–1912)

Where object was made: Japan

Material/technique: color woodcut

Dimensions:
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 350 x 242 mm
Image Dimensions Height/Width (Height x Width): 13 3/4 x 9 1/2 in
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 350 x 244 mm
Sheet/Paper Dimensions (Height x Width): 13 3/4 x 9 5/8 in
Mat Dimensions (Height x Width): 19 x 14 in

Credit line: Source unknown

Accession number: 0000.2953

Not on display

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Label texts

Under Construction

Fortunetelling, or the practice of divination, has formed a part of the daily life in Japan. This print, which was probably one of three prints forming a triptych, depicts a fortuneteller in a roadside booth, surrounded by three male customers. The screen behind the fortuneteller advertises her business in physiognomy (the art of judging one’s character from facial features), palm reading, and a type of fortunetelling based on the I-Ching (Book of Changes), an ancient divination text. She holds a batch of thin sticks used for casting lots, and her table is heaped with different divination tools.

The written inscriptions tell us that the three men are in fear for their lives. The fortune teller is saying: “Dear customer, looking at the top of your hand, I see many approaching enemies. Looking at the bottom of your hand I see the same. But if you go ahead and invite your enemies to come near, then you will have plenty of.....” Unfortunately, the rest of her answer continues in another part in the triptych. Nonetheless, this print reveals the Japanese populace’s concern for their future and destiny.

Exhibition Label:
“Embodiment,” Nov-2005, Kate Meyer
The texts and other clues in this print, which was probably part of a triptych, clearly concern palm reading and physiognomy as well as a type of fortune telling based on the I-Ching (the Book of Changes). The fortune teller holds a batch of the thin sticks used for casting lots. From the inscriptions it is clear that the three men have gotten into some sort of difficult situation and that they fear for their lives. The fortune teller is saying: “Dear customer, looking at the top of your hand, I see many approaching enemies. Looking at the bottom of your hand I see the same. But if you go ahead and invite your enemies to come near, then you will have plenty of.....” Alas, the answer is doubtless on the next print, which the Spencer Museum lacks.