Japanese comic printing strip woodblock, untitled, Tōkyō: Chūō Hyōron-sha, ca. mid-Shōwa period, 1950-60s?

Dealer description: [Title unidentified]

[Artist unidentified].

[Tōkyō: Chūō Hyōron-sha, ca. mid-Shōwa period (1950-60s?)].



A small printing block for a strip comic that probably appeared in a publication by the Chuō Hyōron-sha (the Chuo University Review), as this company name is inscribed on the side of the block. The strip seems to show a man being thrown out of an onsen while despondently mumbling "I'm in shambles" ("ワシャ方ナシ"). After changing into his formal wear in the changing room, he leaves the premises completely transformed into a dapper figure, and confidently proclaims in formal language (contrasting with his earlier casual speech) on the way out that he is the General or boss ("ワガハイタイショウ ジャ"). The metal printing plate has been nailed onto a woodblock. An interesting convergence of two printing methods.



One printing block. Inscriptions in red pigment to woodblock. Ink mark to base. Length 11.2 x width 3 x height 2.2 cm.