Artwork
The Story of Fukutomi
The Story of Fukutomi is an unspecified painting by the Joseon dynasty painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1404 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1953.358
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
About this work
Overview
The Story of Fukutomi is a handscroll painting that tells a satirical tale of a man seeking fortune through a dubious skill. The narrative is presented in a sequential format, with text accompanying key moments in the story.
Subject & Meaning
The story revolves around a performer who learns to produce musical flatulence, but is sabotaged by a rival who advises him to consume a laxative. The tale is a commentary on social climbing and the consequences of greed, likely targeting the rising status of common performers in society.
Technique & Style
The handscroll features caricatured figures with exaggerated facial expressions, accompanied by speech bubbles containing handwritten dialogue. The simple, humorous style is reminiscent of modern graphic narratives, and the use of text-image juxtaposition adds to the storytelling.
Context
The scroll is likely a product of court officials who disapproved of the growing prominence of common performers, and its satirical tone suggests a commentary on the social order of the time.
Artist & collection
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