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Depiction of a newly imported camel
Shinwatari rakuda no zu
Ca. 1862
Artist: Ichikawa Yoshikazu
publ. Yorozuya Kichibei, Yokohama
35.8 x 24.5 cm.
Inv.nr.: NEHA SC 477 nr. 30
Slide: BG K9/449
A late print of the camel from 1821. The text mentions the animal's fondness for daikon, a Japanese variety of radish, which is being fed to it by a Japanese attendant.
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Text:
(right to left)
A strange riding animal has arrived recently from the western regions; it is called "camel". The height of the animal is nine feet and five inches; its legs are long, and when it sits, it bends its legs in threes. The colour of its fur is maroon. It prefers to eat daikon, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Because of its calm nature, the animal easily becomes accustomed to people, it is said.
It arrived in Bunsei 5 (1822). The average height of a camel is seven feet, but this time it was quite a bit larger.
It can truly be called (a sign of) the abundant virtue of our realm, which has been peaceful for many years.