Rabbit and Fish

This print was made in the year of the rabbit, and the animal has a minor role on the print surface: as a part of the decoration on the packaging of a child’s fishing game. The fishing game came in a simple package printed with a pattern of waves. The title on the package reads Haru no umi, literally the “Ocean of Spring,” or, in this context, “New Year’s Ocean.” The object of the game was to hook the large red sea bream, a traditional New Year delicacy, with the small fishing pole provided. The game was probably played at New Year’s, when everyone took a break from work and spent their time eating, visiting, and playing.