Published in conjunction with the exhibition held in Stiftung Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf, September 10, 2011-January 15, 2012; and in Galerie Stihl, Waiblingen, June 23, 2012-September 9, 2012.

Includes bibliographical references.

The early 1960s was the former art museum in Düsseldorf an extensive donation of Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e), the founder of the added generously to 1988. Among them are 220??works of the artist Kunisada (1786-1865) and Kuniyoshi (1798-1861), which are distinguished by their finely tuned color and the expressive gestures of the figures represented. The leaves lead the viewer into a colorful, imaginative world of dreams and work occasionally as early examples of today's popular manga (Japanese comics). The publication offers a rare opportunity to compare images of both artists together on the same issues. The text contributions lead in the popular culture of Japan in the 19th Century and build a bridge to the present, they examine aspects of the grotesque in Japanese art, legends and plays, explain and protect it working drafts Kuniyoshi.0.

Amusement and morality -- Theater -- The golden age of the Utagawa school -- Literature -- Japan grotesque -- Everyday life -- The Samurai code of honor as exemplified in the forty-seven rōnin -- Heroes -- Japanese woodblock prints as the source of contemporary popular culture -- Beautiful women -- Utagawa Kuniyoshi as draftsman -- Drawings -- Inventory.