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Hello,
Would anyone happen to have any information about these three strange mameban-format prints? In particular, what do these strange characters with black heads represent? And these odd ragdoll-like figures?
Thank you
best

These small-format prints, depicting “strange figures resembling stuffed animals,”are likely a type of “tsukushi-e” (parody) in mameban format.

Titles,
1, Eggplants
なすづくし　干カメ　Nasuzukushi Kan-kame
Play on words "nashikozushi" ) All about eggplants or "nashikuzushi" (Do one's best)


2, Physalis
Strange characters with pink or red "round heads"
are physalis fruits.
ほふづき　江カメ　Hōzuki Ko-kame
Physalis (Bladder cherry)

3, Cats
猫のしばい　辻カメ　Neko shibai Tsuji-kame
Cat play

The three -kame inscriptions likely mean that these are all part of a “series” created by the same artist or the same publisher.

For technical reasons alternative kanas are represented in their modern forms.

With regards,
I.Nagy

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