Utagawa Kunisada (Toyokuni III) (Japan, 1786-1865) Print, shikishiban (surimono), from the series Tori awase (雞合), Poultry Contest, plate Go ban migi, Midare dori (五番右, 乱れとり), Number 5, Right, Mixture of roosters and crows. Signed Ōju Kunisada ga. 1825. Commissioned and published by the Taiko poetic group. Gold and silver pigments. Dim. 21.6 x 18.8 cm This series was commissioned for the Year of the Rooster by the Taiko group of poets. It is based on visual puns referring to the names of bird species, and comprises six pairs of shikishiban by Shinsai and Kunisada, pitting poets against each other in pairs, as well as a triptych by Hokkei. The expression "midare-dori" (roosters and crows) refers to dawn. This term appears on the shamisen manual of the young girl shown from behind. The poem is by Sekiya Satomoto (fl. early 19th c.).