“Chōjū Giga”: The Medieval Ancestor of Modern Manga
The medieval scrolls known as Chōjū giga feature frolicking frogs, rabbits, and monkeys, and are seen as a precursor to today’s manga.
The Chōjū Giga, a set of scrolls from late Heian to Kamakura period Japan, is considered an early predecessor to modern manga. This collection features four ink drawings, now housed at Kyoto's Kōsanji temple, renowned for their whimsical depictions of anthropomorphic animals like a frog wrestling a rabbit in a sumo match. The artist behind these monochrome drawings remains unknown, as there are no accompanying texts to clarify the scrolls' intended purpose.
While some theorize the purpose was purely entertainment, others suggest a deeper meaning. Today, the iconic images of frogs, rabbits, monkeys, and other creatures from the Chōjū Giga are familiar to many, adorning items such as tote bags and teacups, often in vibrant colors. The artwork's full title, Chōjū jinbutsu giga, translates to Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans.
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