31 Flavours Invading Japan/French Vanilla IV

Masami Teraoka draws on his unique blend of Japanese/American heritage to comment on contemporary society. Teraoka moved to Los Angeles in 1961 and made his reputation through his witty prints which, drawing stylistically on traditional 'ukiyo-e' prints, satirise contemporary lifestyles. His sophisticated works warrant close study, so rich are they in wit, nuance (often salacious and erotic) and visual and verbal puns. The print '31 flavours invading Japan' perfectly exemplifies his style. The title is a reference to the marketing onslaught of the American firm Baskin-Robbins on the Japanese consumer market. In a successful attempt to get Japanese eating icecream cones, brightly coloured stalls offering '31 flavours' sprang up all around Tokyo. The main figure resembles a typical 'ukiyo-e' courtesan, particularly those by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864). The courtesan, over-adorned with hair combs, holds a melting icecream cone while reaching for napkins, a modern version of a favourite 19th century erotic convention.

The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.256.