Chōjū Giga, also known as the "Scrolls of Frolicking Animals," is a set of famous Japanese picture scrolls (emakimono) believed to have been created during the 12th and 13th centuries, in the Heian and Kamakura periods. The scrolls, traditionally attributed to the monk Toba Sōjō, depict various animals, including frogs, rabbits, and monkeys, engaging in human-like activities such as sumo wrestling, dancing, and playing musical instruments. These playful and whimsical scenes are considered some of the earliest examples of manga, or comic art, in Japan.
The humor and satire found in the Chōjū Giga scrolls make them particularly unique in classical Japanese art. While the exact intention behind the scrolls is still debated, some scholars believe they were meant as a social or political commentary on human behavior, disguised in the form of animals. The minimal use of text and the dynamic, expressive linework have contributed to their lasting influence on Japanese art and culture.
Today, the original scrolls are preserved in Kyoto's Kōzan-ji Temple and the Tokyo National Museum, where they continue to captivate viewers with their lighthearted portrayal of animals in a style that has endured for centuries.
