In an interesting deviation from traditional kacho-ga (bird and flower) illustrations, Utamaro depicts two different species of birds together with kyôka verses in this Edo period album. The result is a charming book based on a traditional theme but with the added intrigue of different bird species interacting with each other. What we have here, of course, is a set of reproduction prints based on the designs from Utamaro's book, which is also known under titles such as "Myriad Birds: Picture Book of Playful Verse" and "Myriad Birds: A Kyôka Competition".

The colours used in this reproduction are similar to those used in one of the earlier editions of the book published around 1790 by noted Edo period publisher Tsutaya Jûzaburô. Soon after publication, it seems, variant editions with different colour schemes were also produced, as can be seen here. The prints have been beautifully reproduced with close attention to detail, and the intricate karazuri blind-embossing is particularly pleasing to the eye.