Parody of Prince Genji and his procession c. 1790 - 1800

Rekisentei Eiri created this parody of Prince Genji and his procession using woodblock print in the late Edo period. The role of courtesans in Japanese society was complex. They were entertainers, artists, and fashion icons, yet simultaneously occupied a precarious position marked by class distinctions and social expectations. This print reimagines the tale of Prince Genji, a classic of Japanese literature, and gives it a twist. We see women dressed in lavish kimonos, enjoying freedoms that might not have been typically available to them. The expressions on their faces, the vibrant colors of their robes - these details make us wonder about their lives and their stories. Were they simply performers, or were they subtly challenging the norms of their time? The artist captures a sense of playfulness and challenges traditional depictions of women by inviting us to consider these figures as active participants in shaping their own narratives. Eiri’s work provides a window into a world where gender, class, and identity intersect, reminding us of the power of art to both reflect and question the society in which it was created.