The Call of the Cuckoo from above the Clouds (parody of Minamoto no Yorimasa) c. 1766

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print titled "The Call of the Cuckoo from above the Clouds (parody of Minamoto no Yorimasa)" during the height of the Edo period. It reflects the era's evolving social and cultural landscape. The print subtly challenges the traditional samurai image through its playful reference to the heroic tale of Minamoto no Yorimasa. The figure in the print, a woman, is depicted in a moment of quiet contemplation, which contrasts with the martial prowess of the samurai. This feminized portrayal uses parody to question the established notions of heroism and gender roles within the strict social hierarchy of the time. Harunobu’s work invites us to reflect on the diverse ways in which individuals, regardless of gender, experience and interpret the world around them. It suggests alternative narratives that diverge from the dominant, often masculine, historical accounts. Through this print, Harunobu speaks to the emotional and personal dimensions of life, broadening our understanding of identity and history.