Young Boys Performing a Puppet Show 1760 - 1780

This ukiyo-e print, *Young Boys Performing a Puppet Show*, depicts a group of Japanese children engaged in the popular pastime of puppetry. Created by Kitao Shigemasa, a prominent artist of the Edo period, the scene is set inside a traditional Japanese house. The boys, dressed in colorful kimonos, are manipulating puppets behind a screen. The puppets, which are visible through the screen, represent samurai warriors, showcasing a common theme in Japanese puppetry. The print captures a moment of innocent playfulness and provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of Edo-era children. The detailed artwork is a fine example of Shigemasa's mastery of woodblock printing and his ability to capture the vibrant colors and everyday scenes of 18th-century Japan.