Trained Monkey Performing with Jingle and Gohei 1824

Totoya Hokkei created this woodblock print titled “Trained Monkey Performing with Jingle and Gohei” sometime between 1790 and 1850. The Edo period in which Hokkei lived was marked by strict social hierarchies, and the popularity of performing monkeys during this time offers a glimpse into the complex intersection of entertainment, social commentary, and class dynamics. In this print, the monkey, adorned in human clothing, carries symbols – the jingle and gohei – traditionally associated with religious or ceremonial practices. There is an element of satire present, a playful yet pointed commentary on the social structures of the time. The emotional resonance of the print lies in its ability to evoke both amusement and a sense of unease, prompting questions about the roles we play and the expectations placed upon us. This artwork serves as a mirror reflecting the blurred lines between performance and authenticity, tradition and subversion, inviting us to consider the ways in which societal norms are both upheld and challenged.