A Parody of Hachi no ki n.d.

Utagawa Toyokuni I created this woodblock print triptych, A Parody of Hachi no ki, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The print offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of Edo-period Japan. It reimagines the medieval tale of Hachi no ki, known for its themes of loyalty and sacrifice, within the pleasure districts of the city. Look closely and you'll notice the refined courtesans and the trappings of wealth in the depiction of interior spaces and elegant garments. The artist subtly critiques the rigid social hierarchy of the time by transposing a tale of samurai virtue onto a world of entertainment and commerce. What does it mean to depict women who existed outside the formal structures of society? What kind of cultural work does this parody perform? To fully appreciate this work, we can turn to historical records, literature, and other visual materials from the period. By studying the cultural context, we see how art both reflects and challenges the norms of its time.