Young Man Knocking on a Gate in Snow as a Mitate of the Kabuki Play Women's Version of -Potted Tree- c. 1774

This vertical woodblock print, known as a "hashira-e," by renowned artist Isoda Koryūsai depicts a young man, disguised as a woman, knocking on a gate in a snowy landscape. The artwork is a "mitate" which is a form of visual pun, referencing the Kabuki play "Women's Version of -Potted Tree-". Koryūsai, active during the mid-18th century, was known for his refined and elegant style, evident in this work. The scene is rendered in vibrant colors with delicate lines, creating a sense of graceful movement and a touch of whimsy. The artwork, with its intricate details and humorous subject matter, reflects the flourishing of the "ukiyo-e" genre during the Edo period, a style that captured the everyday life and popular culture of the time.