Parody of the Yugao Chapter of the Tale of Genji c. 1795 - 1797

This ukiyo-e woodblock print titled "Parody of the Yugao Chapter of the Tale of Genji" by Chōkōsai Eishō, depicts a scene of courtly elegance. The print, created between 1795 and 1797, portrays figures adorned in rich silk kimonos, suggestive of the lavish lifestyles of the elite. The print is a humorous commentary on the Genji Monogatari, a renowned classic of Japanese literature. The artist cleverly parodies the tale by depicting the women and their lavish accessories in an exaggerated and comical manner. The print is currently on display at The Art Institute of Chicago.