Parody of a daimyo procession c. 1805 - 1807

Utagawa Toyohiro created this woodblock print, “Parody of a Daimyo Procession,” now at the Art Institute of Chicago. Notice the vertical orientation and the figure's upward gaze, leading your eye along the staff to the top of the frame. This structure, combined with the muted tones of purples and yellows, evokes a sense of subdued theatricality. Here, Toyohiro plays with the visual language of power and status. Traditional processions of feudal lords, or daimyo, were displays of wealth and authority. Yet, Toyohiro’s print presents a parody, a playful subversion of these norms through the structural arrangement and the figure’s somewhat dishevelled appearance. The textures and patterns of the clothing, rendered with fine lines, add depth to the composition, while also hinting at the social commentary embedded in the work. Ultimately, this piece invites you to reflect on how art can challenge fixed meanings and explore the fluidity of social roles.