Kasuya Takenori, from the series "Parody of the Seven Spear-bearing Samurai of Yanagase (Ito no Yanagase shichihon yari ume)" c. 1803 - 1804

This woodblock print, "Kasuya Takenori," was created by Kubo Shunman in Japan. The print employs a vertical composition dominated by the figure of a woman, rendered through subtle gradations of color and intricate linework. Note how the artist arranges shapes and patterns to create a sense of depth within a limited space. The woman's robe, a soft salmon hue, drapes around her body, and its texture is conveyed through delicate patterns. She holds a fan, its pale blue contrasting with the warmer tones of her garment. The composition destabilizes traditional representations of women, blending elements of parody and social commentary. Shunman seems to challenge established meanings by integrating a comical element that undermines the seriousness typically associated with samurai culture. The figure, though graceful, is infused with an element of playfulness, inviting viewers to reconsider the established roles and representations within Japanese society. This artistic choice functions aesthetically and contributes to a larger cultural discourse.