Picture Book with Mixed Verses on Jōruri (Puppet Theater) Ehon jōruri zekku 繪本浄瑠璃絶句 1815

Katsushika Hokusai created this woodblock printed book in Japan, around the 1830s. It depicts a scene inspired by Jōruri, a form of Japanese puppet theater. Woodblock prints like this one were integral to the flourishing of popular culture in the Edo period. Jōruri theater, with its dramatic storytelling and musical accompaniment, was a major source of entertainment for a broad audience. Hokusai's image likely reflects the cultural preoccupations of his time, capturing the emotional intensity and narrative complexity of Jōruri performances. The print employs visual codes that would have been easily understood by contemporary viewers. The plum blossoms evoke themes of spring and renewal, while the figure's posture and expression might hint at a specific story or character from the Jōruri repertoire. To fully appreciate this print, we can consult playbills and popular literature. This artwork serves as a valuable window into the social and cultural world of 19th-century Japan.