Young Samurai Viewing Cherry Blossoms as a Mitate of Prince Kaoru c. 1767

This is Suzuki Harunobu’s woodblock print, Young Samurai Viewing Cherry Blossoms as a Mitate of Prince Kaoru. Made during the Edo period, it portrays a young samurai, dressed in gender-ambiguous clothing that blurs the lines between masculine and feminine identities. The samurai is shown admiring the cherry blossoms, a traditional symbol of beauty and transience, while accompanied by an attendant. Harunobu's work often incorporates mitate, or visual puns, layering multiple levels of meaning. This print references Prince Kaoru from The Tale of Genji, known for his androgynous beauty and sensitivity to nature. The samurai's elegant attire, delicate features, and appreciation of the blossoms reflect Kaoru's character. The artist subtly critiques the rigid gender roles of feudal Japan, using beauty and nature to explore themes of identity, social status, and personal expression. The print invites us to reflect on how cultural ideals of masculinity and beauty can be both celebrated and subverted through art. It captures a moment of serene contemplation, subtly challenging the norms of its time.