Wada’s Banquet (Wada sakamori), from the series "Famous Scenes from Japanese Puppet Plays (Yamato irotake)" c. 1705 - 1706

Okumura Masanobu created this woodblock print, "Wada’s Banquet", part of the series "Famous Scenes from Japanese Puppet Plays", sometime in the eighteenth century. Its dynamic composition and stark contrasts grab your attention. The black and white design emphasizes the tense, physical struggle between the figures, creating an atmosphere of chaotic energy. Consider how Masanobu plays with pattern. The linear patterns of the floorboards contrast with the elaborate designs on the warriors' clothing and equipment. These elements create visual interest and also contribute to the symbolic meaning of the print. The patterned armor and weaponry are not merely decorative, they signify the warriors' status, strength and role within a rigid social structure. Notice how the artist manipulates negative space. The white background accentuates the figures' movements, emphasizing the unstable nature of the conflict. Masanobu’s use of formal elements such as line, shape and pattern, invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between power, identity and performance.