Parody of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove c. 1780 - 1801

"Parody of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" is a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunchō, a celebrated artist of the late Edo period. The print, created between 1780 and 1801, humorously depicts a group of fashionable women, likely courtesans, in a bamboo grove. Their elegant attire and postures are a parody of the Seven Sages, a group of renowned Chinese scholars and poets known for their leisurely gatherings. Shunchō, known for his skillful use of line and detailed renderings, captured the essence of Edo-era fashion and humor through this charming print. The print, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, is a testament to the enduring appeal of ukiyo-e, the art of the floating world, and its ability to bridge traditional themes with contemporary social commentary.