Lovers Playing the Same Shamisen (parody of Xuanzong and Yang Guifei) c. 1767

"Lovers Playing the Same Shamisen (parody of Xuanzong and Yang Guifei)" is a woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, a prominent artist of the 18th century Edo period. The work, created around 1767, depicts two lovers, a man and a woman, seated on a bench overlooking a river, with the woman playing a shamisen (a traditional Japanese three-stringed musical instrument). The subject matter is a parody of the famous Chinese legend of Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved Yang Guifei, emphasizing the theme of romance and intimacy. Harunobu's delicate lines and subtle color palette, typical of his style, contribute to the soft and sensual atmosphere of the composition. This piece exemplifies the "ukiyo-e" genre, known for its depictions of everyday life and popular entertainment.