画本浄瑠璃絶句|Mixed Verses on Jōruri (Puppet Theater) (Ehon jōruri zekku) 画本浄瑠璃絶句

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with *Mixed Verses on Jōr (Puppet Theater)* (Ehon jōruri zekku), a woodblock-printed book created the legendary Katsushika Hokusai 1815. Hokusai, a master of ukiyo-e—the "pictures of the floating world"—is renowned for his dynamic landscapes and everyday scenes, but here he turns his keen eye to the dramatic art of jōruri, Japan's traditional puppet theater (bunraku). This book (ehon) pairs witty, concise verses (zekku) with vivid imagery, blending poetry, performance, and visual storytelling to celebrate the theatrical spectacles that enthralled urban audiences. Printed with ink on paper in a compact 8⅞ × 6⅜ in. format, the book showcases Hokusai's mastery of woodblock techniques, where intricate carvings on wooden blocks allowed for mass production of affordable, colorful art. Scenes likely depict lively characters—men, women, and even roosters—drawn from jōruri tales, capturing the exaggerated expressions and fluid motions of puppeteers' artistry. During the Edo period (1615–1868), such books democratized high culture, making elite entertainment accessible to merchants and commoners alike. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department, this 2013 acquisition highlights Hokusai's versatility beyond his famous waves and Mt. Fuji. It offers a window into Japan's playful fusion of literature and performance, reminding us how art bridged the stage and the page in a thriving urban society.

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎 (Japanese) · 1760 –1849

Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo)