Parody of the Armor-pulling Scene (Kusazuribiki), from the series "Fashionable Parodies of Bravery in Love (Furyu mitate iro-buyu)"

Art Historical Context

Isoda Koryūsai's *Parody of the Armor-pulling Scene (Kusazuribiki)*, from the series *Fashionable Parodies ofavery in Love (Fryū mitate iro-buyū)*, dates to around 1770–72, during Japan's vibrant Edo period. This color woodblock print playfully reimagines a dramatic scene from classical tales—likely the legendary feat of warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu stripping the armor from the demon Shuten-dōji—transforming it into a lighthearted lovers' tussle. Koryūsai, a master of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), specialized in bijin-ga (images of beautiful women) and witty mitate parodies, blending heroic narratives with fashionable courtesans and romantic escapades to delight urban audiences. The chuban format (26.1 × 19.4 cm) made it an affordable, intimate print for collectors, showcasing Koryūsai's skill in vibrant nishiki-e printing, where multiple woodblocks layered delicate colors and textures. Produced amid the Genroku era's cultural boom, such works celebrated *fūryū* (elegant stylishness), satirizing bravery in love while reflecting kabuki theater influences and everyday erotica. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this piece exemplifies ukiyo-e's cultural role in democratizing art, bridging ancient lore with 18th-century Tokyo's hedonistic spirit. Visitors will appreciate its humor and exquisite detail, a snapshot of Japan's playful artistic ingenuity.