The Hahakigi Chapter from "The Tale of Genji" (Genji Hahakigi), from a series of Genji parodies

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan with *The Hahakigi Chapter from "The Tale of Genji" (Genji Hahakigi)*, a delightful woodblock print by Okura Masanobu, around 1710. Masanobu (1686–1764), a pioneering ukiyo artist, was renowned for his innovative parodies that playfully reimagined classical tales like Murasaki Shikibu's11th-century *The Tale of Genji—often called the world's first novel—in the bustling, contemporary life of Edo (modern Tokyo). This print draws from the "Hahakigi" (Chopping Board) chapter, where lovers discuss romance in a hut, but Masanobu twists it into a humorous *mitate-e* parody, blending high literature with everyday wit. Printed as an *oban* sumizuri-e—a large-format (27.3 × 38.2 cm) monochrome woodblock using black ink on white paper with subtle white reserves—this technique highlights Masanobu's mastery of bold lines and dynamic composition. Sumizuri-e, an early ukiyo-e style from the Genroku era, paved the way for colorful multi-block prints, making art accessible to commoners through affordable production. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this work captures the cultural fervor for *Genji* adaptations, reflecting how 18th-century Japan fused timeless stories with popular entertainment. It's a window into the playful spirit of ukiyo-e, inviting you to chuckle at the clever anachronisms while appreciating its artistic finesse.

About the Artist

Okumura Masanobu · 1686–1764

Japanese, 1686–1764