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

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan *The Suetsumuhana from "The Tale ofji" (Genji Suetsumuhana)*, a delightful woodblock print by Okura Masanobu, around 1710. Masanobu, a pioneeringkiyo-e artist, from Murasaki Shikibu's11th-century masterpiece *The Tale of Genji*often called the world's first novel—for this parody series. These playful reinterpretations transformed the court's elegant romances into humorous, accessible scenes from everyday life, poking fun at the noble characters like the flower-obsessed Princess Suetsumuhana. Printed in the large oban format (27.3 × 38.1 cm), this sumizuri-e employs bold black ink on paper, a technique Masanobu helped popularize before full-color prints dominated. The stark contrasts and intricate lines capture dynamic compositions, blending traditional narrative illustration with emerging commercial woodblock artistry. Sumizuri-e's simplicity allowed for affordable production and subtle hand-coloring, making high culture available to urban merchants and commoners. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print reflects the Genroku era's cultural boom, where parodies bridged classical literature and pop entertainment. It's a charming reminder of how art democratized storytelling, inviting us to chuckle at timeless human follies amid Genji's poetic drama.

About the Artist

Okumura Masanobu · 1686–1764

Japanese, 1686–1764