Yoshitsune (Ushiwaka) and Princess Joruri, from the series "Famous Scenes from Japanese Puppet Plays (Yamato irotake)" c. 1705 - 1706

Okumura Masanobu created this woodblock print, Yoshitsune (Ushiwaka) and Princess Joruri, in Japan in the first half of the 18th century. It depicts a scene from a puppet play, reflecting the popularity of this theatrical form in the Edo period. Looking closely, we see Yoshitsune, a renowned military commander, and Princess Joruri, known for her beauty and musical talent. The print highlights the cultural associations of the time, where accomplishments in the arts and military prowess were equally valued. Note Yoshitsune’s drum and Princess Joruri playing the Koto, a Japanese stringed instrument, together expressing the harmony between martial and artistic pursuits. The setting suggests an interior space, perhaps a room in a palace or a wealthy household. The image speaks to the cultural and social life of the time, where theatre and music provided entertainment. To fully understand this artwork, one must delve into the history of Japanese theatre, the social status of artists, and the cultural values of the Edo period. Research in historical archives, theatre records, and studies of Japanese art history will shed more light on its significance.