A Footman (Yakko) Mocking A Trap for Fox c. 1781 - 1806

Kitagawa Utamaro's woodblock print, "A Footman (Yakko) Mocking A Trap for Fox," was made in Japan during the Edo period. The image depicts a footman gleefully watching a fox attempting to steal sake from a trap. Utamaro, known for his portraits of women, here offers a glimpse into the social hierarchy of the time. The footman, a low-ranking servant, finds amusement in the fox's futile efforts. Such imagery tapped into a broader cultural fascination with foxes, often portrayed in folklore as mischievous shapeshifters. The trap itself, a physical structure designed to contain, can be read as a metaphor for the rigid social structures of Edo society. The print provides a commentary on the era's class dynamics. Art historians can consult period literature and social commentaries to further explore the nuances of class and folklore represented in this work. Understanding the social context enhances our appreciation of this seemingly simple scene.