Parody of a daimyo procession c. 1805 - 1807

Utagawa Toyohiro’s woodblock print, “Parody of a Daimyo Procession,” cleverly subverts the strict social hierarchy of Edo-period Japan. The image shows a woman dressed as a male palanquin bearer. She is carrying what appears to be a box. During the Edo period, the elaborate processions of daimyo, or feudal lords, were displays of wealth and power, meant to reinforce social order. Toyohiro, however, inverts this order by depicting a woman in a traditionally male role. The artist critiques rigid social structures through playful satire. The print offers an intriguing glimpse into the social dynamics of the Edo period. It seems to question power structures and gender roles. To fully understand this artwork, one might research the sumptuary laws of the Edo period, the role of women in society, and the types of entertainment popular at the time. The beauty of art lies in its ability to reflect and comment on its social and institutional context.