A Monkey Trainer and His Monkey
c. 1725
Medium
Hand-colored woodblock print; hosoban, urushi-e
Dimensions
32.8 × 16.1 cm (13 × 6 1/4 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
19471
Art Historical Context
In the vibrant world of 18th-century Edo (modern Tokyo), Okumura Masanobu captured the playful antics of everyday life in *A Monkey Trainer and His* (c. 1725). This hand-colored woodblock print depicts street performer and his clever primate companion, likely entertaining crowds with tricks—a common sight in bustling urban markets. Masanobu a pioneering ukiyo artist, infused the scene with dynamic energy, showcasing his skill in rendering expressive figures and subtle humor that resonated with the merchant class. Printed in the narrow hosoban format (32.8 × 16.1 cm), this urushi-e employs a g...
About the Artist
Okumura Masanobu · 1686–1764
Japanese, 1686–1764