Mitate (Parody) of Ono no Tofu (Famous calligrapher of the Heian period) 見立小野道風みたておののとうふう

Description

This ukiyo-e woodblock print was created by Suzuki Harunobu. It depicts a woman standing by the water's edge with an umbrella. In the background lies a willow tree. A frog peeks out from the stream, while another jumps up at a willow branch. The scene is based on an anecdote about the renowned Heian-period calligrapher Ono no Tofu. After failing time and time again, it is said that Tofu redoubled his efforts and finally attained greatness after observing a frog making several leaps before achieving its goal.

This episode was also featured in a puppet show that debuted during the Edo period in 1754. At the time this print was made, many people would have recognized it as a parody of Ono no Tofu solely from the willow, frog, rain, and umbrella motifs. Harunobu has elegantly used a young woman to represent Tofu here.