Chapter Kannon alla julienne e Fudō Myōō in salamoia. Parodie buddhiste commestibili nella Edo del tardo XVIII secolo

Abstract

The paper focuses on two kibyōshi (yellow covers) published in late 18th-century Japan: [Ote ryōri o shiru nomi] Daihi no senrokuhon and [Kannon kaichō] Mitsutakara rishō no wakatake. Both works incorporate elements of reference to Buddhism. The first revolves around the bodhisattva Senju Kannon (Thousand-armed Kannon), while the second is centred on the Kannon Fair that took place in Edo in 1777, which showcased the exhibition of the so-called Tonda reihō (Flying incredible sacred treasures). The primary aim of the paper is to analyse the diverse parodic elements present within the two kibyōshi. Particular attention is paid to the association established between food and religion as a strategic device to elicit laughter from the readers. By exploring the nuances of parody within these works and highlighting the interplay between religious and culinary themes, the paper seeks to uncover how humour is strategically employed to comment on the blending of “sacred” and mundane elements. Through the fusion of seemingly incongruous elements, the reader can gain insights into the cultural, societal, and literary dynamics of the time.