In ukiyo-e, there is a category called "mitate-e" (a picture that appears to describe the mode of life in fashion, but actually describes Japanese classics and historical events), which was recognized as an advanced puzzle, covering famous historical events and stories.
浮世絵などには更に高度な謎解きとして見立て絵というジャンルもあり、同じく有名な故事や物語を扱う。