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A Courtesan Seated on a Veranda Playing a Shamisen

Ōmori Yoshikiyo

Artwork Details

A Courtesan Seated on a Veranda Playing a Shamisen
circa 1701-1716
Ōmori Yoshikiyo
hand-colored woodblock print on paper
13 9/16 in x 9 5/16 in (34.4 cm x 23.6 cm);28 1/16 in x 22 in (71.28 cm x 55.88 cm);13 7/16 in x 9 13/16 in (34.2 cm x 24.9 cm)
Museum Purchase
1960/1.140

Description

This print shows a courtesan in heavy kimono playing a shamisen, a three-stringed instrument. She sits on the edge of the veranda in front of a house.

Subject Matter:

A shamisen is a traditional Japanese instrument played with a plectrum called a "bachi". It is derived from the Chinese instrument "sanxian".

Physical Description:

This print depicts a single figure playing an instrument, the shamisen. The figure is seated and printed in black and white with pops of orange color. 

Usage Rights:

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