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Courtesan Beneath a Willow Branch

Japanese

Artwork Details

Courtesan Beneath a Willow Branch
circa 1740-1750
Japanese
hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
35 1/4 in. x 6 3/4 in. ( 89.54 cm x 17.15 cm )
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Carter
1970/2.158

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Description

This charming painting depicts a young courtesan out on parade, dressed in a simple but striking costume. Her black cloak (uchikake) is decorated with a discreet overall pattern of plovers, and allowed to fall open to reveal its bright red lining. She subtly advertises her occupation by tying her sash (obi) in front. This painting was done in Edo (modern Tokyo), the boisterous headquarters of the military government. Images of contemporary life in paintings and prints focused on courtesans and actors, two glamorous yet mildly scandalous subjects: officially considered very low caste, both were objects of public adulation and standard-setters for fashion.
Exhibited in "Japanese Costumes & Ceramics, Past & Present," October 2001-February 2002. Maribeth Graybill, Senior Curator of Asian Art

Subject Matter:

This painting was done in Edo (modern Tokyo), the boisterous headquarters of the military government. Images of contemporary life in paintings and prints focused on courtesans and actors, two glamorous yet mildly scandalous subjects: officially considered very low caste, both were objects of public adulation and standard-setters for fashion.
Exhibited in "Japanese Costumes & Ceramics, Past & Present," October 2001-February 2002. Maribeth Graybill, Senior Curator of Asian Art

Physical Description:

This charming painting depicts a young courtesan out on parade, dressed in a simple but striking costume. Her black cloak (uchikake) is decorated with a discreet overall pattern of plovers, and allowed to fall open to reveal its bright red lining. She subtly advertises her occupation by tying her sash (obi) in front. The hanging scroll is bordered with gold. The is an inscription in the lower right corner.

Exhibited in "Japanese Costumes & Ceramics, Past & Present," October 2001-February 2002. Maribeth Graybill, Senior Curator of Asian Art

Usage Rights:

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