Courtesan Reading a Book of Erotica, Watched by a Monk
Japanese
Description
Courtesan Reading a Book of Erotica, Watched by a Monk
Japan
Edo period (1615–1868)
ca. 1840
Hanging scroll, ink, color and gold on silk
Gift of Helmut Stern, 2003/1.404
In this painting, a courtesan dressed in sumptuous robes indulges in
some erotic reading material during a private moment, while a monk
spies on her from behind a screen. The figure of the courtesan is
distinguished through the use of bold colors applied in thick, opaque
strokes, while the artist has diluted the pigment to render the figure of
the monk more transparent. Just as the courtesan appears unaware of
his shadowy figure, the viewer likewise may not immediately register
his presence. The artist’s handling of saturation (the intensity of
color) is, thus, integral to guiding the viewer’s revelatory response:
by using the differing qualities of paint to delay awareness of the
monk’s presence, the artist reproduces in the viewer the same feeling
of surprise we imagine the courtesan might have upon realizing she is
not alone.
(Japanese Gallery Rotation, Summer 2025)
Subject Matter:
In Japanese history, erotic art (Shunga) was widely consumed by both men and women of many classes. It wasn't considered incredibly taboo and was common. A painting that nods to Shunga in the erotic book the courtesan is reading, would not be cast aside. Although most likely not in a place of worship as Buddhist monks are prohibited from intercourse, it would not be surprising to find it in a person's home or important building (?).
Physical Description:
As the title suggests, this hanging scroll depicts a courtesan reading a book of erotica while being watched by a monk. This colorful painting is suspended in sky blue patterned silk. The focus of the painting, the woman, is colorfully painted with robes of many colors and designs. Her hair is tied in a purple cord in a half up half down look. The back of her neck is exposed away from the viewer. In the center of the painting, she rests on a green armrest with three books below it. Behind her is a translucent screen where the face of the monk can be seen. Above the scene to the upper left is a three-lined inscription. The fourth and last line is the artist's signature placed slightly lower than the rest of the inscriptions.
Usage Rights:
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