Untitled

Hishikawa Moronobu 菱川師宣

late 17th century · Woodblock print; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Clients in a teahouse watch the courtesans parade along a street accompanied by servants and child attendants. The courtesans walk self-consciously and at a dignified pace as they pass by their admirers. In a delightful visual effect, Moronobu draws our attention to these observers by framing them in windows while partially obscuring them with bamboo blinds. We share in their pleasure of seeing without being seen.

Artist

Hishikawa Moronobu 菱川師宣

Date

late 17th century

Medium

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1918