喜多川歌麿画　琴棋書画|The Four Accomplishments (Kinkishoga)

Kitagawa Utamaro

ca. 1788–90 · Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

The Four Elegant Accomplishments were the highly esteemed cultural activities of Chinese literati. Here, Utamaro parodies the venerable tradition by setting a contemporary version in an Edo pleasure house. Instead of learned gentlemen, renowned courtesans practice calligraphy, play the Chinese board game go, perform on the lute, and paint pictures. Although the Four Accomplishments were traditionally depicted with equal emphasis, the perspectival arrangement of this print clearly favors painting over the other activities, which recede into the background.

Artist

Kitagawa Utamaro

Date

ca. 1788–90

Medium

Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Estate of Samuel Isham, 1914