Untitled

Suzuki Harunobu

ca. 1770 · Woodblock print; ink and color on paper · Asian Art

The family crest of paulownia on her kimono and the partially visible torii gate identify the subject of this print as Osen, graceful waitress of the Kagiya teahouse at the entrance to the Kasamori Inari Shrine. A young samurai, two swords at his waist, sits on a bench in a relaxed pose and turns his face to look up at Osen, who approaches to serve him tea. The beautiful Osen and the handsome gallant are the very picture of stylish Edoites from the mid-eighteenth century.

Artist

Suzuki Harunobu

Date

ca. 1770

Medium

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Howard Mansfield Collection, Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1936