Untitled

Hishikawa Moronobu 菱川師宣

late 17th century · Monochrome woodblock print; ink on paper · Asian Art

In this Yoshiwara scene by Moronobu, the originator of ukiyo-e prints, a courtesan leans on the lattice of a teahouse window and converses with a samurai who has draped a coat over his head. This attempt to cloak his identity only serves to attract the attention of the courtesan playing the samisen and the passersby. The profile view of the girl's face, which is unusual in ukiyo-e prints, emphasizes the interest with which she watches the exchange. The focus of the print is the interaction between the inside, which is framed within the barred window of the teahouse, and the outside. Those on the inside look out, and those on the outside look in.

Artist

Hishikawa Moronobu 菱川師宣

Date

late 17th century

Medium

Monochrome woodblock print; ink on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Julia H. Manges, in memory of her husband, Dr. Morris Manges, 1960