歌川豊春筆　蜀山人（大田 南畝）賛　 琴に立美人図|Female Entertainer with a Koto

Utagawa Toyoharu|Shokusanjin (Ōta Nanpo)

ca. 1785; inscription early 19th century · Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk · Asian Art

A high ranking courtesan in a striking black outer robe with a peacock motif over a multicolored undergarment stands before a koto (thirteen stringed zither). Her obi sash is tied in front of her robes rather than behind, the usual practice for courtesans. Utagawa Toyoharu, founder of the Utagawa school of Ukiyo e, produced both finely executed paintings—as seen here—and designs for prints. Shokusanjin, one of the foremost literary arbiters of his era, inscribed the poem to the left of the figure some years after the painting was made. The witty verse is full of clever wordplay and references to centuries old classical literature and the Shinto “patron deity” of the pleasure quarters.

Artist

Utagawa Toyoharu|Shokusanjin (Ōta Nanpo)

Date

ca. 1785; inscription early 19th century

Medium

Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Fishbein-Bender Collection, Gift of T. Richard Fishbein and Estelle P. Bender, in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary, 2020