Calligraphy and Painting

Artist/Culture Katsukawa, Shunkō (Japanese, 1743–1816)

Date1785–1795

Mediumink, colors and gold on silk

Dimensions79.5 x 31.8 cm (31 5/16 x 12 1/2 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift from the estate of John Chandler Bancroft

Terms

Object number1901.1348

Label TextTogether with poetry and music, calligraphy and painting make up the four traditional accomplishments of the Chinese gentleman. This concept was brought to Japan where it became a favorite theme of Kano School painters. In this parody (mitate-e), Shunko updates the traditional ink-painting theme by substituting a courtesan and her young companion from Edo's pleasure quarters for Chinese Gentlemen. The elegance of the figure's dress and the restrained good taste of the setting reflect the theme. This hanging scroll was probably part of a pair; music and poetry would have been represented on the matching painting. Shunko, who followed in the style of his teacher Shunsho, specialized in paintings and prints of actors and denizens of the Pleasure Quarter.ProvenanceEstate of John Chandler Bancroft, Boston MA

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