Wakashu Unrolling a Hanging Scroll

Artist Suzuki Harunobu 鈴木春信 (Japanese, about 1725–1770)

Date1765–1770

MediumWoodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper

DimensionsŌban: 42.9 x 30.8 cm (16 7/8 x 12 1/8 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

MarkingsPublisher: Moto [under peak design] and "Iwato-ya" (rectangular cartouche); "At the corner of Asakusa Kaya-machi ni-chome" (Asakusa Kaya-machi ni-chome kado); [the address listed on the right of the cartouche

Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection

Terms

Object number1901.289

Label TextWakashu is a word roughly corresponds to the slang term "dude." The word denotes a young man of fashionable, dandified appearance. Some wakashu, like the one depicted in this print, wore kimono that were very similar to those worn by women: long sleeves (see his jacket) were for example traditionally worn by young, unmarried women. Their hair was similarly often arranged in coiffures resembling those of women. As is also shown here, the chief differences were the bald spot on top of the head and the masculine top-knot; this youth man still retains his youthful forelock. The elegant samurai youth in this print is depicted wearing a sword and unrolling a painting of Mr. Fuji mounted as a kakemono. One the floor before him is a kobai (red-flowered plum) branch in a bamboo holder.The designs can be interpreted as a

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