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A Samurai Flirting with a Young Waitress at a Wayside Tea Stand
A Samurai Flirting with a Young Waitress at a Wayside Tea Stand
Public domain: Image courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum.

A Samurai Flirting with a Young Waitress at a Wayside Tea Stand

Artist (Japanese, about 1697–1758)
Dateabout 1755
Mediumwoodblock print; ink and color on paper; benizuri-e (2-color)
Dimensions30.2 x 14 cm (11 7/8 x 5 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsPrints
MarkingsPublisher Mark: Kichi Uemura
Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection
Object number1901.59.2127
DescriptionHosoban; slightly trimmed along left edge
Label TextThe wayside cha-ya is located under a weeping willow tree. The young samurai flirts with and grasps the wrist of the young waitress who is handing him a cup of tea. The young man wears a haori with the mon of the actor Bando Hikosaburo II; on his kimono are chidori (plovers) suggesting the role of Soga no Juro. Since it is not recorded that Hikosaburo ever played that role this may represent him in an incident off-stage.
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