Courtesan and her Attendant Viewing Cherry Blossoms (Bijin and Kamuro)
Artist
Ikukai
Dateearly 19th century
Mediumink and opaque color on paper, hanging scroll
Dimensions140.2 x 21.4 cm (55 3/16 x 8 7/16 in.)
Overall1: 97.5 x 13.3 cm (38 3/8 x 5 1/4 in.)
Overall1: 97.5 x 13.3 cm (38 3/8 x 5 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift from the estate of John Chandler Bancroft
Object number1901.1332
DescriptionThis painting came into Worcester's collection as the work of Hokusai, and there is no question that it is a period painting by one of the myriad "students" of the master whose name is not recorded. This artist worked in Hokusai's early style of beauties associated with the master's use of the name Sori. The painting is the work of a minor painter, but its composition is strong, the lines assured, and the washes of color accomplished. The kamuro is picking up the fallen cherry blossoms, which are often used metaphorically in ukiyo-e for the brief career of the courtesan.Label TextThis painting came into Worcester's collection as the work of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), and there is no question that it is a period painting by one of the myriad students of the master whose name is not recorded. Nothing is known of this artist who worked in Hokusai's early style of beauties associated with the master's use of the name Sori. The painting is the work of a minor painter, but its composition is strong, the lines assured, and the washes of color accomplished. The attendant is picking up the fallen cherry blossoms, which are often used in ukiyo-e as a metaphor for the brief career of the courtesan.ProvenanceEstate of John Chandler Bancroft, Boston MA
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