A Flower Show

Artistattributed to Furuyama, Moromasa (Japanese, active 1712–1772)

Dateearly 1700s

Mediumwoodblock print; ink on paper; sumizuri-e with brass filings and hand-applied color

Dimensions30.5 x 55.2 cm (12 x 21 3/4 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection

Terms

Object number1901.59.114

Label TextSimilar in style to a print in the Tokyo National Museum in the Genroku (1688–1703) manner attributed to Furuyama Moromasa and dated about 1700, this image is now considered the work of that artist.On the right a large basket containing autumn flowers, chrysanthemums, fuyu (hibiscus mutabilitis), kikyo (the flat bell) and iris is set out upon a long wooden bench. Seated upon two mats on the bench are two women, one on either side of the basket; a tray with smoking accessories is also placed next to one of these women. On the left the yarite (female brothel supervisor and chaperone) of a high-ranking courtesan on parade negotiates with a samurai (recognizable by his two swords) who is wearing a sedge hat as a disguise. The samurai holds a poem slip in his left hand. His manservant (yakko) crouches behind his master. A younger samurai, followed by a yakko carrying his long sword are depicted in the foreground.

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