Courtesan and Attendants

c. 1748–51

attributed to Engetsudō 艶月堂

(Japanese)

Culture

Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

Medium

hanging scroll; ink and color on paper

Measurements

Overall: 189.8 x 64.8 cm (74 3/4 x 25 1/2 in.); Painting only: 90.2 x 43.8 cm (35 1/2 x 17 1/4 in.)

Credit Line

The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith 1985.255

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Location

Not on view

Description

The courtesan wears a pair of tall, lacquered wooden clogs and heavy robes, indicating it is winter. The elaborate span of her tortoiseshell comb in her fashionable coiffure enhances her glamorous appearance. Her blue-and-white striped obi is tied in a loose bow in front, typical for her profession. The round, stylized cherry blossom crest of her "house" (brothel), partially visible on her shoulder just above the shawl, also appears on the robes of her two attendants (kamuro). The attendants hold shuttlecocks, used in a game associated with New Year celebrations. One girl stares out at the viewer; the other looks back. The frontal view of the attendant’s face is somewhat rare in ukiyo-e painting and prints.