Amorous Couple

early 18th century

Not on view

A man and a woman sit on the veranda of a teahouse smoking long pipes. Their intimate exchange draws the attention of an errand boy who turns his head on his way past with a load of books. The depiction of amorous couples is a popular theme in ukiyo-e prints. The inclusion of this youthful observer introduces a note of curiosity mixed with envy, while indicating that the scene is taking place in public.

Artwork Details

Title: Amorous Couple
Artist: Okumura Masanobu (Japanese, 1686–1764)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: early 18th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Monochrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 10 3/8 x 14 in. (26.4 x 35.6 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: The Francis Lathrop Collection, Purchase, Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1911
Object Number: JP683
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Okumura Masanobu

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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A Man Lighting His Pipe from that of A Young Woman who Sits Beside Him, Okumura Masanobu Japanese, Monochrome woodblock print; ink on paper, Japan — A Man Lighting His Pipe from that of A Young Woman who Sits Beside Him
Okumura Masanobu

Fagot–gatherer Finds Boy with Sparrow, Okumura Masanobu Japanese, Monochrome woodblock print; ink on paper, Japan — Fagot–gatherer Finds Boy with Sparrow
Okumura Masanobu

Woman Pursuing Sparrow, Okumura Masanobu Japanese, Monochrome woodblock print; ink on paper, Japan — Woman Pursuing Sparrow
Okumura Masanobu

Two Figures, Okumura Masanobu Japanese, Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Japan — Two Figures
Okumura Masanobu

Triptych of Umbrellas, Okumura Masanobu Japanese, Undivided triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper, Japan — Triptych of Umbrellas
Okumura Masanobu

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