Beauty on a Snowy Quay
An elegant beauty dressed in black has rushed to the snow-covered quay, where a boat is waiting, perhaps with her lover under its roof. Snow is everywhere—on the opposite side of the river, where a torii (gate to a Shinto shrine) is dimly visible; on houses; on the boat; and on the bank where she stands. Breaking the harsh contrast of black against white are the brilliant reds of her undersash, her undergarment, and a clog, which are all delicately outlined in gold ink.
Hokuba, who often signed his name Teisei Hokuba, was one of the most successful pupils of the great master Hokusai. A prolific artist, almost up to his teacher's caliber, Hokuba produced many paintings and prints.
Hokuba, who often signed his name Teisei Hokuba, was one of the most successful pupils of the great master Hokusai. A prolific artist, almost up to his teacher's caliber, Hokuba produced many paintings and prints.
Artwork Details
- Title: Beauty on a Snowy Quay
- Artist: Teisai Hokuba (Japanese, 1771–1844)
- Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: Japan
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color, and gold on silk
- Dimensions: 29 x 10 3/4 in. (73.7 x 27.3 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Charles Stewart Smith Collection, Gift of Mrs. Charles Stewart Smith, Charles Stewart Smith Jr., and Howard Caswell Smith, in memory of Charles Stewart Smith, 1914
- Object Number: 14.76.55
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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