On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Courtesan Holding a Poetry Slip
Chōbunsai Eishi Japanese
Not on view
An elegant courtesan, hair fastened with crimson ties and a constellation of hairpins, turns to glance behind her while holding a poetry slip (tanzaku). Her red kimono is decorated with cherry blossoms and spider webs, while her outer robe, with its design of courtier’s caps and plum branches, appears as though it is about to slip from her shoulders. The motifs of cherry and plum are references to spring, while the tanzaku and courtier’s caps are likely allusions to aristocratic poets of classical literature, perhaps most specifically the ninth-century amorous poet Ariwara no Narihira.
Although Eishi’s early training was in the academic style of the Kano atelier masters, he switched his allegiance to the Ukiyo-e school, specializing in paintings and prints of refined, high-ranking courtesans.
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