The Four Accomplishments (Kinkishoga)

ca. 1788–90

Not on view

The Four Elegant Accomplishments were the highly esteemed cultural activities of Chinese literati. Here, Utamaro parodies the venerable tradition by setting a contemporary version in an Edo pleasure house. Instead of learned gentlemen, renowned courtesans practice calligraphy, play the Chinese board game go, perform on the lute, and paint pictures. Although the Four Accomplishments were traditionally depicted with equal emphasis, the perspectival arrangement of this print clearly favors painting over the other activities, which recede into the background.

Artwork Details

喜多川歌麿画　琴棋書画
Title: The Four Accomplishments (Kinkishoga)
Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, ca. 1754–1806)
Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
Date: ca. 1788–90
Culture: Japan
Medium: Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 15 x 30 in. (38.1 x 76.2 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Gift of Estate of Samuel Isham, 1914
Object Number: JP965a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Armor (<i>Gusoku</i>), Saotome Ietada Japanese, Iron, lacquer, silk, gilt copper, Japanese — Armor (*Gusoku*)
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Armorer Breastplate inscribed inside, Myōchin Munesuke
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Helmet (<i>Zukinnari Kabuto</i>), Iron, lacquer, Japanese — Helmet (*Zukinnari Kabuto*)
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