Accession Number
1960/1.139

Title
Komuso (Strolling Flute Player)

Artist(s)
Suzuki Harunobu

Object Creation Date
circa 1745-1770

Medium & Support
color woodblock print on paper, hashira-e size

Dimensions
36 in. x 8 in. ( 91.4 cm x 20.3 cm )

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Label copy
This is a portrait of a typical eighteenth century Japanese dandy who would have loafed and frequented the entertainment district. The bamboo instrument in his left hand is called a "shakuhachi", a vertical flute to be played to charm the courtesans. The tall hat in his right hand would be useful for hiding his face to avoid being recognized. In addition to the fancy lacquered wooden slippers, his robe and accessories are all fashionable products of the time.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
Figures
Musical instruments
Portraits
flutes
full-length
man
ukiyo e