Accession Number
2003/1.404

Title
Courtesan Reading a Book of Erotica, Watched by a Monk

Artist(s)
Japanese

Artist Nationality
Japanese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1840

Medium & Support
hanging scroll, ink, color and gold on silk

Dimensions
29 1/2 in. x 13 in. ( 74.9 cm x 33 cm )

Credit Line
Gift of Helmut Stern

Subject matter
In Japanese history, erotic art (Shunga) was widely consumed by both men and women of many classes. It wasn't considered incredibly taboo and was common. A painting that nods to Shunga in the erotic book the courtesan is reading, would not be cast aside. Although most likely not in a place of worship as Buddhist monks are prohibited from intercourse, it would not be surprising to find it in a person's home or important building (?).

Physical Description
As the title suggests, this hanging scroll depicts a courtesan reading a book of erotica while being watched by a monk. This colorful painting is suspended in sky blue patterned silk. The focus of the painting, the woman, is colorfully painted with robes of many colors and designs. Her hair is tied in a purple cord in a half up half down look. The back of her neck is exposed away from the viewer. In the center of the painting, she rests on a green armrest with three books below it. Behind her is a translucent screen where the face of the monk can be seen. Above the scene to the upper left is a three-lined inscription. The fourth and last line is the artist's signature placed slightly lower than the rest of the inscriptions. 

Primary Object Classification
Painting

Primary Object Type
figure painting

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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