Artwork
あやめ燈籠図|Three Women Enjoying Literary Pursuits
あやめ燈籠図|Three Women Enjoying Literary Pursuits is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunchō. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This woodblock print, created around 1784 by Katsukawa Shunchō, is one sheet of a triptych. It is a genre scene depicting everyday life, executed in ink and color on paper.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows three women in a serene garden setting, engaged in leisurely activities. Their poses and attire convey a sense of quiet, everyday intimacy. The scene may be interpreted as a representation of women's literary pursuits.
Technique & Style
The artist employed bold colors and simple shapes to convey the narrative. The women's robes feature intricate patterns, adding to the overall visual richness of the scene.
History & Provenance
The print is now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunchō lived in Edo (now Tokyo) during the late 1700s, a time when floating-world prints—colorful scenes of theater, courtesans, and everyday life—were all the rage.
