Artwork
「風流六く歌仙紀友則 十」|“Two Young Women on a Verandah Watching Plovers,” from the series Stylish Six Poetic Immortals (Fūryū rokkasen: Ki no Tomonori, jū)
「風流六く歌仙紀友則 十」|“Two Young Women on a Verandah Watching Plovers,” from the series Stylish Six Poetic Immortals (Fūryū rokkasen: Ki no Tomonori, jū) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 18th-century Japanese woodblock print, dated circa 1770, is part of the series "Stylish Six Poetic Immortals" and is attributed to the artist Katsukawa Shunshō. The work is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two young women on a verandah, one standing with a fan and the other seated, looking downward. Above them, plovers (shorebirds) fly against a serene landscape of a river, hills, and a distant town, evoking a tranquil, observational moment.
Technique & Style
Executed in nishiki-e technique, the print features soft, muted colors (predominantly pinks, greens, and browns) combined with simple, expressive lines and flat color planes, characteristic of Shunshō's style during this period.
History & Provenance
Created around 1770 by Katsukawa Shunshō, the print is one of ten in the "Stylish Six Poetic Immortals" series, specifically referencing Ki no Tomonori. Its current location is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though earlier ownership details are not provided.
Context
Part of a broader ukiyo-e movement, this print reflects the era's interest in capturing everyday life and natural beauty. The series title suggests a connection to poetic or literary themes, though the scene's direct literary reference is not explicitly stated.
Legacy
As part of Katsukawa Shunshō's oeuvre, the print contributes to the artist's reputation for depicting elegant, contemporary scenes of his time. However, specific details on its impact or influence within the broader art historical canon are not highlighted in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.
