Who painted Doll Playing a Hand Drum?

Doll Playing a Hand Drum was painted by Kitao Shigemasa in 1774.

Where can I see Doll Playing a Hand Drum?

Doll Playing a Hand Drum is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Doll Playing a Hand Drum?

Doll Playing a Hand Drum is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Doll Playing a Hand Drum

Kitao Shigemasa , 1774

Doll Playing a Hand Drum is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitao Shigemasa. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Doll Playing a Hand Drum, a print created by Kitao Shigemasa around 1774, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts a kneeling, doll-like figure engaged in playing a hand drum, set against a natural backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a small, round-faced figure with long dark hair, is dressed in a loose, flower-patterned outfit. The scene's playful, simple atmosphere is underscored by the figure's doll-like appearance and focused gesture of playing the drum.

Technique & Style

The print features soft color tones (pinks, browns, greens) contrasted with bold black outlines, defining the composition. The rocky hillside and pine trees in the background are rendered with strong, expressive lines.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1774 by Kitao Shigemasa, the work's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

This piece reflects the ukiyo-e tradition, characterized by woodblock prints of everyday life, nature, and sometimes fantastical elements, popular in 18th-century Japan.

Legacy

As part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, 'Doll Playing a Hand Drum' contributes to the global appreciation of Kitao Shigemasa's oeuvre and 18th-century Japanese printmaking.