Artwork
Tesage andon|The Hand Lantern

Tesage andon|The Hand Lantern is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitao Shigemasa. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Tesage andon|The Hand Lantern is a late 18th-century woodblock print by Japanese artist Kitao Shigemasa, dated circa 1790. The work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two women in traditional Japanese clothing engaged in a moment of quiet contemplation. One, seated in a patterned kimono, tilts her head back, while the other stands, holding a hand lantern and gazing downward at her companion, suggesting a shared, introspective moment.
Technique & Style
The composition features bold lines and vibrant colors, characteristic of the woodblock print medium. The artist's technique, possibly incorporating cross-hatching for depth, enhances the emotional intensity of the serene scene against a minimalist background.
History & Provenance
Created around 1790 by Kitao Shigemasa, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not detailed here.
Context
Set against a plain background with the subjects on a low platform, the simplicity of the setting focuses attention on the women's interaction, emphasizing the intimate, reflective nature of the scene.
Legacy
Information on the specific legacy or impact of 'Tesage andon|The Hand Lantern' within Kitao Shigemasa's oeuvre or broader Japanese art history is not provided in the available details.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kitao Shigemasa (北尾 重政; 1739 – 8 March 1820) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist from Edo.



















