Artwork
Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer

Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ishikawa Toyonobu. It dates from 1724 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer is a hand-colored Tan-e print on paper by Nishimura Shigenobu, dated to 1724, and part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two contrasting figures: a woman in a vibrant, patterned robe (featuring swirls, flowers, and waves) standing with a fan, alongside a simply dressed kneeling boy. Their calm yet expressive faces, outlined in strong black, convey serene interaction.
Technique & Style
Characterized by flat colors and sharp lines, the print achieves a dramatic effect. The woman's robe is rendered with a suggested mix of gold and dark hues, contrasting with the boy's plain, dark attire. The sparse background emphasizes the figures.
History & Provenance
Created in 1724 by Nishimura Shigenobu, the work is now held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
As a Tan-e print, it represents a style popular in 18th-century Japan, known for its hand-colored ink and paper technique, often used to depict figures in everyday or theatrical contexts.
Legacy
While specific influence or widespread recognition of 'Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer' beyond its collection status is not detailed, it contributes to the understanding of 18th-century Japanese printmaking techniques and aesthetic preferences.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ishikawa Toyonobu spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he carved and printed the everyday scenes of city life.


















