Artwork

三味線の調弦|Woman Tuning a Shamisen and a Cat Looking at its Own Reflection

三味線の調弦|Woman Tuning a Shamisen and a Cat Looking at its Own Reflection, by Yashima Gakutei, ink, 1824
三味線の調弦|Woman Tuning a Shamisen and a Cat Looking at its Own Reflection, by Yashima Gakutei, ink, 1824

三味線の調弦|Woman Tuning a Shamisen and a Cat Looking at its Own Reflection is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yashima Gakutei. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Woman Tuning a Shamisen and a Cat Looking at its Own Reflection is a woodblock print from a surimono album, created by Yashima Gakutei around 1824. Executed in ink and color on paper, it showcases the artist's technical skill and poetic sensibility within the refined surimono tradition.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an intimate domestic scene: a woman in a intricately patterned blue and gold kimono tunes a shamisen, while a white cat nearby gazes at its reflection in a dark box. The composition balances quiet, focused moments with subtle visual humor.

Technique & Style

Gakutei's use of sharp lines and bold colors defines the print's visual narrative, telling a calm and nuanced story. The simple background contrasts with the vibrant, floral patterns of the woman's robe, highlighting the artist's attention to detail.

History & Provenance

Created during the late Edo period, this work is part of Gakutei's contribution to the private surimono tradition, characterized by collaborative printmaking and poetic themes. He was influenced by his studies under Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai.

Context

Surimono prints like this were produced for small, exclusive gatherings, reflecting their refined and privately commissioned nature. Gakutei's background in kyōka poetry and his training under notable artists further contextualize the work's aesthetic and thematic depth.

Legacy

As part of Gakutei's detailed surimono prints, this work represents his blend of technical proficiency and poetic insight, contributing to the broader appreciation of his oeuvre and the surimono tradition in Japanese art history.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Yashima Gakutei

Artist

Yashima Gakutei

Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.