Courtesan Dreaming on the New Year

Maker(s)
Artist: Isoda Koryūsai 磯田湖竜斎 (1735-1790)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, 1773-1775
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 68.5 x 12 cm (26 15/16 x 4 3/4 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S2004.3.326
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
Anne van Biema collection, courtesan, dreaming, Edo period (1615 - 1868), hashira-e, Japan, Mount Fuji, new year, sleeping, ukiyo-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Pillar prints (hashira-e) were intended for display, and were pasted directly onto walls or pillars or mounted as hanging scrolls for a more formal presentation. Images of beautiful women (bijinga) were especially prevalent among the subjects of pillar prints, which flourished from the 1740s until the 1770s, when this print was designed by Koryvsai. Here a courtesan dreams after she has fallen asleep while sitting at her desk. The dream, which is represented as rising from her heart, is of Mount Fuji, a falcon, and eggplants, all auspicious symbols for the New Year. This design may have been published for display on the New Year.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 111, pp. 276-277.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use