Surimono for a Joruri Performance
Object Details
- Description
- This picture illustrates a group gathering around a fishmonger who prepares fresh fish for sashimi. To the left, a lower class prostitute offers a large dish to receive some fish, perhaps for the man at the left, who looks longingly at the elegant, graceful courtesan who glances demurely over her shoulder as she holds a parasol. The "night hawk" overhead proclaims the erotic theme of this scene. This large sheet is printed with an illustration on one half and an illustration in 180 degree reverse orientation on the other half. The sheet was designed to be folded horizontally so the picture would be on one side and the inscription could be read on the other. The text provides the names of many groups from various locales, which suggests that this surimono was commissioned to commemorate a special performance.
- Inscriptions
- The inscription concludes with the phrase, "Senshu banzai" (A thousand autumns), a wish for eternal happiness, and provides the name of a pupil of the joruri performer Takemoto Miyadodayu who sponsored the event.
- Provenance
- To 2002
- Dr. John Fuegi, Copenhagen and Adelphi, MD, to 2002
- From 2002
- Freer Gallery of Art, given by Dr. John Fuegi in 2002
- Collection
- Freer Gallery of Art Collection
- Previous custodian or owner
- Dr. John Fuegi
- Credit Line
- Gift of John Fuegi and Jo Francis
- Data Source
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Date
- ca. 1820
- Period
- Edo period
- Accession Number
- F2002.14
- Artist
- Utagawa Kuninao 歌川国直 (1793-1854)
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Medium
- Ink and color on paper
- Dimensions
- H x W (sheet and image): 39.3 x 53.5 cm (15 1/2 x 21 1/16 in)
- Origin
- Japan
- Related Online Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- See more items in
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection
- Topic
- fish
- Edo period (1615 - 1868)
- man
- courtesan
- Japan
- umbrella
- surimono
- Japanese Art
- Record ID
- fsg_F2002.14
