H x W (image): 16.4 x 42.7 cm (6 7/16 x 16 13/16 in)
Type:
Painting
Origin:
Japan
Date:
14th century
Period:
Nanbokucho period
Label:
This fragment is from a longer illustrated narrative scroll describing the customs of romance in Heian (794-1185) times. This illustration from Tales of pleasure women is rendered in the hakubyoga style. The tale may be based on Yujoki (Record of pleasure women), a series of observations on women of carnal commerce written by author and statesman Oe no Masafusa (1041-1111). In addition to the specialized use of ink monochrome, the artist used the visual convention of "blown roof" (fukinuki yatai), allowing the viewer to peer into action normally obscured by architecture, and suggesting the narrator's omniscient point of view. Sequential numbering of text units alerts the viewer to the proper sequence for reading.
Collection:
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History:
Tales and Legends in Japanese Art (June 21, 2003 to January 4, 2004)
Telling Tales in Japanese Art (November 23, 1996 to August 14, 1997)
Literary Themes in Japanese Art (February 13, 1986 to March 9, 1987)
Japanese and Chinese Lacquer (September 22, 1982 to June 30, 1983)
