Woman and Monkey
Katsukawa Shun'ei
(Japanese, 1762–1819)
latter half of Kansei (1789 - 1801) - first half of Bunka (1804 - 18) eras
Medium/TechniqueHanging scroll; ink and color on paper
DimensionsImage: 128.3 x 28.6 cm (50 1/2 x 11 1/4 in.)
Credit LineWilliam Sturgis Bigelow Collection
Accession number11.7786
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPaintings
Collections
More affluent patrons of ukiyo-e artists often commissioned one-of-a-kind paintings with themes similar to those seen in the prints. Here, a naughty pet monkey pulls at the hem of his owner’s garments, exposing a white leg and red underskirt that contrast beautifully with her layered kimono in black and pale blue. Paintings such as this one were enjoyed both by men who liked looking at pictures of pretty girls and by women who appreciated the minutely detailed description of gorgeous fashions and fabrics.
ProvenanceBy 1911, purchased by William Sturgis Bigelow (b. 1850 - d. 1926), Boston [see note 1]; 1911, gift of Bigelow to the MFA. (Accession Date: August 3, 1911)
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
NOTES:
[1] Much of Bigelow's collection of Asian art was formed during his residence in Japan between 1882 and 1889, although he also made acquisitions in Europe and the United States. Bigelow deposited many of these objects at the MFA in 1890 before donating them to the Museum's collection at later dates.
Katsukawa Shunshô
first half of Kansei era (1789 - 1801)
Katsukawa Shunchô
first half of Kansei era (1789 - 1801)
Katsukawa Shunchô
about the latter half of Tenmei (1781 - 89) - first half of Kansei (1789 - 1801) eras
