Description
In this print, a courtesan emerges from her bed to find her attendant asleep. As was customary, the courtesan has her obi sash tied at the front, while her servant has hers tied at the back. The strong contrast between the colorful bedclothes and the white of the courtesan’s robe is heightened by the embossing of the fabric folds, lending a three-dimensional effect to her form. The technique involves pressing a carved but unpigmented woodblock against the print surface.
Provenance
Henri Vever [1854–1942], France (?–1942); (Sotheby Parke Bernet, London, UK, March 24, 1977, part III, lot 48) (March 24, 1977); (R. E. Lewis, Inc., California, sold to Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin Smith) (1977–?); The Kelvin Smith Collection, Cleveland, OH, given by Mrs. Kelvin [Eleanor Armstrong] Smith [1899-1998] given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (?–1985); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1985–)
Accession Number
1985.309
Medium
color woodblock print, with embossing
Dimensions
Overall: 28.1 x 20.1 cm (11 1/16 x 7 15/16 in.)
Classification
Credit Line
The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith
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