Artwork
Tsukasa and Other Courtesans of the Ogiya Watching the Autumn Moon Rise Over Rice Fields from a Balcony in the Yoshiwara
Tsukasa and Other Courtesans of the Ogiya Watching the Autumn Moon Rise Over Rice Fields from a Balcony in the Yoshiwara is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This print captures a serene evening scene at the Ogiya teahouse in Edo's Yoshiwara district.
- Accession no.
- 1943.4
- Credit line
- Gift of Mrs. Ralph King
About this work
The painting shows women on a balcony watching the moon rise over rice fields.
The painting shows women on a balcony watching the moon rise over rice fields. They are courtesans from the Ogiya teahouse in the Yoshiwara district of Edo. The women's robes and the serene evening create a poetic atmosphere.
The scene is special because it's a private print, made just for a few people. It's a surimono, a type of print that was often given as a gift.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, 1760–1849)
Overview
This print captures a serene evening scene at the Ogiya teahouse in Edo's Yoshiwara district. Courtesans and their attendants gather on a balcony to watch the autumn moon rise over the surrounding rice fields.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts two courtesans, accompanied by a geisha and a shinzō, enjoying the full moon. The elegant robes and tranquil atmosphere evoke a poetic mood, enhanced by an accompanying poem that reflects on the liveliness of the gathering.
Technique & Style
As a surimono, a privately commissioned print, this work was likely created as a gift. The style is reminiscent of other Japanese artists, such as Katsushika Hokusai, who worked in a similar tradition.
History & Provenance
The Ogiya teahouse was a fashionable establishment in Edo's Yoshiwara district, known for its high-end courtesans. The print offers a glimpse into the leisure activities of this exclusive environment.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsushika Hokusai spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he drew and carved prints for a living.
