Artwork
Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer

Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ishikawa Toyonobu. It dates from 1724 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- JP2756
- Credit line
- Henry L. Phillips Collection, Bequest of Henry L. Phillips, 1939
About this work
Overview
Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer is a hand-colored Tan-e print on paper by Nishimura Shigenobu, dated to 1724, and part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two contrasting figures: a woman in a vibrant, patterned robe (featuring swirls, flowers, and waves) standing with a fan, alongside a simply dressed kneeling boy. Their calm yet expressive faces, outlined in strong black, convey serene interaction.
Technique & Style
Characterized by flat colors and sharp lines, the print achieves a dramatic effect. The woman's robe is rendered with a suggested mix of gold and dark hues, contrasting with the boy's plain, dark attire. The sparse background emphasizes the figures.
History & Provenance
Created in 1724 by Nishimura Shigenobu, the work is now held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
As a Tan-e print, it represents a style popular in 18th-century Japan, known for its hand-colored ink and paper technique, often used to depict figures in everyday or theatrical contexts.
Legacy
While specific influence or widespread recognition of 'Odari Kafu|Style of the Dancer' beyond its collection status is not detailed, it contributes to the understanding of 18th-century Japanese printmaking techniques and aesthetic preferences.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ishikawa Toyonobu spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he carved and printed the everyday scenes of city life.

















