見立『平家物語』 紅葉焚図|Parody of Palace Servants Heating Sake over a Fire of Maple Leaves
1750
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
1750
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
This print shows three women in fancy robes and tall black hats, sitting around a small fire. One holds a fan, another a fan-shaped bag, and the third leans on a broom. The fire burns under a pot, and a branch with red leaves and green buds hangs above them. Their clothes have bright patterns in red, green, and gold. The red leaves and fire suggest they’re warming sake (a Japanese drink) in a playful way. The artist used bold colors and simple shapes to make it lively. Next, look up Okumura Masanobu to see how he mixed humor with tradition.
