Artwork
Woman as an Itinerant Monk: Onna Komuso (Otsu-e)

Woman as an Itinerant Monk: Onna Komuso (Otsu-e) is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1983.9
- Credit line
- Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund
About this work
Overview
This painting, titled 'Woman as an Itinerant Monk: Onna Komuso (Otsu-e)', depicts a woman dressed in a white robe with black and red accents, playing a flute while traveling. The work is a representation of a figure in a simple, bold style.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is dressed as a komuso, a type of itinerant monk, indicated by her wide-brimmed hat and bag. The adoption of male attire by the female figure may symbolize her embracing a traditionally male role or profession.
Technique & Style
The painting is characterized by its simplicity, bold lines, and bright colors, creating a striking visual effect. The style is reminiscent of Otsu-e, a genre of Japanese folk art known for its straightforward and vibrant depictions.
Artist & collection


















