Who painted Female Entertainer with a Koto?

Female Entertainer with a Koto was painted by Utagawa Toyoharu in 1793.

Where can I see Female Entertainer with a Koto?

Female Entertainer with a Koto is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Female Entertainer with a Koto?

Female Entertainer with a Koto is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Can I buy a print of Female Entertainer with a Koto?

Museum-quality prints of Female Entertainer with a Koto are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Female Entertainer with a Koto

Utagawa Toyoharu , 1793

Female Entertainer with a Koto is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Toyoharu. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Female Entertainer with a Koto, painted in 1793 by Utagawa Toyoharu, is a Japanese artwork housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece depicts a traditionally attired woman alongside a koto, conveying her role as a musician or entertainer.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman in a black kimono with peacock and floral motifs, is shown standing with bowed head, holding a brown cloth. Her posture and the adjacent koto clearly signify her profession as a performer.

Technique & Style

Executed in a style characteristic of Japanese art, the painting features a muted light brown background, contrasting with the detailed, patterned kimono. The overall composition reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Created in 1793, the work is attributed to Utagawa Toyoharu. Its current location is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the full provenance history is not detailed here.

Context

The painting provides a glimpse into 18th-century Japanese cultural practices, particularly the role of female entertainers and the significance of the koto in traditional performances.