1824
ink
paper
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
三味線の調弦|Woman Tuning a Shamisen and a Cat Looking at its Own Reflection is a 1824 ink by Yashima Gakutei, a Romanticism work, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A woman in a blue and gold kimono sits on a low table, tuning a stringed instrument called a shamisen. Her hair is styled high, and she holds a small tool in one hand. A white cat lies on the floor, staring at its own reflection in a dark box. The background is simple, but her robe has bright floral patterns. The scene looks calm and focused. This print is part of a special kind of Japanese art called *surimono*, made for small, private gatherings. The artist used sharp lines and bold colors to tell a quiet story. Look up Yashima Gakutei next to see more of his detailed prints.
Yashima Gakutei (Japanese: 八島岳亭; c. 1786 – 1868) was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyōka poetry and surimono works.
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