A Courtesan Followed by Two Girl Attendants

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan (1615–1868), Nishikawa Sukenobu1671–1751) captured the allure of urban life through his masterful ukiyo-e prints, often celebrating the "floating world" of pleasure and beauty. *A Courtesan Follow by Two Girl Attendants a delicate monochrome woodblock print in ink on paper (measuring 14½ × 10¼ inches), exemplifies his skill in bijin-ga, or pictures of beautiful women. Created during a time when woodblock printing democratized art for the growing merchant class, this intimate work from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Henry L. Phillips Collection highlights the elegance of Yoshiwara courtesans—high-status entertainers whose refined demeanor symbolized sophistication. The scene unfolds with a poised courtesan gliding forward, trailed by two young attendants amid subtle hints of trees, evoking a garden or street procession. Monochrome sumizuri-e technique, using nuanced shades of gray ink, creates depth and movement through expert line work and subtle gradations, a precursor to the later polychrome masterpieces of ukiyo-e masters like Utamaro. This print reflects Edo society's fascination with fashion, hierarchy, and feminine grace, offering a window into the cultural splendor of 18th-century Japan. (198 words)

About the Artist

Nishikawa Sukenobu · 1671–1751

Japanese, 1671–1750