Court Lady Beneath an Old Plum Tree; Two Lacquer Cabinets for the Shell-matching Game

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the elegance of Edo-period Japan, *Court Lady Beneath an Old Plum; Two Lacquer Cabinets for the Shell-matching Game* (1793) is a delicate woodblock print (surimono) by Kubo Shunman. This intimate scene captures a refined court lady poised gracefully under a gnarled plum tree, with two ornate lacquer cabinets nearby—props evoking the poetic shell-matching game (*kai-awase*), a beloved pastime among the aristocracy. Rendered in vibrant inks and colors on paper (6 5/8 x 10 in.), the print's small scale invites close viewing, revealing Shunman's mastery of subtle shading and fine lines. Surimono prints like this one were luxurious, privately commissioned works, often for New Year's greetings or poetic gatherings, distinguishing them from mass-produced ukiyo-e. Produced during the Edo period (1615–1868), they celebrated fleeting beauty (*mono no aware*) through themes of nature and refined femininity. The plum tree, with its twisted branches, symbolizes resilience and early spring renewal, framing the lady's serene poise against cultural motifs of leisure and artistry. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art Department (Purchase, Marjorie H. Holden Gift, 2012), this print offers a window into Japan's vibrant print culture, blending visual poetry with social ritual. Shunman's work exemplifies the era's fusion of literature and image-making, enchanting visitors with its timeless grace.

About the Artist

Kubo Shunman · 1757–1820

Japanese, 1757–1820