![]() 06.465) the other is in the collection of The New York Public Library (acquisition no. ![]() One is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (acquisition no. Waterhouse records only two other impressions of this design which he dates to circa 1768-69. The poem on the print above the stylized cloud focuses on the snow. This design is part of a group of three which reference the classical trio of Snow, Moon and Flowers (Settsugekka), from a poem by Bai Juyi (772-846) which is included in the anthology Wa-Kan roei shu (734). The procession is likely en route to an assignation: parading the courtesan with her attendants in all of their collective splendor was an important opportunity for pageantry in the ritual of seduction in the pleasure quarters. The fresh snow gathers in clumps around the platforms of their lacquered geta (raised sandals) while large flakes of falling snow contrast against the pale grey pigment in the background with some areas of oxidation which emphasizes an evening setting. The two young girls in her retinue, attired in matching apparel and sharing their own smaller umbrella, are her kamuro- children attendants assigned to a specific courtesan of ranking house. Her brocade obi is tied in a large knot at the front identifying her as a courtesan, and her pink outer-robe is decorated with folding fans and braches of blossoming plum- a wishful harbinger of early spring. Seeking the warmth within her layers of clothing, she tucks her chin into her collar, and hides her hands within the robes. Chuban tate-e 11 by 8 in., 27.8 by 20.3 cmĪn elegant beauty is accompanied by two young girls and a male servant who holds an umbrella to shelter her from falling snow. ![]()
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