Courtesan with a Kitten
18th century
Nishikawa Sukenobu, a pioneer of ukiyo-e, captures a surprisingly relatable moment in the life of an 18th-century courtesan. Dressed in a lavish, patterned kimono, she seems to have paused her painting—brush still in hand—to cuddle a tiny kitten nestled in her robes. A shamisen lies nearby, hinting at her life of music and entertainment, but right now, the pet has stolen the show. It’s a charming reminder that even in the glamorous 'floating world' of Edo Japan, a cute animal was the ultimate distraction.
- Technique
- Ink and color on silk
- Material
- Silk
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