Fragment of the Yujo monogatari (Tales of pleasure women)

Historical period(s)
Nanbokucho period, 14th century
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 16.4 x 42.7 cm (6 7/16 x 16 13/16 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1972.6
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll (mounted on panel)

Keywords
court, Japan, kakemono, Nanbokucho period (1333 - 1392), Tales of Pleasure Women, WWII-era provenance
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

This fragment is from a longer illustrated narrative scroll describing the customs of romance in Heian (794-1185) times. This illustration from Tales of pleasure women is rendered in the hakubyoga style. The tale may be based on Yujoki (Record of pleasure women), a series of observations on women of carnal commerce written by author and statesman Oe no Masafusa (1041-1111). In addition to the specialized use of ink monochrome, the artist used the visual convention of "blown roof" (fukinuki yatai), allowing the viewer to peer into action normally obscured by architecture, and suggesting the narrator's omniscient point of view.  Sequential numbering of text units alerts the viewer to the proper sequence for reading.

Published References
  • Narasaki Muneshige. Courtesan and Their Life. no. 821 Tokyo. .
  • Unknown title. no. 821 Tokyo, August 1960. pl. 2.
  • Masterpieces of Chinese and Japanese Art: Freer Gallery of Art handbook. Washington, 1976. p. 107.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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