Artwork preview

Courtesan Seated on a Carp

Yashima Gakutei

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A woman sits on top of a carp, facing left. The woman wears a kimono with a brown and white geometric pattern and a red sash. Her hair is styled with a comb and pins, and she holds a folding fan. The carp is gray with green fins and tail, and has a large eye. The background features a light blue and white pattern resembling fish scales. There are several lines of Japanese text in black and red ink. The woman's kimono has a red and white patterned lining. The carp's mouth is open, and the woman's face is in profile.

Artwork Details

Date
19th century
Medium
Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
559 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette