-
Komurasaki of the Tama-ya House
Gokyô - Enlarge image
Komurasaki of the Tama-ya House
- Object:
Woodblock print
- Place of origin:
Japan (made)
- Date:
ca. 1785-1790 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Gokyô (designer)
- Materials and Techniques:
Colour print from wood blocks
- Museum number:
E.1418-1898
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level F, case 95EW, shelf 10, box JP1
This work is a good example of a benigirai-e or 'red-hating picture', which uses no red colourant. It is a particular type of benigirai-e that employs a predominantly purple colour and is known as a murasaki-e (or 'purple picture'). Benigirai-e were characterised by a more muted palette than nishiki-e (brocade prints). They were popular in the late Tenmei era (1781-9).
Unusual among works showing a parading courtesan is the presence of a young man, apparently the courtesan's guest. This print follows the style of the artist's master, Eishi, so closely that if it were not for the signature, one might easily mistake it for the master's work. Nothing is known about Gokyô except that he signed all his works 'disciple of Eishi'.
