Maneemon

Maker(s)
Artist: Suzuki Harunobu 鈴木春信 (1724-1770)
Historical period(s)
Edo period, ca. 1770
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (overall): 20.4 x 27.9 cm (8 1/16 x 11 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
The Anne van Biema Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2004.3.23
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Print
Type

Woodblock print

Keywords
Anne van Biema collection, cherry blossom, cherry tree, chuban, courtesan, Edo period (1615 - 1868), Japan, ukiyo-e
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Erotic prints, known as pillow pictures (makura-e) or spring pictures (shunga), were usually published in sets of twelve designs and sold as an album. This print comes from a narrative illustrating the adventures of Ukiyonosuke, who received a special dumpling that transformed him into the miniature Maneemon, who embarked on a quest to learn about love. Here, the text is written in the cloudlike space above the picture. A visitor to a brothel in the Yoshiwara pleasure district is attempting to seduce a high-ranking courtesan's young attendant. The couple looks back at the courtesan when they are interrupted by Maneemon, who passes wind while hiding in the blossoming cherry tree to the left.

Published References
  • Ann Yonemura, et al. Masterful Illusions: Japanese Prints from the Anne van Biema Collection. Seattle and Washington. cat. 108, pp. 270-271.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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