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Hatsuito of the Yamashiroya Likened to Bush Clover, from Beauties of the Floating World Compared to Flowers
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Hatsuito of the Yamashiroya Likened to Bush Clover, from Beauties of the Floating World Compared to Flowers

Suzuki Harunobu (Japanese, 1724–1770), artist · 1769–70 · color woodblock print

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Courtesan Hatsuito of a brothel named Yamashiroya is likened to autumnal bush clover in this series comparing the qualities of courtesans to flowers. Hatsuito ties her servant’s obi sash while a gibbon emerges from a painting in the room’s viewing alcove to offer a love letter on which Hatsuito’s name appears. Gibbons reaching in vain for the moon’s reflection in water is a common metaphor for the deluded mind, and bush clover in moonlight is a popular seasonal motif. Here, the ideas are combined as the gibbon woos this unattainable beauty.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineHatsuito of the Yamashiroya Likened to Bush Clover, from Beauties of the Floating World Compared to Flowers (浮世美人寄花内 山城屋初糸 萩), 1769–70. Suzuki Harunobu (Japanese, 1724–1770). Color woodblock print; sheet: 28.7 x 21.8 cm (11 5/16 x 8 9/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade, 1916.1157
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