Public domain

Scroll painting

Tatsu · 1700 - 1800 · paper

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Courtesan with letter watching geese. Shihôsai ? Japan c. 1770 - 1780. Ink and colours on silk, traces of gold. A courtesan, recognizable by her dress, holds a letter in her hand as she watches geese in flight. Perhaps she is thinking of the man she loves who is far away. Letters played a vital part in Japanese courtship. Beautiful calligraphy could help one win the hand of a lover. Westendorp bequest.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description

Subjects

hanging scroll

Credit lineRolschildering. 1700 - 1800. Tatsu. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

Open in Explore View at source