Public domain
Two vases and a saucer depicting a man and a woman playing a game of go
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
Depicted on the two vases are women playing go amongst themselves. The saucer features a game between a man and a woman. Given the strict separation of men and women in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1644 and 1644-1912 respectively), it is likely that this is a courtesan with a patron. Elite courtesans underwent rigorous training to be pleasant and entertaining company for their male clients.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineTwo vases and a saucer depicting a man and a woman playing a game of go. c. 1724. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
