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Women Watching Chickens

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Women Watching Chickens

1716-35

Matsuno Chikanobu

Japanese, 1716-1735

The paintings of Chikanobu, an ukioy-e artist whose life story is unknown, are considered the best of a group of independent 18th century painters working in style of Kaigetsudo school. Typically, an ample-figured courtesan appears prima donna-like in flowing kimono of many layers.

Here the courtesan's attendants provide a momentary diversion, entertaining her while feeding and playing with a family of chickens. Not a frequent subject for painting, there are no doubt erotic allusions present in the juxtaposition; however, the gorgeous attire of the group is clearly paralleled in the bright plummage of the chickens. The freehand character of the motifs on the courtesan's kimono strongly suggests the newly developed yuzen dyeing process. The decoration of autumn leaves and flowers on the kimono displayed on the platform opposite was created with this technique.

The rich fabrics, luxuriant hairstyles with fancy hair pins and the elevated footgear, all proclaim the high rank of this courtesan, and help describe the role such women played as an extra-ordinary female in Edo period society.
Color and ink on silk
Image: 21 15/16 x 28 5/8 in. (54.1 x 72.7 cm)
Overall: 61 1/2 x 37 in. (including hanging wire)
Gift of Mrs. Alfred F. Woolsey and Miss Maud Oakes in memory of their parents Mr. and Mrs. Walter Oakes
55.160
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
location
Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Legends, Tales, Poetry: Visual Narrative in Japanese Art, December 22, 2012 - July 21, 2013
Published ReferencesFuller, Richard E. "Japanese Art in the Seattle Art Museum: An Historical Sketch." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1960 ("Presented in commemoration of the Hundredth Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the United States of America"), no. 168

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