Sisters

ca. 1905-1910

Japanese, 1875 - 1949

Traditional bijinga exploited the erotic potential of women; however, Shôen began to represent women in a wide variety of situations, including scenes of everyday family life. Here, two sisters play with a puppy, which is desperate to get at the ball the younger sister holds. Shôen's attention to detail is revealed in the depiction of the patterns on the figures' garments. Her rendering of soft silky hair was much admired by other nihonga painters.

Color on silk

71 3/4 x 22 3/8 in. (182.3 x 56.8cm)

Gift of Griffith and Patricia Way, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2009.70.7

Not currently on view

Resources

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 141, illus. 28.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM