Summer Evening

Dateca. 1900

Label TextThis early work by Shôen confirms her then-growing reputation as a specialist in bijinga, the idealized depiction of women. The loosely tied, gold-accented sash and subtle design of plovers and basket weave on the kimono hem suggest the refinement of a geisha. The young woman turns her face away from the viewer, and gazes off into the evening. The ambiguity of whether she is awaiting a guest, enjoying the moonrise, or looking longingly after a departing lover enhances the appeal of the image.

Object number2009.70.11

Published ReferencesMichiyo, Morioka; Berry, Paul. "Modern Masters of Kyoto: The Transformation of Japanese Painting Traditions," Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1999, p. 139, illus. 27.

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

Dimensions84 7/16 x 24 1/2 in. (214.5 x 62.2 cm)

MediumColor on silk