Summer Evening

ca. 1900

Japanese, 1875 - 1949

This 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.

Color on silk

84 7/16 x 24 1/2 in. (214.5 x 62.2cm)

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

2009.70.11

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. 139, illus. 27.

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