Women Watching Chickens
Date1716-35
Label TextThe 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.
Object number55.160
Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Legends, Tales, Poetry: Visual Narrative in Japanese Art, December 22, 2012 - July 21, 2013Published 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. 168Credit LineGift of Mrs. Alfred F. Woolsey and Miss Maud Oakes in memory of their parents Mr. and Mrs. Walter Oakes
DimensionsImage: 21 15/16 x 28 5/8 in. (54.1 x 72.7 cm)
Overall: 61 1/2 x 37 in. (including hanging wire)
MediumColor and ink on silk
Chinese
mid-late 19th century
Object number: 33.981
Object number: 38.159
Object number: 47.76
Object number: SC77.75.2