Courtesan Plying Shojo with Sake, no. 4 from a series of 12 prints

Art Historical Context

In the vibrant world of early 18th-century Edo Japan (modern-day Tokyo), Okumuraanobu's *Courtesan Plying Sh with Sake*, no. 4 from a series of 12 prints (c. 1708), captures the playful spirit of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated fleeting pleasures like theater, fashion, and the Yoshiwara pleasure district. Masanobu, a pioneering printmaker active from around 1700 to 1750, depicts a glamorous courtesan enticing a mythical shojo—a mischievous, sake-loving spirit with flowing red hair and monkey-like features—from Japanese folklore. This whimsical scene blends everyday revelry with supernatural charm, reflecting the era's fascination with urban nightlife and kabuki-inspired fantasy. Printed as a sumizuri-e (monochromatic ink print) in the large oban format (26.6 × 36.9 cm), this woodblock exemplifies early ukiyo-e techniques before color revolutionized the medium. Masanobu's precise carving and subtle shading create depth and texture with just black ink and paper, showcasing his mastery in an affordable, mass-produced art form that democratized beauty for commoners. As one of the first artists to experiment with innovative printing, he laid groundwork for later masters like Hiroshige and Hokusai. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, this print highlights ukiyo-e's cultural role in preserving Edo's hedonistic ethos amid strict samurai rule. Imagine the shojo's tipsy grin mirroring festival-goers— a delightful nod to Japan's enduring love for sake and storytelling!

About the Artist

Okumura Masanobu · 1686–1764

Japanese, 1686–1764