Miyagawa Isshō – Shimabara Courtesans Exorcizing Demons (1700s)

Description

This work of art has been digitally enhanced without erasing signs of ageing for the sake of authenticity. Digital paintings are very popular right now as an affordable and stylish way to decorate and personalize your home and office.

Miyagawa Isshō – Shimabara Courtesans Exorcizing Demons (1700s)

“Two young, brightly dressed courtesans and an older lady—whose puffed-out cheeks resemble those of the auspicious maiden Otafuku—are performing the ritual act of tossing beans to exorcize evil as part of the Setsubun Festival, celebrated on the eve of the beginning of spring. While tossing beans, people shout, “Out with the demons, in with good luck” (Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi). Here the artist has literally shown demons fleeing the courtesans and elderly attendant, who stand behind the lattice windows of a brothel.

The senryū (seventeen-syllable humorous poem) playfully suggests that for a courtesan of the Shimabara pleasure quarters in Kyoto, the best New Year’s dream would be for a treasure boat to arrive in the form of a wealthy client. There was a custom of placing a picture of a treasure boat under one’s pillow on New Year’s Eve to ensure an auspicious dream. The poem reads:

Shimabara no
yume ni teki nashi
takarabune

Nothing rivals the dream
of a Shimabara courtesan—
brought by a treasure boat.
—Kikusai (with handwritten seal)
(Trans. John T. Carpenter)”

After purchase you will have access to a PDF document with a link to these files available for download: 3×8”, 4×10”, 5×12”, 6×16”, 8×20”, 10×24”, 12×30” and 16×40”.

All files are in JPG format and at 300 PPI/DPI resolution. Please note that colours on your screen may be slightly different from the actual print.

This is not a physical item therefore nothing will be shipped to you.

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