Young Man Playing a Drum
Artist: Suzuki Harunobu (Japanese, ca. 1724-1770)
Date: about 1768
Dimensions:
sheet: 11 1/16 x 7 13/16 in. (28.1 x 19.8 cm)
image: 10 3/4 x 7 13/16 in. (27.3 x 19.8 cm)
Medium: woodblock print
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Carrie L. Brown Bequest Fund
Object number: 1951.282
Label Text:Bijin, which is often translated as “beautiful women,” is a term applied to both women and men—especially young men—in Japanese art. Suzuki Harunobu rendered this kneeling young man with the same facial features and graceful lines as his female figures (see his prints The Fifth Month, Rain and Spring Smelling Flowers nearby)—but the forelock, shaved spot, and topknot denote the figure’s gender. This distinctive hairstyle was worn before men reached maturity and were required to shave off their front forelock. Such beautiful young men were often employed as musicians in the teahouses and brothels of Edo’s (Tokyo’s) pleasure quarter.
Not on view
In Collection(s)