Young Man Playing a Drum

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Young Man Playing a Drum

Artist Suzuki Harunobu (Japanese, ca. 1724-1770)

Dateabout 1768

Dimensionssheet: 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)

Mediumwoodblock print

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineCarrie L. Brown Bequest Fund

Object number

1951.282

Not on View

Label TextBijin, 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—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.Published ReferencesHillier, Jack, Suzuki Harunobu: An Exhibition of his Colour-prints and Illustrated Books on the Occasion of the Bicentenary of his Death in 1770, September 18-November 22, 1970 (Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art), p. 105.

Exhibition HistoryPhiladelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Suzuki Harunobu: An Exhibition of his Colour-prints and Illustrated Books on the Occasion of the Bicentenary of his Death in 1770, September 18-November 22, 1970.

Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, Strong Women Beautiful Men: Japanese Portrait Prints from the Toledo Museum of Art, October 14, 2005 - January 2, 2006, pl. 6 (col.), p. 34.

Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Strong Women Beautiful Men: Japanese Portrait Prints from the Toledo Museum of Art, August 28 - October 31, 2010, pl. 6 (col.), p. 34.