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Merrymaking in a Brothel

early 17th century
Not on view
This painting depicts a party scene on the interior of a brothel. Two male patrons, each accompanied by a female escort, lounge casually on the floor. The informal appearance of the bareheaded man, whose robe has slipped off his shoulder and torso, suggests that the revelers are well on their way to intoxication. A wakashu (male youth) attendant—garbed in a style of kimono typically worn by young women—stands by, poised to fill their lacquer sake cups.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 遊楽図
  • Title: Merrymaking in a Brothel
  • Artist: Unidentified Artist
  • Period: Edo period (1615–1868)
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
  • Dimensions: Image: 10 1/8 × 13 7/16 in. (25.7 × 34.2 cm)
    Overall with mounting: 44 1/2 × 20 3/16 in. (113 × 51.3 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Mary and Cheney Cowles Collection, Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2019
  • Object Number: 2019.420.12
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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