Courtesan with a KittenNishikawa Sukenobu · 701

  • Creation date701
  • Dimensions33.0cm x 53.0cm
A seated courtesan is dressed in a gray-patterned over-robe (uchikake), a brilliant red kimono decorated with white dots arranged in a faux tie dyed pattern, and a white under-robe. Her two tiered chignon is fastened with a white cloth tie and a tortoiseshell comb. She leans against a kotatsu brazier covered by a low table and a cloth for warmth during the winter season. In one hand she holds a long stemmed tobacco pipe (kiseru), and with the other she caresses a kitten. In front of her is a lacquered tray containing a set of utensils used for smoking, along with the pipe of her unseen male client. A three-stringed shamisen lies beside her, its plectrum tucked beneath the strings.

Nishikawa Sukenobu (1671 – 1750)

Discover Nishikawa Sukenobu, a Kyoto printmaker famed for his evocative depictions of women & samurai. Explore his Hyakunin Joro series & influence on Japanese art.

About this artwork

  • Title: Courtesan with a Kitten
  • Artist: Nishikawa Sukenobu
  • Year: 701
  • Original dimensions: 33.0cm x 53.0cm
  • Format: Landscape
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Main color: Driftwood
  • Color hue: Golden Yellow Range

Questions & Answers

Who made "Courtesan with a Kitten", and when?

"Courtesan with a Kitten" was created by Nishikawa Sukenobu in 701.

Who is the artist behind "Courtesan with a Kitten"?

The artist behind "Courtesan with a Kitten" is Nishikawa Sukenobu. The work is catalogued under Nishikawa Sukenobu's name.

When was "Courtesan with a Kitten" made?

The creation of "Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu is dated 701.

Does "Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu use strong contrasts or soft harmonies?

The color composition of "Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu combines a serene contrast with a strong color unity harmony.

Are the colors of "Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu saturated or muted?

"Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu is recorded with a balanced soft saturation.

What is the dominant color of "Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu?

driftwood (#aa8a67) is the leading color of "Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu.

What explains the copyright situation of "Courtesan with a Kitten" by Nishikawa Sukenobu?

The copyright status of "Courtesan with a Kitten" - in the public domain - its copyright has expired - follows from the artist's death in 1750.

© 2026 mus3ums.com