A Winter Party
In this hanging scroll, two wealthy patrons are entertained by women with shamisen. The courtesan on the left tunes her instrument while the other is offered a drink by a patron. The doors to the veranda are open to a wintry garden scene. Several of the red and black lacquer utensils are decorated with gold and silver powder.
A Winter Party. By Utagawa Toyoharu (1735�1814). Japan, Edo period, late 18th�early 19th century. Hanging scroll mounted on panel; ink, color, and gold on silk. Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1900.113.