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Hishikawa Moronobu: First Master of Ukiyo-e

Hishikawa Moronobu - Watching a Courtesan and Her Client From Behind a Screen
Hishikawa Moronobu (1630/31?–1694) Watching a Courtesan and Her Client From Behind a Screen ca. 1680 Woodcut 27.2 x 38.3 cm The Art Institute of Chicago, Kate S. Buckingham Endowment, 1973.645.9

This print from an erotic album demonstrates Moronobu’s sureness of line, imaginativeness in composition, and overall lightness of touch. His work, like that of nearly every ukiyo-e artist, includes many uninhibited erotica. It was designed from first-hand knowledge; Moronobu’s wife is believed to have been a courtesan.

Photo: © The Art Institute of Chicago