Letter from Prostitute Sono c. 19th century

ink-on-paper, hanging-scroll

comic strip sketch

aged paper

sketch book

hardpaper

japan

ink-on-paper

personal sketchbook

hanging-scroll

sketchwork

journal

sketchbook drawing

storyboard and sketchbook work

sketchbook art

calligraphy

"Letter from Prostitute Sono" is a captivating example of Japanese calligraphy from the 19th century, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The artwork features a hand-written letter in elegant cursive script, likely detailing Sono's experiences and perspectives as a prostitute. Sono's letter is framed by a collage of seemingly mundane, fragmented papers, which adds a fascinating layer of visual and contextual complexity to the artwork. This piece offers a unique glimpse into the life of a marginalized individual in Edo-era Japan, highlighting the intersection of personal narratives with the mundane realities of daily life.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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A letter from Sono, a celebrated courtesan, containing a New Year's greeting to the house in Yoshiwara in which she was formerly employed. Dear Omiya-sama, / I write this letter to express my new year greeting to / you. I am very pleased to know all of your family are enjoying / with a healthy and prosperous new year and waiting for the / spring with new green leaves. Thanks to God, we have also been / same as ever. / By the way, this object which is, I am afraid, too / humble, but I am glad if you accept as a token of my seaon's / greeting to you with all the good wishes for your everlasting / happiness and prosperity. / May I ask you to extend my warm wishes to the shinzo-shu / (a group of maids who work at the courtesan's house) for me' / Sincerely yours, / Sono-Jo