Samurai and Courtesan Seated; A Servant Beside Them 1675 - 1695

"Samurai and Courtesan Seated; A Servant Beside Them" is a woodblock print by Sugimura Jihei, a prominent artist from the Edo period in Japan. Created between 1675 and 1695, the work showcases the intricate details and stylized figures characteristic of ukiyo-e art. The print depicts a samurai and a courtesan seated together, with a servant standing behind them. The composition is dynamic, with the figures arranged in a triangular formation. The use of black ink and the bold lines emphasize the forms of the figures and their clothing, which are adorned with intricate patterns and designs. This artwork, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the social and cultural dynamics of Edo-era Japan.