Young Lady Taking a Lesson on the Shamisen 1615 - 1868

This woodblock print by Nishikawa Sukenobu depicts a young woman playing the shamisen, a three-stringed Japanese musical instrument, for a seated student. The print, likely dating from the Edo period (1615-1868), is a classic example of ukiyo-e, a style of Japanese art that captured the everyday lives and popular culture of the time. The artist’s attention to detail and vibrant use of color bring the scene to life, offering a glimpse into the world of music instruction in 18th-century Japan.