Standing prostitute wearing a kimono decorated with flying geese c. 1710s

Curator: Here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, we have a real gem: a hanging scroll from around 1710 by Kaigetsudō Dohan. It’s described as, “Standing prostitute wearing a kimono decorated with flying geese.” Quite a mouthful, I know! Editor: My immediate impression is that there’s a quiet intensity about this portrait. The figure almost seems lost in thought, despite the vibrancy of the kimono and the boldness of the lines. It’s a powerful contradiction. Curator: It's definitely meant to grab your attention despite her contemplative mood. That kimono is a statement. Those aren’t just any geese, but are likely visual poetry! Geese in Japanese art symbolize autumn, fidelity, and safe journeys. Here, adorning a kimono worn by a woman in the pleasure district, it’s all kinds of intriguing. Editor: So, they become less about literal geese, and more about aspiration, maybe even longing? Perhaps she’s thinking of a journey she might take, a safe harbor somewhere outside the Floating World. The subdued colors on top are very subtle. I imagine the scroll work above might be another symbolic motif to dive into, in time. Curator: Precisely! The artist, Kaigetsudō Dohan, specialized in these single-figure portraits of courtesans, a very popular theme in the Ukiyo-e tradition. Ukiyo-e, the art of the Floating World, romanticized transient pleasures. And this piece, made with ink and color on paper, gives us insight into the fashion, the beauty ideals, and even the cultural aspirations of that era. It’s a slice of life, elevated to art. Editor: Looking closely, her pose almost suggests a dance. She’s slightly turned, with a gentle curve to her body, creating this implied movement. And you know, it humanizes her, far beyond just a symbol, doesn't it? She's not just "a prostitute;" she’s a person, with complexities and hidden depths. The artist captures the intimacy and humanity that we should honor. Curator: Absolutely. And seeing this on a hanging scroll allows for a really intimate viewing experience, originally intended to be displayed and appreciated in private settings. To view it slowly, contemplate every angle. That feeling really carries across the centuries, as she gazes over her shoulder towards something. Perhaps toward you? Editor: That’s a lovely point! It makes you wonder what she might be contemplating, what safe journey, or memory of home, or what she's longing for beyond the surface, you know? Art inviting us to do a little reflecting of our own. Curator: Indeed. "Standing Prostitute Wearing a Kimono Decorated with Flying Geese” might be quite the name, but she gives us far more than that! Editor: What a delightful reminder that an image from another time can offer new insights and fresh questions. I see that image with a refreshed sense of mystery and meaning now.