Boy and Monkey Playing 1770 - 1790

Isoda Koryūsai’s "Boy and Monkey Playing" is a playful depiction of a young boy and a monkey engaging in a humorous interaction, likely inspired by traditional Japanese folklore. Created using the woodblock print technique, the artwork showcases Koryūsai’s mastery of color and line, particularly evident in the monkey's expressive face and the soft, flowing lines of the boy's garments. The artist was a prominent figure in the ukiyo-e style, known for its vibrant portrayal of everyday life and popular subjects, making this a charming example of his work. This small-scale print, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, likely served as a decorative item during its time.