Happy Ending c. 1715

Okumura Masanobu created this ink drawing, titled "Happy Ending," sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The kneeling woman in a kimono, along with the calligraphy, contains rich symbolism. The woman’s posture, slightly bent, with her gaze downcast, echoes poses found in depictions of courtesans throughout art history. Consider the many images of Venus, often shown in a similar posture of modest concealment. This gesture carries a complex emotional weight. It speaks of vulnerability, yet also of allure, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Written on the work are Japanese poems, which traditionally reflect profound emotional and psychological states of the artist or subject, adding layers of meaning. In traditional Japanese prints, text and image work together to reflect upon and amplify each other's significance. These motifs have evolved through time, resurfacing and adopting new meanings across different historical contexts.