A Couple of Lovers Playing with a Monkey 1780

This woodblock print, titled "A Couple of Lovers Playing with a Monkey," was created in 1780 by the renowned Japanese artist Torii Kiyonaga. The artwork features a couple, dressed in traditional garments, playfully interacting with a monkey. The print showcases Kiyonaga's distinctive style, characterized by elegant lines and delicate colors. It was created using the *ukiyo-e* technique, a popular Japanese art form that depicted scenes of everyday life, including courtesans, actors, and landscapes. The print's elongated format, typical of *surimono*, a type of print commissioned by wealthy patrons, emphasizes the dynamic composition and the intimate moment between the couple. The artwork's inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, speaks to its artistic merit and cultural significance.