Shamisen and Rat

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This New Year print comes from the year of the rat, as indicated by the rat climbing the neck of the shamisen , a musical instrument played by the geisha of the entertainment quarters. A bone plectrum, used to play such instruments, lies nearby in the silk wrapping in which it was carried. The print was designed by the haiku poet and print designer Imoto Rosui, who may have depicted the New Year activities of a particular poetry group, including perhaps a visit by a geisha entertainer.

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