A Courtesan Reading a Letter 1820 - 1825

Chōbunsai Eishi created this hanging scroll of a courtesan reading a letter using ink and color on silk. The choice of silk as a ground is important. Its smooth, absorbent surface allows for the delicate application of pigments, creating subtle gradations of color. Note the rendering of the woman’s kimono, with its intricate floral patterns. These designs weren’t simply painted, but likely required complex techniques of dyeing, weaving, and embroidery. The production of such textiles was a highly specialized craft, involving the labor of numerous artisans. Beyond the aesthetics, this image suggests a complex web of social and economic relationships. The courtesan, the letter, the silk – all are products of skilled labor and systems of exchange. By focusing on the materiality and making of this scroll, we can better understand the social context in which it was created and consumed, moving beyond conventional distinctions between art and craft.