Utabikuni (Buddhist priestess promoting virtue through song)
Data
| Period | Edo period, 17th century |
|---|---|
| Materials and techniques | Hanging scroll, colour on paper |
| Size | 62.1×27.1 |
Explanation
Uta-bikuni were nuns who went around chanting prayers and admonishing Buddhism. During the early Edo period there were many wandering harlots disguised as such nuns, with make-up and beautiful voices, stopping at one door after another. Note the enticing expressions of this woman in her yellow clothing and red under-garment.