Anonymous (mid-18th century)
無款

“Beauty with Cat” 美人貓圖

Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
107.4 x 45.6 cm. (42 1/4 x 17 7/8 in.)

While a lovely lady disrobes in preparation for her bath, a beribboned cat paws an unopened letter obviously from a lover whose physical presence could not be substituted for by a written missive. The dilemma of the lady whether or not to forgive him for his absence is suggested by the momentary pause in her activities and by the downward turn of her head, which suggests thoughtful consideration of the full ramifications of the situation.

Although the painting is neither signed nor sealed, the plump cheeks, nose, small lips, and delicate rendition of hands and feet are clearly related to works by Miyagawa Choshun (1682-1752), founder of the Miyagawa school (fig. 1). Especially close parallels may be found in the works of Miyagawa Choki (act. 1716-1744), a disciple of Choshun (fig. 2).