Osen Waiting on a Young Samurai

Osen Waiting on a Young Samurai

Suzuki Harunobu

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The family crest of paulownia on her kimono and the partially visible torii gate identify the subject of this print as Osen, graceful waitress of the Kagiya teahouse at the entrance to the Kasamori Inari Shrine. A young samurai, two swords at his waist, sits on a bench in a relaxed pose and turns his face to look up at Osen, who approaches to serve him tea. The beautiful Osen and the handsome gallant are the very picture of stylish Edoites from the mid-eighteenth century.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Osen Waiting on a Young SamuraiOsen Waiting on a Young SamuraiOsen Waiting on a Young SamuraiOsen Waiting on a Young SamuraiOsen Waiting on a Young Samurai

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.