Picture of an American at a Shimoda Inn Fondly Dallying with Prostitutes, from the Black Ship Scroll

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Picture of an American at a Shimoda Inn Fondly Dallying with Prostitutes, from the Black Ship Scroll

Place of OriginJapan

Dateapprox. 1854

PeriodEdo period (1615-1868)

(not entered)Handscroll segment mounted as a hanging scroll

MaterialsInk and colors on paper

DimensionsH. 10 1/2 in x W. 15 in, H. 26.7 cmx W. 38.1 cm (image); H. 30 1/2 in x W. 20 in, H. 77.5 cm x W. 50.8 cm (overall)

Credit LineMuseum purchase with assistance from the Japan Society of Northern California

Object number2012.60.24

DepartmentJapanese Art

ClassificationsPainting

On View

Not on view

InscribedPicture of an American at a Shimoda Inn Fondly Dallying with Prostitutes Americans submitted a petition for permission to patronize the courtesans in Shimoda. The authorities agreed and notified the brothel operators of Shimoda, who were delighted at the prospect and passed this news on to the courtesans. Unexpectedly, however, the courtesans unanimously pledged with their masters, saying, among other things: "We are, to be sure, ill fated, engaged thus in an ignoble profession. Nevertheless, we have never made any contract saying we should go so far as to sleep with foreigners!" The surprised brothel owners were greatly distressed at this and, after meeting in consultation, secretly reported the women's complaint to the Americans. Needless to relate, the Americans were greatly crestfallen--just like, one might say, men returning empty-handed from a mountain loaded with treasure. In the midst of their desperation, however, one of the Americans, hearing this, exclaimed: "All right, all right, we dont have to sleep with the girls. Only let us have the pleasure of drinking with them in the banquet room. "And when this proposition was explained to the brothel keepers, they conveyed it to the courtesans, who unanimously agreed. After that, when the courtesans had come into the banquet room to serve sake, one of the Americans opened up a big parcel and, bringing out a bolt of fine purple woolen cloth, gave it to the courtesan who was serving him. The harlot received this with great joy, and thereafter treated the man with special kindness and much sake until he returned to his quarters that evening. The courtesan thereupon took the matter greatly to her heart and the following idea popped into her mind: "If I get this precious treasure only for serving him drinks. If I gave him my body too, what limitless profits might be mine?" One night shortly afterwards, therefore, of her own volition, she seduced the American. He, needless to say, was delighted, for his strategy had worked just as he had planned. Henceforth, each and every night the man had his pleasure thus, gradually depleting his ship of its supplies. Eventually, however, word of this reached his senior officer who caused a great fuss about it. This story was told by a certain haiku poet of Shimoda. Dialogue: "Hey, dont pull his leg so hard when hes still so high in his cups!" "Oh, come a little closer to me!" "I say, it seems youve had too much and cant stand up!" (Translation adapted from Oliver Statler, The Black Ship Scroll. Rutland, VT: Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1963:75)