First Month
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “First Month” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked October 12, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
This is the first in a series of twelve erotic pictures representing the twelve months. A courtesan and a customer are watching a young male prostitute write a poem or letter. The handsome customer holds a pipe from the lacquered smoking set nearby. The courtesan familiarly slips her hand into the man’s sleeve. Near the door, a fine lacquered sake set and a food tray indicate that this is
an amorous gathering at a high-class brothel. A poem provides further clues to the time and occasion.
The scent of plum blossoms would bring the year’s first smile even to a pair of guardian kings.
Read on
Plum trees are the first to bloom in springtime. Guardian kings are fierce celestial protectors of the Buddhist faith, and sculpted versions often flank the entrance to Buddhist temples. In mentioning a pair of guardian kings, the poet likely intended a playfully irreverent reference to the complementary pleasures of the courtesan and the male prostitute.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 74.1.320
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
