Courtesan with letter watching geese. Shihôsai ? Japan c. 1770 - 1780. Ink and colours on silk, traces of gold. A courtesan, recognizable by her dress, holds a letter in her hand as she watches geese in flight. Perhaps she is thinking of the man she loves who is far away. Letters played a vital part in Japanese courtship. Beautiful calligraphy could help one win the hand of a lover. Westendorp bequest.