Haarlem painter Coba Ritsema specialised in still lifes and portraits. In her work, she faithfully represented the reality she saw around her. Yet some parts of this painting appear almost abstract, as a result of the broad brushstrokes and different vantage points. The armrest on the right side of the canvas guides the eye to the Japanese parasol. Many artists were fascinated by Japan around 1900 – a trend known as ‘Japonisme’. Ritsema was no exception. She had a collection of art objects from Japan and other parts of Asia in her studio.

Ritsema exhibited this painting in Paris in 1937 at an exhibition featuring only female artists, in which Charley Toorop and Else Berg also participated.