Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered one of the leading masters of the genre, particularly in the area of bijin-ga, or "pictures of beautiful women." He is renowned for his skillful and elegant depictions of women, which captured the essence of the ukiyo, or "floating world," in 18th-century Edo (now Tokyo), Japan.Here are some key points about Kitagawa Utamaro and his contributions to ukiyo-e art:1. **Early Life and Training**: Utamaro was born in Edo, which was the thriving center of ukiyo-e art and culture during the Edo period. He trained as an apprentice to the ukiyo-e artist Toriyama Sekien before becoming an independent artist.2. **Bijin-ga**: Utamaro specialized in bijin-ga, which depicted beautiful women in various aspects of daily life. His prints were characterized by their refined lines, attention to detail, and the ability to capture the personalities and expressions of his subjects.3. **Innovative Techniques**: Utamaro is known for his innovative printing techniques, including the use of multiple woodblocks to achieve subtle color gradations and intricate patterns in the kimono and other fabrics worn by the women in his prints.4. **Series and Publications**: He created numerous series of prints, each with a specific theme or focus. One of his most famous series is "Ten Studies in Female Physiognomy" (c. 1792), which showcased different facial expressions and types of beauty.5. **Collaborations**: Utamaro collaborated with other prominent ukiyo-e artists and writers of his time, including Eishi and Kyōden. His work often appeared in books, illustrating novels and poems.6. **Shunga**: Utamaro also produced shunga, or erotic art. His shunga prints, while explicit, displayed a sense of sensuality and aesthetics. They were a popular genre of ukiyo-e art during the Edo period.7. **Imprisonment**: In 1804, Utamaro was briefly imprisoned by the Tokugawa authorities for his portrayal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, Lady Yodo, in a kabuki play. This incident disrupted his career, and he produced fewer works afterward.8. **Legacy**: Kitagawa Utamaro's bijin-ga prints continue to be celebrated for their beauty and sensitivity. He had a significant influence on later ukiyo-e artists, particularly those who specialized in depictions of beautiful women.9. **Mystery Surrounding Death**: There is uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of Utamaro's death. Some accounts suggest that he died in poverty, while others claim that he was pardoned and continued to produce art. The exact details remain a subject of debate among scholars.Kitagawa Utamaro's work remains highly regarded for its elegance and its portrayal of the women of the ukiyo, offering a window into the culture and aesthetics of Edo-period Japan. His prints continue to be admired and collected by art enthusiasts worldwide.
Measures 16 x 20.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.