Antique Print-WOODBLOCK-JAPANESE WOMEN-COURTISANES-Utamaro-1790

Kitagawa Utamaro

Published by Iwataoya, 1790

About this Item

'"JAPANESE TEXT, SIGNATURE OF KITAGAWA UTAMARO"'This hand coloured woodblock print shows the bust portraits of two courtesans. In the Japanese woodblock print tradition of ukiyo-e (floating world), women are most commonly represented in the Bijin-ga (beautiful women) genre. These were often courtesans; beautifully depicted with elaborate hair styles, heavy make-up, and decorative clothing. They were considered the 'ideal woman'; as well as beautiful they were passive, attentive, educated and well-trained in the entertainment of male companions. The famous artist, Kitagawa Utamaro (1753 1806), is well known for his works in the genre. In his later years Utamaro became captivated by the courtesans and bijin of the Yoshiwara district. He made their faces the focus of the print, often picturing them from the side in a bust portrait known as an okubi-e. He concentrated on expressing the emotion, beauty and character of the ladies portrayed. Made by Utamaro. Medium: Woodblock print / hand coloured on hand laid (verge) paper.Sheet size: 26 x 38.7 cm (10.24 x 15.24 inch). Image size: 26 x 38.7 cm. (10.24 x 15.24 inch).WOODBLOCK-JAPANESE WOMEN-COURTISANES-JAPAN-BUST-PORTRAIT | RBOS-A9-27BACKGROUND INFORMATIONThis attractive print was published by Iwatoya ca 1790.Biography engraver: Kitagawa Utamaro, Japanese 1753-1806. Condition: good, given age. Brownish paper. Wormholes below. Horizontal fold. Creases. Tears in margin restored and fragile brown spot. Waterstain in upper right and lower corner. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully. Seller Inventory # RB-1471

Bibliographic Details

Title: Antique Print-WOODBLOCK-JAPANESE ...

Publisher: Iwataoya

Publication Date: 1790

Binding: No Binding

Condition: Fair

Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

Signed: Signed by Illustrator(s)