Kitagawa Utamaro
1753–1806 · Japanese · 30 artworks
Ukiyo-eBijinga (pictures of beautiful women)Mica groundClose-up portraitsExpressive lineworkSubtle color palettes
artist bio
Kitagawa Utamaro was a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist, known for his bijinga (pictures of beautiful women). He captured the elegance and grace of courtesans and geishas, revolutionizing portraiture in woodblock prints with his close-up, expressive depictions.
what you'll learn
Studying Utamaro's work allows students to understand the Ukiyo-e style, particularly its focus on capturing beauty and emotion through line, color, and composition. Students can also learn about the social context of the Edo period and the role of art in reflecting and shaping cultural values.
related: Katsushika Hokusai
30 artworks
Travels Looking at Mt. Fuji
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Enjoying the Cool Evening Breeze on and under the Bridge
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Streetwalker
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Drunken Courtesan
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The Hour of the Dragon
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Kisegawa of Matsubaya, from the series 'Seven Komachis of Yoshiwara', c.1795 (woodblock print)
1795
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Woman playing a poppin
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Three Beauties of the Present Day
1793
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The Hour of the Dog
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Middle Class Mother and Daughter
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Geisha
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The widow
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The yoshiwara sparrow
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A Geisha in her Lover`s Room
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One Hundred Stories of Demons and Spirits
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Reading a letter
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A scene on the bridge and beld
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Illustration from `The Twelve Hours of the Green Houses', c.1795 (colour woodblock print)
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The Hour of the Boar
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Hideyoshi and his wives
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Three Seated Ladies with Lanterns
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Yamanba and kintaro sakazuki
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Awabi divers
1788
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Okita the tea house girl
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Flowers
1806
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A monkey trainer performing at a noblemans house,
1788
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Fresh breeze under the bridge Ryogoku
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Pensive love
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Moonlight Revelry at Dozo Sagami
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Rice Locust Red Dragonfly Pinks Chinese Bell Flowers
1788
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