Choemon Carrying Ohan on His Back
c. 1801
Medium
Color woodblock print; hashira-e
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
18413
Art Historical Context
In the enchanting world of ukiyo-e, Kitagawa Utamaro'sChoemon Carrying Ohan His Back* (c. 1801) captures poignant moment of devotion and drama. This color woodblock print, classified as a *hashira-e*—a tall, narrow format designed to hang on pillars in Japanese homes—showcases Utamaro's during the late Edo period. As a leading figure in the "pictures of the floating world" tradition, Utamaro specialized in *bijin-ga*, exquisite portrayals of beautiful women, blending sensuality with emotional depth. The scene likely draws from popular kabuki theater or folktales, evoking tales of star-crossed...
About the Artist
Kitagawa Utamaro · 1753–1806
Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753-1806) was one of the most celebrated masters of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, revolutionizing the art of bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) during Japan's Edo period. Born Kitagawa Ichitaro, his early life remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts placing his birth in Kyoto, Osaka, Yoshiwara in Edo (modern Tokyo), or Kawagoe in Musashi Province. Under the t...