Chrysanthemum Boy
c. 1801/02
Medium
Color woodblock print; aiban
Dimensions
35 × 23.3 cm (13 13/16 × 9 3/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
110742
Art Historical Context
**Chrysanthemum Boy created by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro 1801–02, is a captivating color woodblock print in the aiban format, measuring 35 × 23.3 cm. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Asia department, this work exemplifies the ukiyo-e tradition—"pictures of the floating worldthat flourished during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Utamaro, a master this genre, is celebrated for his elegant depictions of beauty, often focusing on women, but here he turns his gaze to a youthful male subject adorned with chrysanthemums, symbols of autumn, longevity, and nobility in J...
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...