Drums and Shamisen
n.d.
Medium
Color woodblock print; aiban
Dimensions
32.3 × 22.3 cm (12 3/4 × 8 13/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
55595
Art Historical Context
**Drums and Shamisen** is a captivating color woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaroc. 1753–1806), one of the most celebrated masters of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Created in an aiban format—slightly taller than wide at 32.3 × 22.3 cm—this print exemplifies Utamaro's signature bijin-ga style, focusing on elegant women in everyday or performative scenes. Though undated, it reflects the vibrant urban culture of late 18th-century Edo (modern Tokyo), where such prints were affordable art for the masses, capturing fleeting moments of beauty and leisur...
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...