Fishing Excursion
c. 1799
Medium
Color woodblock print; right sheet of aiban triptych
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
60658
Art Historical Context
**Fishing Excursion** by Kitagawaamaro, created around 1799, is the right sheet of a striking *aiban* triptych—a three color woodblock print format popular in late Edo-period Japan. Utamaro (1753–1806), a master of *ukiyo-e* ("pictures of the floating world"), in *bijin-ga*, or images of beautiful women, capturing the elegance and leisure of urban life during Japan's vibrant Tokugawa era (1603–1868). This print, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of department, likely depicts graceful figures on a recreational outing, blending everyday pleasures with artistic refinement. Utamaro's ...
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...