Shells Under Water
1790
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
9 1/8 x 14 15/32 in. (23.2 x 36.8 cm)
Classification
Prints
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Estate of Samuel Isham, 1915
Accession Number
JP1060
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Shells Under Water** is a captivating woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro created in 1790 the Edo period (161–1868). Measuring 9 1/8 x 14 15/32 inches, this ink and color on paper work belongs to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, gifted from the Estate of Samuel Ish in 1915. Utamaro, a master ukiyo-e—the "pictures of the floating world"—often depicted the ephemeral beauty of nature alongside his famous portraits of courtesans, making this piece a delightful example of his versatility. In this print, delicate shells float gracefully underwate...
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...