The Courtesan Arihara of the Tsuruya, and Child Attendants Aoe and Sekiya (Tsuruya uchi Arihara, Aoe, Sekiya), from an untitled series of courtesans
c. 1797
Medium
Color woodblcok print; aiban
Dimensions
33.3 × 22.2 cm (13 1/8 × 8 3/4 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
19236
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan Kitagawa Utamaro's *The Courtesan Arihara of theuruya, and Childendants Aoe and Sek* (c. 1797). This color woodblock print, from an untitled series celebrating courtesans captures the elegance of Yoshiwara's pleasure district. Utamaro, a of ukiyo-e "pictures of the floating world"—specialized in bijin-ga, or images of beautiful women, rendering his subjects with exquisite poise and allure. At 33.3 × 22.2 cm in the aiban format (a vertical half-sheet size ideal for intimate display), the print showcases Arihara, a high-ranking courtesan, flanked ...
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...