Kitagawa Utamaro, female figure < Artesplorando

Noto for his important contribution to the es known as bijing-ga, Kitagawa Utamarois notable for its realistic portraits of Japanese women of different ages and social classes. Her work, deeply rooted in Japanese artistic tradition, explores feminine beauty with a unique and personal sensitivity. In 1792-93, in collaboration with the publisher Tsutaya JuzaburoUtamaro published a series of works that revolutionized female portraiture in ukiyo-e art. These prints focused on the upper part of women’s bodies, meticulously emphasizing facial features and expressions, capturing not only the physical appearance but also the mood and personality of his subjects.

A bold and evocative print

One of the most emblematic pieces from this series is the portrait of a woman just coming out of the bathroom, described by the Japanese title as ‘uwaky’, a term that evokes fickleness and flirtatiousness. The daring pose, loose dress and messy hair enhance her provocative attitude. Utamaro shows not only the aesthetic forms, but also the intimate and personal condition of the subject, which is also emphasized by the inscriptions on the cartouche containing the title of the series and the artist’s signature.

The quality of the print is enhanced by the mica powder spread in the background, creating a sparkling effect that adds a touch of luxury to the work. This detail not only enriches the portrait visually, but also reflects the technical innovation for which Utamaro and his publisher Tsutaya were known. The use of expensive materials such as mica demonstrates the excellence and continuous research into new techniques to increase the artistic and commercial value of the works.

The print is also marked with a circular seal of approval of the shogun and an ivy leaf seal with Mount Fuji, the publisher’s symbol. These stamps not only confirm the work, but also testify to the strict control that was exercised on the graphic arts during that period. With his mastery of drawing and choice of colors, Utamaro conveys the subtle sensuality of the female form, using the folds of the dress to accentuate the elegance and seduction of the portrait. Through his art, the artist invites the viewer to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and aesthetics, making each work a journey through time and tradition.

C.C

This article uses various bibliographic contributions that you can consult here