Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) is one of the most renowned Japanese artists of the Edo period. He is known for his unrivaled elegance in his prints and portraits of women, called bijin-ga. His works subtly capture feminine beauty, emotion, and the immediacy of everyday life in Japan at the time. Utamaro left an indelible mark on the art world. Notably thanks to his innovative approach to Japanese prints, known as ukiyo-e.
An Artist of Mysterious Origin
Not much is known about the early life of Kitagawa Utamaro. Born in 1753 as Ichitaro Kitagawa, little is known about his childhood and artistic training. It is possible that the painter Toriyama Sekien, a master of the Kanō school, trained him. His first known work, an illustration for a songbook, dates from 1775. Utamaro gradually established himself as a talented artist in the competitive world of ukiyo-e.
The Bijin-ga: Portraits of Female Beauties
Kitagawa Utamaro is particularly famous for his bijin-ga. These are portraits of women that embody the grace and delicacy of Japanese beauty. Unlike his predecessors, who often depicted female figures in a stylized and generic manner, Utamaro sought to capture the individual features and subtle emotions of his subjects. His works are distinguished by a masterful use of fine lines. But also for his soft color palette and meticulous attention to detail, especially in clothing and hairstyles.
Among his most famous series is “The Ten Physiognomies of Beauties” (1792-1793). “Descriptive Poetry on the Appearance of Women” (1793-1794) is also a well-known series. These series show not only the physical beauty, but also the spirit and personality of the women he depicted. Whether they were famous courtesans, geishas, or ordinary women.
An Innovation in the Art of Printmaking
Utamaro revolutionized ukiyo-e by introducing larger print formats, such as the ōkubi-e (large head portraits). This allowed for greater expressiveness in his representations. He also pioneered the use of innovative printing techniques. He exploited the possibilities offered by woodblock printing. In particular, to create unprecedented effects of texture and depth.
His bold approach and technical innovations influenced many contemporary and future artists, both in Japan and in the West. Utamaro’s works were widely distributed in Europe in the 19th century. This played a crucial role in the development of Japonism. A movement that deeply influenced artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Vincent van Gogh.
The Apogee and the Decline
Utamaro’s career was at its peak in the 1790s. This was a period during which he produced some of his most iconic works. However, in 1804, his career came to a sudden halt. The authorities accused Utamaro of violating censorship laws by depicting a controversial historical subject and briefly imprisoned him. He was placed under surveillance. This episode marked the beginning of his decline. Although he continued to produce works, they were less innovative and impactful than those of his glory years.
Utamaro died in 1806, leaving behind an immense artistic legacy. Although his work was somewhat forgotten in Japan after his death, collectors and art historians around the world rediscovered and celebrated it.
Utamaro’s Legacy
Kitagawa Utamaro remains an iconic figure in Japanese art, whose works continue to fascinate and inspire. His portraits of women are not only representations of beauty, but powerful testimonies of human life and emotion. Capturing the essence of his subjects with rare sensitivity, Utamaro transcended the boundaries of ukiyo-e. He became one of the most admired artists of his time.
Today, his works are exhibited in the world’s greatest museums. Including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the British Museum in London, and the Musée Guimet in Paris. Utamaro, through his art, continues to celebrate beauty in all its forms. And his influence endures through the centuries.
