"House Cleaning in Preparation for the New Year" - Japanese Woodblock on Paper by Kitagawa Utamaro 1pr

Details

Description

"House Cleaning in Preparation for the New Year" - Japanese Woodblock on Paper

House cleaning scene by Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, … Read more "House Cleaning in Preparation for the New Year" - Japanese Woodblock on Paper

House cleaning scene by Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, 1753-1806). This print was originally published around 1796-1799, with this example being a later reprint. The full scene is five sheets - there are two more sheets to the right that show more members of the house. However, it is these three sheets that contain the majority of the action - a maid sweeping at a mouse, a lady fainting, and a painting moved aside to allow for cleaning.

Presented in a new black mat.
Mat size: 24"H x 38"W
Paper size: 17.75"H x 33"W
Print Impression: 14.63"H x 29.5"W

Utamaro Kitagawa was born in 1753 in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and passed away in 1806. He is revered as the foremost Japanese printmaker and painter known for his portrayal of bijin (beautiful women). Born as Ichitaro Kitagawa, Utamaro commenced his artistic journey as a disciple of the esteemed painter Toriyama Sekien. Notably, his early recognized works include ukiyo-e prints created for kabuki theater under the pseudonym Utagawa Toyoaki.

Around 1781/82, he adopted the name Utamaro Kitagawa. By approximately 1783, Utamaro initiated a fruitful collaboration with the publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo, leading to the publication of numerous book illustrations. His early works bore influences from artists such as Torii Kiyonaga and Harunobu Suzuki.

From 1791 onward, Utamaro dedicated his artistic focus to creating singular portraits of women. He often sought inspiration from women he encountered on the streets or in Yoshiwara, the renowned pleasure district. Tales of his romantic involvement with these women from the "licensed quarters" are plentiful in historical narratives.

In 1793, Utamaro gained widespread acclaim and renown with the introduction of a new series featuring portraits of women.

In 1804, Utamaro faced grave consequences due to a breach of censorship laws. His publication of a print featuring a historical scene depicting the ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi alongside his wife and five concubines was deemed an offense against the Tokugawa Shogunate, the ruling family at that time.

The artist endured a brief imprisonment, and according to some accounts, he was sentenced to wear handcuffs for 50 days. Other sources suggest that he was forced to wear an iron collar. Regardless of the specifics, this ordeal left a profound impact on him, leading to deep depression. Despite his struggles, Utamaro persisted in creating prints until his passing.

Utamaro Kitagawa passed away on October 31, 1806, just two years after his arrest, at the age of 53. See less