Item Info
Source: Print and Picture Collection
Notes:
"Utamaro's style evolved steadily through the 1780's and early 1790's when he established his own unique style replacing Kiyonaga as the foremost designer of prints of beautiful women.He became a central figure of the literary and artistic world of Edo and is highly praised for his remarkably sensual and elegant way of portraying single women in okubi-e ('large-head pictures') but became also very successful in capturing erotic scenes.
During his heyday Utamaro captured the most fragile nuances of emotional states in his designs but then ceased to keep up with the changing taste so by the early 1800's his designs are merely repetitions."
from "Japanese Woodblock Prints: Artists, Publishers and Masterworks 1680-1900", Andreas Marks. Tuttle Publishing. p.76
https://catalog.freelibrary.org/Record/2030739
Notes:
Two lovers shield themselves from the rain with an umbrella. Both figures hold the umbrella. The woman has several large hairpins suggesting she might be an Oiran.
Bibliography:
https://catalog.freelibrary.org/Record/1930667
https://catalog.freelibrary.org/Record/2030739
Creation Year: ca. 1797
Image Dimensions Width: 38.9 cm
Creator Name: Utamaro, 1753-1806 - Artist