Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Kushi," created by Kitagawa Utamaro, is an exquisite ukiyo-e woodblock print that portrays the beauty and elegance of Edo-period Japan. The title "Kushi," which translates to "Comb," suggests a central focus on a women's grooming tool, an item embedded with cultural and aesthetic significance during the Edo period.

The composition centers on a graceful woman, presumably a courtesan or geisha, engaging with an ornate comb. Utamaro masterfully captures her graceful, slender fingers delicately handling the comb, emphasizing elegance and finesse. The woman’s half-turned profile captures a moment of introspection or subtle engagement with her reflection, offering the viewer a glimpse into her intimate, private world.

Her hair, meticulously styled into an elaborate coiffure with various hairpins and decorations, emphasizes the attention to detail for which Utamaro is known. The flowing lines of her kimono, adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, enhance the print’s visual allure, creating a harmonious balance between the subject and her attire.

Utamaro’s technique with "Kushi" showcases his extraordinary skill in woodblock printing. Employing delicate, flowing lines and a refined color palette, he achieves a serene yet vibrant portrayal of female beauty—an attribute that rendered his works highly revered. His sensuous and graceful depiction of women, often capturing subtle moments of their daily lives, signifies a shift from the earlier, more stylized forms of ukiyo-e to a more naturalistic and intimate depiction.

The use of color in "Kushi" is both sophisticated and subtle. Soft, muted tones are juxtaposed with bold patterns and textures, creating a dynamic yet balanced composition. Utamaro’s adept handling of color gradients, particularly in the textures of the kimono and the softness of the skin, adds depth and dimensionality to the print. The woman's gentle expression and the intricate details of her attire underline Utamaro's dedication to capturing the ephemeral beauty of his subjects.

"Kushi" delves into themes of beauty, femininity, and the transient nature of life. The comb, a tool of personal grooming, symbolizes not only the caring for physical appearance but also the cultural rituals surrounding beauty and identity. Utamaro’s subject exudes an air of quiet dignity and contemplative grace, embodying the Edo period’s ideal of feminine allure and sophistication.

Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) was a renowned ukiyo-e artist celebrated for his bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). His works are characterized by their elegance, attention to detail, and the ability to capture the subtleties of human expression. Utamaro's focus on intimate portrayals of women marked a significant development in ukiyo-e, moving away from the overtly idealized forms of his predecessors.

"Kushi" is an exemplary piece within Utamaro’s oeuvre, showcasing his mature style and thorough understanding of his subjects' inner lives and external beauty. During his career, Utamaro produced numerous series and individual prints that continue to influence and inspire.

The original print "Kushi" can be found in various esteemed collections of Japanese art, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, which houses an extensive collection of ukiyo-e prints. Preserved through centuries, Utamaro's works, including "Kushi," offer invaluable insights into Edo-period culture and aesthetics.

The influence of Utamaro's works extends far beyond his lifetime, impacting not only Japanese art but also Western artists who encountered ukiyo-e in the 19th century, leading to movements such as Japonisme and affecting artists like Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

In essence, "Kushi" is not merely a depiction of beauty but stands as a cultural artifact that encapsulates the delicate artistry and social fabric of its time, reflecting the timeless allure of Kitagawa Utamaro's genius.