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

"Mimizuku Uso" (also known as "The Great Horned Owl and the Little Owl") is a celebrated woodblock print by the illustrious Japanese ukiyo-e artist, Utamaro Kitagawa. Utamaro is renowned for his mastery in bijin-ga, or "pictures of beautiful women," and his extraordinary ability to capture the subtle nuances of human expression and form. While his oeuvre is predominantly centered on human subjects, particularly women, "Mimizuku Uso" is an exquisite example of his foray into the natural world, delineating his versatility.

- Composition:
"Mimizuku Uso" depicts a serene and detailed portrayal of two owls perched on a pine tree branch. The larger owl, likely a great horned owl, exudes a stoic and commanding presence with its upright stance, sharp eyes, and precisely rendered plumage. Beside it sits a smaller owl, presumably a little owl, characterized by a rounder body and a more inquisitive expression. The pair's juxtaposition adds to the dynamic yet balanced composition.

- Color and Technique:
The color palette of this print is composed of earthy tones - various shades of browns, greens, and grays. Utamaro employs subtle gradations to bring depth and texture to the owls' feathers and the rugged bark of the pine branch. The background is minimalist, emphasizing the central subjects and lending a tranquil, meditative quality to the work.

- Details:
The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate rendering of the feathers and eyes, as well as the delicate needles of the pine tree. The vertical orientation of the print further accentuates the compositional harmony, guiding the viewer's gaze from the owls to the expansive white space above and below, which suggests an open and serene environment.

- Utamaro Kitagawa:
Utamaro Kitagawa (c. 1753-1806) was one of the most prominent ukiyo-e woodblock print artists of the Edo period. His works, primarily focused on bijin-ga, were celebrated for their grace, beauty, and psychological depth. Utamaro's prints had a profound influence on the development of ukiyo-e and were instrumental in shaping the visual culture of his time.

- Ukiyo-e Movement:
Ukiyo-e, meaning "pictures of the floating world," was a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It depicted scenes from everyday life, including famous kabuki actors, beautiful courtesans, and landscapes. Utamaro's work, particularly his detailed and expressive portraits, played a crucial role in popularizing bijin-ga within this movement.

- Location:
Original prints of "Mimizuku Uso" are rare and highly valued by collectors and museums around the world. One notable print is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, which houses an extensive array of ukiyo-e prints and showcases the rich cultural heritage of this art form.

- Significance in Career:
"Mimizuku Uso" stands out in Utamaro's corpus as an example of his ability to transcend his usual subject matter and successfully engage with the natural world. This work exemplifies his mastery in depicting not just human beauty but also the inherent elegance and intrigue of animals, thereby expanding his repertoire and contributing to his legacy as a versatile artist.

In summary, "Mimizuku Uso" by Utamaro Kitagawa is a testament to the artist’s adeptness at capturing the essence of his subjects, regardless of whether they be human or animal. Through this particular print, one can appreciate the intricate beauty of the natural world as seen through the eyes of one of Japan’s most esteemed ukiyo-e masters.