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

"Chojiya Hinazuru Hinamatsu" by Kitagawa Utamaro is a captivating example of the Edo-period bijin-ga, a genre of woodblock prints or paintings that focuses on beautiful women. Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) is esteemed as one of the most significant artists from the ukiyo-e school, renowned for his intricate and sensitive portrayals of women. This painting embodies Utamaro's unique approach to capturing feminine beauty and elegance.

The composition features a woman presenting elegance and grace, reflective of the high-class courtesans or well-dressed ladies of the time. She stands with poise, adorned in an exquisite kimono featuring intricate patterns and refined colors. Her kimono showcases floral motifs, exemplifying the delicate harmony between nature and human beauty, which is often celebrated in Japanese art.

Utamaro's adept use of line work is evident in the flowing contours of her clothing and the subtle gradations of her hairstyle. The hair is meticulously styled in the traditional shimada fashion, and individual strands are carefully delineated, demonstrating Utamaro's skill in rendering textures and details. Her face, characterized by a serene expression and slightly downcast eyes, is a paragon of classical Japanese beauty ideals.

The background of the painting is likely minimalist, allowing the figure to remain the focal point and emphasizing her presence. This simplicity aligns with the aesthetic principles of ukiyo-e, where the focus on subject over setting heightens the viewer's engagement with the depicted beauty.

Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753 – 1806)
Title: Chojiya Hinazuru Hinamatsu
Medium: Woodblock Print (Ukiyo-e)
Date: Edo Period, likely between 1753 and 1806

Current Location: The original work is part of various collections and museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Tokyo National Museum. Authentic prints or reproductions can also be found in numerous galleries specializing in Japanese art around the world.

Significance in Utamaro's Career:
Kitagawa Utamaro was a prolific artist whose works primarily focused on bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). His career flourished in the late 18th century when he created some of his most famous pieces. "Chojiya Hinazuru Hinamatsu" exemplifies his ability to capture the essence of female beauty with elegance and subtle sensuality. Utamaro's works often portrayed women engaged in everyday activities, emphasizing their grace and quiet dignity, thus enhancing the genre's depth and appeal.

This painting also showcases Utamaro's contribution to the development of the ukiyo-e woodblock print, not merely as an art form but as a commercial medium that brought art to the masses. His innovative compositions and perspectives significantly influenced future generations of Japanese printmakers.

1. Line Work and Detail: Utamaro's use of lines to convey the softness of the skin, the texture of fabrics, and the graceful curves of the figure is masterful.
2. Color Palette: The harmonious blend of colors and the subtle variations in tone are characteristic of Utamaro's work, enhancing the visual appeal and depth.
3. Cultural Context: This piece reflects the fashion, aesthetics, and cultural values of the Edo period, providing insight into historical Japanese society.
4. Innovation in Portraiture: Utamaro's ability to capture personality and individuality set his works apart, offering a more intimate and humanized portrayal of his subjects compared to the more static and formal ukiyo-e prints of earlier periods.

Through "Chojiya Hinazuru Hinamatsu," Kitagawa Utamaro not only immortalizes feminine beauty but also provides a window into the rich cultural tapestry of Edo-period Japan. This painting remains an invaluable piece of art history, emblematic of Utamaro's enduring legacy in the world of Japanese ukiyo-e.