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

"Gotenyama no Hanami Hidari" by Kitagawa Utamaro is a vibrant woodblock print, showcasing a scene of leisure and enjoyment amidst nature. Utamaro, an Edo period ukiyo-e artist, is renowned for his portraits of beautiful women, but this work is a splendid deviation into a more narrative and landscape-oriented composition.

The print portrays a lively "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing) party at Gotenyama, a popular site in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period. The scene is teeming with figures, all finely dressed in exquisite kimonos, reflecting the clothing styles of the period. The men and women are depicted engaged in various activities, such as enjoying food and drinks, playing musical instruments, conversing, and appreciating the cherry blossoms.

Utamaro's keen attention to detail is evident in the intricate patterns and colors of the kimonos, which are adorned with floral and geometric designs. The positioning of the figures creates a dynamic composition that guides the viewer's eye through the crowded yet harmonious scene. The artist captures the leisurely atmosphere of the hanami festival, with the backdrop of beautifully rendered cherry blossoms in full bloom. The cherry trees themselves are painted with a delicate touch, each blossom meticulously illustrated, surrounding the figures in a canopy of gentle pinks and whites.

- Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753-1806)
- Title: Gotenyama no Hanami Hidari (The Left Part of Cherry Blossom Viewing at Gotenyama)
- Medium: Woodblock print
- Period: Edo period, late 18th century

The original prints by Kitagawa Utamaro are highly valued and sought after by collectors and museums worldwide. One of the known places where Utamaro's works are preserved, including pieces like "Gotenyama no Hanami Hidari," is the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo, Japan. Additionally, various esteemed institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the British Museum may hold copies of this work or similar prints from this period.

Kitagawa Utamaro was a prolific ukiyo-e artist, primarily celebrated for his bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women). His fine portrayals of courtesans, geishas, and women of everyday life reveal his ability to capture subtle expressions and gestures, contributing significantly to ukiyo-e's golden age. Utamaro's innovative use of perspective and his talent for depicting the nuances of feminine beauty set him apart from his contemporaries.

"Gotenyama no Hanami Hidari" sheds light on Utamaro's versatility beyond his hallmark bijin-ga. This work fits into the broader spectrum of ukiyo-e, which often depicted scenes of Edo-period life, including festivals, landscapes, theatrical scenes, and portraits. Ukiyo-e artists like Utamaro played a crucial role in documenting the cultural and social joie de vivre of Japan's Edo period, supporting a burgeoning middle class's taste for accessible art.

1. Narrative Quality: The print captures a communal activity, engagingly illustrating the collective enjoyment of nature and festivities which was a hallmark of societal life during the Edo period.
2. Attention to Detail: The elaborate kimonos, the detailed depiction of cherry blossoms, and the naturalistic portrayal of the landscape are testaments to Utamaro's meticulousness and artistic flair.
3. Color and Composition: The composition's balance, coupled with the use of vibrant yet harmonious colors, exemplifies the aesthetic principles of ukiyo-e, blending narrative clarity with visual delight.

In conclusion, "Gotenyama no Hanami Hidari" epitomizes Utamaro's mastery in woodblock printing, providing a captivating glimpse into the celebratory and community-oriented spirit of Edo-period Japan.