Kitagawa Utamaro – A Courtesan Changing Kimono

Description

A Courtesan Changing Kimono
by Kitagawa Utamaro (1753-1806) Owned by Mr. Ryozaburo Hara

The name of Utamaro is wold famous as creator of woodcuts of female beauties; however, this artist also left behind some very fine Ukiyoe paintings that show his extraordinary skill.  This picture clearly tells a story, It is summer, and a courtesan has come back from a banquet with guests. She has hastily undone her heavy, hot obi which now lies in artless folds around her feet, and she fans herself to cool off. Her hair-do is large, but because of the heat she wears few ornaments in it; for the same reason, her black kimono is of a thin material.

As a true woman of the pleasure quarter, she wears an elegant undergarment. The obi at her feet not only suggests how hot and uncomfortable it must have been at the banquet but, as part of the composition, acts as support for her slender, upright figure. In the theme, the composition, and the colors of this masterpiece we recognize the skill and experience of an artist who has done scores of pictures of beautiful women.

Printed in Japan