Purchase a print of Two Geisha

Kitagawa Utamaro was a woodblock print innovator utilizing different perspectives in his works. In addition to his innovative half-length portraits, Utamaro was known for portraying commonplace activities. Two Geisha is a prime example of his depiction of everyday activity. Unlike many of his other prints, Two Geisha is much longer than it is wide, and the straight angle of the space the women take up allows the viewer to take in the entirety of their figures, starting with their heads, as the most pronounced colors are toward the top, and moving the eyes downward to take in the rest of the print.

Questions & Answers

What color leads the composition of "Two Geisha" by Kitagawa Utamaro?

The color that stands out most in "Two Geisha" is khaki (#dbc293). The dominant color is useful when matching an artwork to an interior.

What color harmony does "Two Geisha" by Kitagawa Utamaro display?

The colors of "Two Geisha" by Kitagawa Utamaro show a unified palette harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.

How light is "Two Geisha" overall?

In terms of perceived brightness, "Two Geisha" by Kitagawa Utamaro is brilliant.

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Artist Biography

Kitagawa Utamaro: A Master of Bijin-ga

Born: Tokyo, Japan (1753)
Died: 1806

Kitagawa Utamaro was a Japanese artist renowned for his contributions to *ukiyo-e*, particularly his depictions of beautiful women (*bijin-ga*). He stands as one of the most celebrated designers of woodblock prints and paintings from the Edo period, leaving an enduring legacy on both Japanese art and Western Impressionism.

Early Life and Training

Little is definitively known about Utamaro's early life. It’s believed he was born Kitagawa Ichitarō around 1753, though his birthplace remains uncertain with various locations suggested including Kyoto, Osaka, Yoshiwara (Edo), and Kawagoe.
He came under the tutelage of Toriyama Sekien, a practitioner of *ukiyo-e* who also trained in the upper-class Kanō school of painting. Sekien recognized Utamaro's talent and fostered his artistic development.
Utamaro’s first known published work appeared around 1770, an illustration for a haikai poetry anthology. He later worked under the name Kitagawa Toyoaki, illustrating popular literature and occasionally producing portraits of kabuki actors.

Rise to Prominence: The Bijin-ga Master

In 1782, Utamaro joined forces with publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This partnership led to the creation of groundbreaking works and solidified his reputation.
Utamaro’s signature style emerged in the early 1790s: portraits of women with exaggerated, elongated features. These *bijin-ga* became immensely popular, establishing him as a leading figure in the art world.
He innovated within the genre by focusing on single figures and capturing intimate moments, moving away from traditional group depictions. His attention to detail in portraying fabrics, hairstyles, and expressions was exceptional.
Utamaro produced over 2000 known prints throughout his career, demonstrating remarkable productivity and artistic versatility.

Influences and Artistic Development

Kiyonaga: Utamaro was influenced by Torii Kiyonaga, a pre-eminent portraitist of beauties in the 1780s, adopting and refining the graceful aesthetic established by Kiyonaga.
Shunshō: He drew inspiration from Katsukawa Shunshō, who introduced the *ōkubi-e* ("large-headed picture") style, which Utamaro adapted for his portraits of women.
European Impressionism: Utamaro’s work significantly impacted European Impressionist painters like Monet and Cassatt. His use of partial views, emphasis on light and shade, and focus on everyday subjects resonated with these artists, who sought to emulate his techniques.

Later Life, Controversy, and Legacy

In 1804, Utamaro faced legal trouble for creating prints depicting Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a sensitive subject due to its political implications. He was arrested and manacled for fifty days.
He died two years later in 1806, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.
Utamaro’s work gained widespread recognition in Europe during the mid-nineteenth century, particularly in France, where it fueled the Japonism movement and profoundly influenced Western art.
His *bijin-ga* remain iconic representations of Edo period beauty and continue to be celebrated for their elegance, artistry, and cultural significance.

Kitagawa Utamaro

1753 - 1806 , Japan

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Ukiyo-e
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Impressionists
- Toulouse-Lautrec
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Kiyonaga
- Shunshō
Date Of Birth: 1753
Date Of Death: 1806
Full Name: Kitagawa Utamaro
Nationality: Japanese
Notable Artworks:
- Utamaro Okita
- Fantastic travels of a playboy
Place Of Birth: Tokyo, Japan