Drawing Lots for Prizes (Ho biki)

Drawing Lots for Prizes (Ho biki) by Kitagawa Utamaro

Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753–1806) was a prominent Japanese artist known for his mastery in ukiyo-e, a genre of woodblock prints and paintings. Created around 1798, "Drawing Lots for Prizes (Ho biki)" is an exemplary work of Utamaro's use of oban triptych format, which involves three separate panels forming a cohesive scene. This artwork showcases Utamaro's skill in depicting the nuances of human expression and the intricacies of social interactions, a hallmark of his artistic style. Utamaro's work had a significant impact on the development of Japanese printmaking, influencing both his contemporaries and later Western artists. His focus on bijin-ga, or "pictures of beautiful women," contributed to the popularization of this subject matter in Edo-period art. Utamaro's legacy endures as a pivotal figure in the history of Japanese art, celebrated for his innovative compositions and delicate portrayal of feminine beauty.

"Drawing Lots for Prizes (Ho biki)" by Kitagawa Utamaro, created circa 1798, is a color woodblock print in the oban triptych format, showcasing the ukiyo-e style's characteristic emphasis on elegant figures and vibrant colors. The artwork depicts a scene of women engaging in a traditional game of drawing lots, reflecting the Edo period's cultural practices and Utamaro's focus on bijin-ga, or images of beautiful women.