Goldfish, from the series "Elegant Comparison of Little Treasures (Furyu kodakara awase)"

Kitagawa Utamaro

Created:
Movement:
c. 1802
None
key Notes:
Edo period ukiyo-e, aquatic elegance
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Dimensions:
38.1 × 26.2 cm (15 × 10 3/8 in.)
medium:
Color woodblock print; oban
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Goldfish, from the series "Elegant Comparison of Little Treasures (Furyu kodakara awase)"

The painting titled "Goldfish," created circa 1802 by Kitagawa Utamaro, is a color woodblock print in the oban format. Utamaro is renowned for his bijin-ga, or "pictures of beautiful women," and his work significantly influenced the ukiyo-e genre during the Edo period in Japan. This particular series, "Elegant Comparison of Little Treasures," showcases Utamaro's skill in capturing delicate and intricate details, reflecting the cultural fascination with nature and beauty. The use of goldfish in the artwork symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, common themes in Japanese art. Utamaro's innovative compositions and masterful use of color and line have left a lasting impact on both Japanese art and the broader world of printmaking. His works continue to be celebrated for their elegance and technical precision, contributing to the global appreciation of Japanese woodblock prints.

Description of the work:

Goldfish, from the series "Elegant Comparison of Little Treasures (Furyu kodakara awase)"

Created by Kitagawa Utamaro around 1802, this artwork is a color woodblock print in the oban format, showcasing the ukiyo-e style's characteristic attention to detail and vibrant colors. The print features goldfish, a popular subject in Japanese art, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Goldfish, from the series "Elegant Comparison of Little Treasures (Furyu kodakara awase)"