Komurasaki of the Miuraya and Shirai Gompachi (Miuraya Komurasaki, Shirai Gompachi)

Kitagawa Utamaro

Created:
Movement:
c. 1800
None
key Notes:
Bijin-ga (beautiful women) Ukiyo-e woodblock print
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Dimensions:
Unknown
medium:
Color woodblock print; hashira-e
Difficulty:
Expert
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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.

Komurasaki of the Miuraya and Shirai Gompachi by Kitagawa Utamaro

The painting titled Komurasaki of the Miuraya and Shirai Gompachi by Kitagawa Utamaro, created circa 1800, is a color woodblock print executed in the hashira-e format. This work exemplifies Utamaro's mastery in the ukiyo-e genre, particularly his ability to capture the subtleties of human expression and emotion. Utamaro is renowned for his bijin-ga, or "pictures of beautiful women," and this piece reflects his skill in portraying the elegance and grace of his subjects. The depiction of Komurasaki and Shirai Gompachi draws from popular kabuki theater narratives, highlighting the cultural interplay between visual art and performance in Edo-period Japan. Utamaro's influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting both Japanese art and the Western Impressionists who admired his innovative compositions and use of color. His work remains a significant study in the evolution of Japanese printmaking and its global influence.

Description of the work:

Komurasaki of the Miuraya and Shirai Gompachi by Kitagawa Utamaro

This color woodblock print, created circa 1800 by Kitagawa Utamaro, exemplifies the hashira-e format, a tall and narrow style often used for pillar prints. The artwork depicts the famous courtesan Komurasaki and the outlaw Shirai Gompachi, capturing the elegance and drama typical of Utamaro's portrayals of Edo-period figures.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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Komurasaki of the Miuraya and Shirai Gompachi (Miuraya Komurasaki, Shirai Gompachi)