Lantern Float
Original title: Lantern Float
kurzbeschreibung
Kitagawa Utamaro's woodblock print 'Laternenboot' dates from the early 1800s and was printed in ink and colour on paper. Three figures in traditional Japanese dress appear, one carrying a large fish on his back, with bamboo stretching behind them.
Description
The layout presents three figures in Japanese garments and footwear, caught in animated poses. One has slung a large fish across his back; the other two stand slightly offset. Bamboo and leaves close off the rear of the image, along with inscribed text fields and a sign bearing Chinese characters. Brown and beige tones dominate the palette, with orange and red providing accents. The arrangement feels balanced: figures in front, foliage behind.
Context
Utamaro ranks among the foremost masters of the Japanese colour woodblock print (ukiyo-e) of the Edo period. At the time this sheet was made, prints showing scenes of everyday life and festival activity were in demand. The fish and boat motif suggests a seasonal festival or local custom, though the connection cannot be identified with certainty. At roughly 24 by 18 centimetres, the format corresponds to the standard chuban.
Impact
The restrained browns and the even arrangement give the print a calm, balanced mood. Against the still bamboo backdrop, the figures' animated postures and the large fish set up a lively contrast.
Technique
This is a woodblock print: the design was cut into a woodblock and transferred to paper with ink and colours. Separate blocks served for the different colours. Even lighting and clearly separated contours are characteristic of the process.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)