Erotic Print (Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, Met-Objekt 4593)
Original title: Erotic Print
kurzbeschreibung
This undated woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro dates from the late eighteenth century and presents two women in traditional Japanese dress in an intimate encounter. The sheet is executed in ink and color on paper.
Description
Two women appear here: one sits on a futon and strokes the breast of the other, who leans back. The reclining figure wears a red top and black trousers, while the seated woman has on a purple top with a floral pattern; both have traditional hairstyles and makeup. Cups, bowls, and a tray of food fill the background, surrounded by passages of text. Red, purple, black, and beige dominate the palette, and the light falls evenly, with no visible shadows.
Context
Kitagawa Utamaro ranks among the well-known ukiyo-e artists and is celebrated for his portrayals of women. Erotic prints known as shunga were widespread during the Edo period and were valued across various levels of society. Such works were often published as books or single sheets; they served not only for entertainment but also as educational material.
Impact
The calm, intimate rendering of the two women and the harmonious coloring of red and purple give the picture a balanced structure. Closeness and familiarity emanate from the scene without becoming intrusive. The even lighting and the richly detailed background elements create a quiet, private atmosphere.
Technique
For this woodblock print, the design is cut into wooden blocks and printed onto paper with ink and color. This technique allows the precise reproduction of fine lines and areas of color that is typical of ukiyo-e art. Because several colors were used, each color required a separate printing block.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)