Three Courtesans
Original title: Three Courtesans
kurzbeschreibung
Kitagawa Utamaro's color woodblock print "Drei Kurtisanen" was made between 1615 and 1806. It shows three women in traditional Japanese dress in an interior with lanterns and a curtain.
Description
On the left, one of the women sits on a low stool and handles a brush; the other two stand beside her and watch. The garments are elaborately patterned in red, green, blue, and gold tones. Lanterns hang from the ceiling, and a curtain frames the room. Strong colors meet even light. The three figures are arranged symmetrically in the middle of the picture, with sharp contours and clear lines.
Context
Utamaro (1753–1806) ranks among the outstanding artists of Japanese ukiyo-e and devoted himself mainly to depictions of women. The print dates from the Edo period, when woodblock prints circulated widely in Japan. Courtesans were a common motif in ukiyo-e art, reflecting the glittering pleasure district of Edo.
Impact
The bright colors and symmetrical layout convey calm and harmony. Detailed garments and the women's composed demeanor create a mood of elegance and attentive reserve.
Technique
This print used woodblock printing with ink and color on paper. The process allows the sharp contours and clear lines typical of ukiyo-e. Several layers of color were printed over one another to achieve the radiant tones.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)