# Kitagawa Utamaro

> 175?-1806 Japanese artist

**Wikidata**: [Q272045](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272045)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utamaro)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kitagawa-utamaro

## Summary
Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753–1806) was a Japanese artist renowned for his mastery of *ukiyo-e* woodblock prints, particularly in the *bijin-ga* (beautiful women) genre. His works, such as *Three Beauties of the Present Day* (1790), are celebrated for their delicate portrayals of female beauty and influence on Japanese art. Utamaro also contributed to *shunga* (erotic art), solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in Edo-period graphic arts.

## Biography
- **Born**: Between 1753 and 1754 (exact date uncertain), Japan
- **Died**: October 31, 1806
- **Nationality**: Japanese
- **Known for**: *Ukiyo-e* woodblock prints, *bijin-ga* (portraits of beautiful women), *shunga* (erotic art)
- **Field(s)**: Painting, graphic art, printmaking
- **Notable Works**: *Three Beauties of the Present Day* (1790), erotic art (*shunga*)
- **Influences**: Torii Kiyonaga (contemporary *ukiyo-e* artist)

## Contributions
Kitagawa Utamaro created iconic works in the *bijin-ga* genre, including *Three Beauties of the Present Day* (1790), which epitomized the elegance of Edo-period women. His *shunga* prints, though less publicly discussed, were influential in Japanese erotic art. Utamaro’s technical skill in woodblock printing advanced the medium, blending intricate linework with expressive compositions. His art captured the cultural aesthetics of late 18th-century Japan, shaping later generations of artists.

## FAQs
**What is Kitagawa Utamaro best known for?**
Utamaro is most famous for his *bijin-ga* (beautiful women) woodblock prints, which idealized female beauty in Edo-period Japan. His work *Three Beauties of the Present Day* (1790) remains one of his most celebrated pieces.

**What art genres did Utamaro work in?**
He specialized in *bijin-ga* (portraits of women) and *shunga* (erotic art), both prominent genres in *ukiyo-e* (Japanese woodblock prints).

**Who influenced Utamaro’s art?**
Torii Kiyonaga, another *ukiyo-e* artist, was a contemporary influence, though Utamaro’s style was distinct in its focus on delicate, intimate portrayals.

**When did Utamaro live?**
He was active from the 1770s until his death in 1806, during Japan’s Edo period.

## Why They Matter
Utamaro’s work elevated *bijin-ga* to a refined art form, influencing Japanese aesthetics and later Western artists like the Impressionists. His prints documented the fashion, beauty standards, and social dynamics of Edo Japan, serving as both art and historical record. Without his contributions, *ukiyo-e* might not have achieved its global recognition, and the portrayal of women in Japanese art could have developed differently.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the *bijin-ga* genre in *ukiyo-e*.
- Creating *Three Beauties of the Present Day* (1790), a landmark woodblock print.
- Mastery of *shunga*, contributing to Japan’s erotic art tradition.
- Influencing Western art movements, including Impressionism.
- Defining Edo-period beauty standards through his prints.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Kitagawa Utamaro was born between 1753 and 1754 in Japan, though his exact birthplace remains uncertain. Little is documented about his early life, but he emerged as a prominent artist during the Edo period (1603–1868), a time of cultural flourishing in Japan.

### Artistic Career
Utamaro specialized in *ukiyo-e*, a genre of woodblock prints depicting scenes of daily life, entertainment, and beauty. His focus on *bijin-ga* (beautiful women) set him apart, with works like *Three Beauties of the Present Day* (1790) showcasing his ability to capture grace and elegance. He also produced *shunga* (erotic art), a genre that, while less publicly acknowledged, was a significant part of his oeuvre.

### Key Works
- **Three Beauties of the Present Day (1790)**: A triptych woodblock print depicting three celebrated beauties of the time, exemplifying Utamaro’s skill in composition and detail.
- **Shunga Prints**: His erotic works were both artistically refined and culturally significant, reflecting the mores of Edo society.

### Influence and Legacy
Utamaro’s art had a lasting impact on Japanese printmaking and influenced Western artists, particularly the Impressionists, who admired the flat planes of color and dynamic compositions in *ukiyo-e*. His portrayal of women shaped perceptions of beauty in Japanese art, and his technical innovations in woodblock printing advanced the medium.

### Later Life and Death
Utamaro died on October 31, 1806. His legacy endures through his prints, which remain studied and admired for their artistic and historical value. His work continues to be exhibited in museums worldwide, cementing his status as a master of *ukiyo-e*.

## References

1. Q135933563
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. NMVW-collection website
5. The Fine Art Archive
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Japan Search
8. CiNii Research
9. MusicBrainz
10. Kitagawa Utamaro. Union List of Artist Names
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. RKDartists
13. SNAC
14. Athenaeum
15. Isidore
16. Nationalencyklopedin
17. Artnet
18. collections.artsmia.org
19. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
20. Saint Louis Art Museum
21. ARTIC
22. Artsy
23. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
24. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
25. Utamaro Kitagawa. Trove
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. [Source](https://www.theartstory.org/artist/utamaro-kitagawa/#:~:text=Analysis%20of%20his%20early%20works,%22)%20poet%2C%20Toriyama%20Sekien.)
28. Virtual International Authority File
29. Swedish Open Cultural Heritage
30. CONOR.SI
31. [Kotobank](https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%96%9C%E5%A4%9A%E5%B7%9D%E6%AD%8C%E9%BA%BF-16143)
32. CERL Thesaurus
33. [Source](http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/object/EAX.4119)
34. Metropolitan Museum of Art
35. [Source](https://library.si.edu/art-and-artist-files)
36. [Source](https://library.nga.gov/permalink/01NGA_INST/1cl1g8d/alma994252713904896)