Artwork preview

Scene in the Yoshiwara

Kitagawa Utamaro

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a traditional Japanese scene, specifically a triptych woodblock print titled "Scene in the Yoshiwara" by Kitagawa Utamaro. The scene shows multiple women in traditional Japanese clothing, including kimonos and head coverings. They are in various states of undress and are engaged in daily activities such as preparing to bathe, combing their hair, and sitting. The setting appears to be an interior space with wooden floors, sliding doors, and tatami mats. There are also some baskets and other household items visible. The color palette is muted, with shades of beige, blue, and pink dominating the scene. The women are the main focus, with detailed depictions of their clothing and hairstyles. The background features a mix of wooden paneling and fabric screens. The overall composition is busy, with multiple figures and objects arranged across the three panels. The print is rendered in a classical ukiyo-e style, characteristic of Japanese art from the Edo period.

Artwork Details

Date
1790
Medium
Triptych of woodblock prints; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
598 × 300 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette