Dimensions: height 226 mm, width 158 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Kitagawa Utamaro produced this woodblock print, "Men Sitting in a Room," sometime before his death in 1806. It depicts a group of men in what appears to be a formal or ceremonial setting. Utamaro was a leading printmaker of the Ukiyo-e style in Japan. The Ukiyo-e tradition gained popularity in the urbanizing Edo period, which saw the rise of a merchant class, new forms of entertainment, and vibrant artistic subcultures. The style often depicted scenes from urban life, the theater, and the pleasure quarters. Here, Utamaro presents a scene of male camaraderie within the strict confines of a highly structured society. The setting suggests a tea house, a space where social and artistic exchanges took place. Yet, understanding the nuances of social status, dress codes, and implied relationships would require a deep dive into the visual and textual archives of the Edo period. These sources help us to understand the intricate cultural codes embedded in these images.
Be the first to comment and join the conversation on the ultimate creative platform.