Okita Of The Naniwa-Ya Tea-House

The painting "Okita Of The Naniwa-ya Tea-House" by Kitagawa Utamaro is a beautiful example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints. The artwork features a portrait of Okita, a server at the Naniwa-Ya tea house. She is depicted holding a tea cup delicately balanced on a black lacquered tray.Okita's appearance is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of Utamaro's style. Her kimono is elegant and subtly colored, adorned with floral patterns that add a delicate texture to the composition. The kimono's sleeves and the obi (sash) highlight her graceful posture and the gentle nature of her task.Her hairstyle is styled in a sophisticated updo, typical of the fashion of the time, embellished with hair accessories that further signify her role and status. The expression on her face is serene and composed, possibly reflecting her professional calm in serving tea.In addition to the figure, the artwork includes traditional Japanese calligraphy in a vertical panel on the left side, which likely provides context about Okita or praises her beauty or skill, a common practice in portraits of this type.This piece is an exquisite representation of the Edo period's cultural appreciation for the beauty and artistry of everyday moments and the people within them.