Narihira'S Journey To The East
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
The painting "Narihira's Journey to the East" by Kitagawa Utamaro is a captivating example of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints. This particular piece beautifully illustrates a scene that likely draws on the romantic and somewhat legendary travels of the poet Ariwara no Narihira, expressed in the "Tale of Ise," a classic Japanese narrative.The piece is a triptych, consisting of three panels, each featuring elegantly dressed women. These women may be symbolic representations or idealizations of courtly beauty and grace, common themes in Utamaro’s works. The figures are adorned in richly patterned kimonos, their hair elaborately styled, signifying a high status or a particular role, possibly connected to the literary or actual journey they are part of.Each character's posture and the interaction between them suggest a sense of movement and narrative progression, as if they are either preparing for a journey or are in the midst of one. The soft pastel colors, delicate lines, and intricate details make the image visually stunning, and the use of patterns and fabric textures is particularly notable.
Delivery
Returns
During the Edo period in Japan, Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806) was the most famous creator of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings. Kitagawa was famous for painting beautiful Japanese women and illustrations of nature, birds being his favorite subject. His artworks also influenced European Impressionists in the mid-nineteenth century.