Utamaro: Beauty with image of Shôki, The Fifth Month (Sold)

Artist: Kitagawa Utamaro
Title: Beauty with image of Shoki and young boy
Series: Genre Scenes in the Twelve Months (With Kyoka Poems)
Date: 1792-1793

Paintings of Shôki were traditionally displayed on Boy’s Day. A large banner for the boy’s festival with an image of Shôki, a symbol of protection from evil and illness has been hung. In front a mother points at  Shôki, whereas the baby boy is scared by the huge Shôki image. Watching from behind, a young woman giggles at them. In front of them is a tray which contains festive meals. The text talks about the proud mother who had a boy as the first child. This image of Shôki may have been “painted” by Utamaro’s teacher. Three other designs are in the Art Institute of Chicago. From a series of twelve prints showing customs and pastimes of ordinary life in the city of Edo, drawn in a light and easy style. Each design has a kyôka poem above. This poem was written by Koma no Asahaya.

Dimensions: chuban
Publisher: Wakasaya Yoichi

Literature: See Asano & Clark’s “The Passionate Art of Kitagawa Utamaro” plates 90-92 for other prints from this series.
Seal: Uta within circle
Signature: Utamaro ga

SKU: UTA035