Artwork

The Courtesans Kasugano and Utahama of Tamaya, from Courtesans of the Pleasure Quarters in Double Mirrors

The Courtesans Kasugano and Utahama of Tamaya, from Courtesans of the Pleasure Quarters in Double Mirrors is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This print shows two women in colorful kimonos sitting side by side. Their faces are calm but their eyes look proud and knowing.

Utamaro often drew figures from the Yoshiwara district, Edo’s pleasure quarter. He used fine lines and soft colors to highlight their features. This series compared beauty in a playful way.

Look up Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, c. 1754–1806) to see more of his work.

Overview

This print is part of a series by Kitagawa Utamaro, a Japanese artist active in the late 18th century. It is a representation of two courtesans in a double mirror.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts two women, identified as Kasugano and Utahama from the Tamaya establishment, sitting together in ornate kimonos. Their calm demeanor and proud gazes convey a sense of self-assurance.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's work is characterized by fine lines and subtle coloration, which he used to accentuate the features of his subjects. This print exemplifies his bijinga style, a genre focused on portraits of beautiful women.

Context

The Yoshiwara district, where the depicted courtesans worked, was Edo's licensed pleasure quarter. Utamaro frequently drew inspiration from this setting, capturing the beauty and allure of its inhabitants in his art.