Artwork

Woman of the Yoshiwara Reading Scroll

Woman of the Yoshiwara Reading Scroll, by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1780
Woman of the Yoshiwara Reading Scroll, by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1780

Woman of the Yoshiwara Reading Scroll is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Woman of the Yoshiwara Reading Scroll is a print by Kitagawa Utamaro, dated to 1780, and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman seated on a tatami mat, engrossed in a scroll, possibly reading poetry or a letter. The serene atmosphere and focus on the subject suggest a contemplative moment.

Technique & Style

The woman's loose, patterned robe is rendered in soft pinks and greens, with a black hairpiece securing her hair. The simple background, featuring a glimpse of a garden through a window, emphasizes the details of her clothing and expression.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.