Artwork

新吉原仮宅両国之図|Picture of the Temporary Lodgings of the New Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarter at Ryōgoku (Shin Yoshiwara Karitaku Ryogoku no zu)

新吉原仮宅両国之図|Picture of the Temporary Lodgings of the New Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarter at Ryōgoku (Shin Yoshiwara Karitaku Ryogoku no zu) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created in 1784 by Kitagawa Utamaro, depicts a scene from everyday life. Executed in ink and color on paper, it is a representative example of the artist's work in the ukiyo-e genre.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a lively indoor scene with two connected rooms, featuring women in elaborate attire and a group enjoying food and drinks. The juxtaposition of the interior with a distant cityscape outside creates a sense of depth and contrasts the intimacy of the scene with the broader urban context.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's use of simple lines and soft colors effectively captures the bustling atmosphere of the scene and the distant view outside. The composition balances the detailed depiction of the interior with the broader landscape visible through the windows.

History & Provenance

The print is now held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a testament to its enduring significance as a work of Japanese art from the 18th century.