Who painted Bijin zu|Beauties?

Bijin zu|Beauties was painted by Utagawa Yoshiiku in 1.

Where can I see Bijin zu|Beauties?

Bijin zu|Beauties is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Bijin zu|Beauties?

Bijin zu|Beauties is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Bijin zu|Beauties

Utagawa Yoshiiku , 1

Bijin zu|Beauties is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshiiku. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Bijin zu, translated as “Beauties,” is a woodblock print executed by the Japanese artist Utagawa Yoshiiku. The work, rendered in ink and color on paper, depicts a scene of everyday life with figures moving through a landscaped setting. It is part of the print collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman dressed in a long, vertically striped kimono who walks beside a tall tree. A young boy in a vivid red garment leans toward her, while a rider on a white horse recedes into the distance. The tranquil sky, green foliage, and decorative border frame the figures, suggesting a moment of casual encounter in an outdoor setting.

Technique & Style

Yoshiiku employed traditional ukiyo-e woodblock methods, carving separate blocks for each color and applying ink by hand. The print combines fine line work for the figures with broader washes for the background, creating a balance between detailed patterning on the garments and softer atmospheric tones in the sky and foliage.

History & Provenance

Created during the late nineteenth century, the print entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as part of the museum’s holdings of Japanese prints. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s broader effort to represent the development of woodblock printing in Japan.

Context

Utagawa Yoshiiku was active in the transitional period when Japanese artists began incorporating elements of Western perspective and shading into ukiyo-e. Bijin zu exemplifies this blend, maintaining conventional subject matter while experimenting with spatial depth and a more naturalistic treatment of light and color.