Untitled

Utagawa Toyoharu

ca. 1771 · Woodblock print (pillar print); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Toyoharu is known for incorporating Western perspective into his prints (uki-e), as may be observed here in the depiction of the sea in the distance. His graceful, willowy images of women remind us of the delicate beauties of Suzuki Harunobu (1725–1770). The halberd that the woman holds and the shape of the window behind the couple are Chinese and may suggest a parody (mitate) of a Chinese subject.

Artist

Utagawa Toyoharu

Date

ca. 1771

Medium

Woodblock print (pillar print); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

The Francis Lathrop Collection, Purchase, Frederick C. Hewitt Fund, 1911