Kitagawa Utamaro

1753-1806

Renowned Beauties Likened to the Six Immortal Poets: Takashima Ohisa
(Komei bijin rokkasen: Takashima Ohisa)

signed Utamaro hitsu, publisher's seal Omiya (Gonkuro), ca. 1795

oban tate-e 37.9 by 25.2 cm

The title cartouche has a picture riddle that forms the name Takashima Hisa: hawk is taka, island is shima, fire is hi, and very cleverly, only the top half of a heron, sagi, is the 'sa.'

For comparison with a later impression (with added eyebrows) and lighter color, see Asano & Clark, The Passionate Art of Kitagawa Utamaro, no. 229 (from the Art Institute of Chicago, no. 1925.3821).

(inv. no. 10-0949)

price: Sold