Utamaro

Kitagawa Utamaro

1753-1806

Customs of the Twelve Months with Kyoka: Seventh Month

signed Utamaro ga with kao seal in shape of a Daruma doll ('Uta' in a circle, 'maru'), and Waka publisher seal (Wakasaya Yoichi of Jakurindo), ca. 1790-91

chuban tate-e 9 5/8 by 6 3/4 in., 24.4 by 17.2 cm

From an untitled series depicting scenes from festivities throughout the year. Three young boys dance around a mawaridoro (revolving lantern), mimicking the paper cut-outs of dancers decorating the lantern. They are celebrating the Obon Festival which honors ancestral spirits on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. The kyoka poem is by Tsuyo Tokunari.

References:
Shugo Asano and Timothy Clark, The Passionate Art of Kitagawa Utamaro, 1995, text, p. 113 (on series)
Gina Collia-Suzuki, The Complete Woodblock Prints of Kitagawa Utamaro, A Descriptive Catalogue, 2009, p. 298

price: $600

kikumon

Scholten Japanese Art is open Monday - Friday, and some Saturdays by appointment only

Contact Katherine Martin at
(212) 585-0474 or email
kem@scholten-japanese-art.com
to schedule a visit between 11am and 4pm for no more than two individuals at a time.
In order to adhere to New York State guidelines visitors are asked to wear face masks and practice social distancing.

site last updated
March 5, 2021

Scholten Japanese Art
145 West 58th Street, suite 6D
New York, New York 10019
ph: (212) 585-0474
fx: (212) 585-0475