Exhibitions
Tsutaya’s discerning eyes behind Utamaro, Sharaku and the Golden Age of Ukiyoe
2025.07.25(Fri) - 2025.09.09(Tue)
Overview
Kitagawa Utamaro (unknown birth–1806), reputed as the master of bijinga, established a new genre of female portraits, known as bijin ōkubie, portraying figures from the chest up. He was adept at delicate depiction of womanly comportment and complexion as well as the motif’s inner virtues and alluring beauty.
Tōshūsai Sharaku (birth and death years unknown), meanwhile, drew many actors, capturing their characteristic features through his unique renditions. Though he was active only for 10 months between May 1794 to January 1795, his impressive actor portraits count as many as 140.
Their contemporaries include Katsukawa Shunshō (unknown birth–1793), Chōbunsai Eishi (1756–1829), and Utagawa Toyokuni (1769–1825), and these artists brought ukiyoe to the pinnacle of its cultural acclaim.
This exhibition presents a collection of nishiki-e and hand-painted bijinga works, representing the period from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century—the golden era of ukiyoe that flourished in the lively popular culture of the Edo townspeople.
HIGHLIGHTS
Beauty Reading a Letter, from the Ten Types of Female Physiognomy, Kitagawa Utamaro, 18th century (Edo period)
The motif is a commoner woman reading a letter. The artist’s extraordinary talent in conveying the subject’s emotional development can be seen in her countenance and delicate fingers. Mica is applied to the background.
Scenes of Eight Famous Teahouses, Kitagawa Utamaro, 18th century (Edo period)
This portrait comprises a thematic series depicting renowned beauties working at tea-stalls. The title is thus a euphemism. Next to the series title, there is a short parodic poem, which reads, “a spring breeze carries some scent not from the blossoming plum trees.”
Actor Matsumoto Koshiro IV as Sakanaya Gorobei, Tōshūsai Sharaku, 1794 (Edo period)
Actor Matsumoto Kōshirō IV is depicted as a righteous samurai who helps two vengeful sisters. The motif truthfully expresses the beauty and the air of authority, which this seasoned kabuki actor and choreographic genius was known for.
Actors Ichikawa Yaozō III as Fuwa Hanzaemon and Sakata Hangorō III as Kosodate Kannonbō, Tōshūsai Sharaku, 1794 (Edo period)
The depicted actors are Ichikawa Yaozō III (1747–1818) and Sakata Hangorō III, playing the villains of a spectacle Sanbon-gasa, a production by the Miyako-za theater in 1794. A talented dancer, Ichikawa Yaozō III was renowned for his dignified authenticity in acting. He was a son of the actor Sawamura Sōjūrō II.