Who painted Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case?

Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro II in 1810.

Where can I see Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case?

Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case?

Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case

Kitagawa Utamaro II , 1810

Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro II. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1940.1042
Credit line: Bequest of James Parmelee

About this work

Overview

Geisha Standing Beside a Shamisen Case, circa 1810, is a print attributed to Kitagawa Utamaro II, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a geisha in traditional attire, including an orange kimono with white floral patterns and a patterned obi, alongside her shamisen case, subtly integrating her profession into the composition.

Technique & Style

Characterized by meticulous attention to detail, the work showcases Utamaro II's mastery of capturing textures and patterns, from the geisha's updo adorned with long pins to the intricate designs on her clothing.

History & Provenance

Created around 1810, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here, highlighting the need for further research into its provenance.

Context

While often contextualized within Japanese ukiyo-e traditions, superficial comparisons to broader art movements like Romanticism might overlook the work's specific cultural and historical roots in late Edo period Japan.

Legacy

As part of Utamaro II's oeuvre, the print contributes to the legacy of portraying geisha life in ukiyo-e, though its individual impact compared to Utamaro I's works requires more nuanced analysis.