Towing a Barge in the Snow, from the album The Silver World
1790
Medium
Woodblock print; oban
Dimensions
38.6 × 26.1 cm (15 1/4 × 10 5/16 in.)
Classification
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
23845
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The subtle use of various shades of gray give this print the appearance of a watercolor. The abundance of snow on the bridges, hats, trees, and mountains creates an air of stillness that contrasts with the men laboring against the elements.
About the Artist
Kitagawa Utamaro · 1753–1806
Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753-1806) was one of the most celebrated masters of ukiyo-e woodblock printing, revolutionizing the art of bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) during Japan's Edo period. Born Kitagawa Ichitaro, his early life remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts placing his birth in Kyoto, Osaka, Yoshiwara in Edo (modern Tokyo), or Kawagoe in Musashi Province. Under the t...