Turning a Shamisen (Shamisen no nejime), from the series "Chanting to Shamisen by Young Women of Today (Tosei musume joruri)"

Art Historical Context

In the enchanting world of ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world,"agawa Utamaro (3–1806) captures the grace of everyday life in Edo-period Japan. This color woodblock print, *Turning a Shamisen (amisen no nejime)* the series *Chanting Shamisen by Young Women Today (Toseiume joruri)*, dates to around 1804–06. It depicts a poised young woman delicately tuning her shamisen—a three-stringed central to traditional Japanese music and theater—highlighting Utamaro's mastery of *bijin-ga*, intimate portraits of beautiful women. Printed in the large *oban* format (35.9 × 24.4 cm), this work exemplifies the technical brilliance of woodblock printing. Multiple carved wooden blocks were inked in vibrant hues and precisely overlaid to create subtle gradients, flowing kimono patterns, and luminous skin tones, making these affordable prints accessible to urban merchants and commoners during Japan's vibrant Edo era (1603–1868). Culturally, the image reflects the era's fascination with *tosei* (contemporary) feminine beauty and leisure pursuits like shamisen performance, often linked to entertainment districts. Utamaro's final works like this one, held in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia collection, offer a window into fleeting pleasures, blending artistry with social commentary on modernity.

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...