Latest news with #Utamaro
The Mainichi
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Kitagawa Utamaro's woman portrait found after 44 years, to be shown at Tokyo Nat'l Museum
TOKYO -- A signature piece by famous Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro titled "Young Woman Blowing a Glass Pipe (poppin)" was discovered for the first time in 44 years, the Tokyo National Museum in the capital's Ueno district announced on May 12. Until now, the only known copy of this particular "bijin okubi-e," or portraits of beautiful women, was the one held by the Honolulu Museum of Art in the United States. Young Woman Blowing a Glass Pipe is featured in Utamaro's series "Ten Types in the Physiognomic Study of Women" (Fujin Sogaku Jittei), which was produced by publisher Tsutaya Juzaburo. The rediscovered work is one of Utamaro's earliest ukiyo-e Japanese woodblock prints and is believed to have been created around 1792 to 1793, during the Kansei era (1789-1801). A nearly identical design later appeared in another series believed to have been produced after this one, titled "Ten Classes of Women's Physiognomy" (Fujo Ninso Jippon). Only a handful of works from both series combined are known to exist worldwide. According to Kana Murase, a researcher at the Tokyo National Museum, the art piece had been unaccounted for since being sold at an auction in Paris in 1981. Its whereabouts was confirmed this March after information was provided by a Japanese art dealer. The piece had once been part of the collection of Ernest Le Veel, who opened an art gallery in Paris in the late 19th century. Murase noted, "Its condition is exceptionally good, with vivid colors such as the purple of the kimono, and the sharpness of the outlines is particularly striking." The work will be on special display starting May 20 as part of the special exhibition "Tsutaya Juzaburo: Creative Visionary of Edo."
Metropolis Japan
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition 2025
Connecting Edo Spirit to the World from Kabukicho , Shinjuku Step into a world where Edo-period humor, sensuality, and artistry meet the vibrant energy of modern Kabukicho at the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition 2025 . Hosted at the historic Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater, this groundbreaking exhibition presents approximately 100 works of shunga (erotic art) and ukiyo-e, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Hishikawa Moronobu, Utamaro, Hokusai, and Kuniyoshi. Curated by Smappa!Group with special cooperation from Uragami Sokyudo, and directed by Yasutaka Hayashi (Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group), the exhibition transforms the traditional Noh stage into an immersive journey through Edo culture. The exhibit highlights the laughter, fantasy, and openness embodied by shunga, offering a new cultural dialogue between the past and present. In addition to the art displays, visitors can enjoy performances, lectures, and storytelling events, including appearances by distinguished guests like Mitsuru Uragami, Noboru Yasuda, and Tokyo QQQ. Exhibition materials will be available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Special Features: Chronological presentation of shunga and ukiyo-e Educational insights into Edo aesthetics, humor, and craftsmanship Local collaborations including walking tours and book fairs Repeat visitor discounts with ticket stubs Organized by: Smappa!Group Special Cooperation: Uragami Sokyudo Join us this summer to rediscover the beauty, wit, and freedom of Edo-era Japan — right in the heart of Kabukicho. More Information: Official Theater Website +18 years old only Shinjuku Kabukicho Noh Theater. ￥1,500 (includes tabi socks)
