{"product_id":"stretching-cloth-kitagawa-utamaro","title":"Stretching Cloth - Kitagawa Utamaro","description":"\u003cp\u003eA classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro, capturing two women in a quiet moment of domestic labour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro depicts two women engaged in the domestic task of stretching cloth. The work belongs to the series 'Ten Physiognomic Types of Women' (Fujin sōgaku juttai), a collection that explores the subtle variations in female expression and character. Utamaro is known for his focus on the 'bijin-ga' genre, which translates to pictures of beautiful women, yet his approach here moves beyond simple idealisation. He employs a close-up composition, often referred to as 'okubi-e' or large-head pictures, to direct the viewer's attention to the facial features and the interaction between the figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lines are fluid and precise, characteristic of the master's hand. The woman standing above leans forward with a gentle, focused gaze, while the woman seated below holds the fabric, her expression one of quiet concentration. The composition relies on the interplay of their postures and the diagonal lines of the cloth to create a sense of movement within a static scene. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft tones and the natural texture of the paper to provide depth. This print demonstrates the artist's ability to capture a fleeting moment of daily life with economy and grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUtamaro was a central figure in the Edo period art scene. His work influenced many later artists, both in Japan and abroad. By focusing on the psychological state of his subjects, he brought a new level of realism to the woodblock medium. This print remains a fine example of his technical skill and his interest in the nuances of human behaviour. The work is printed on traditional washi paper, preserving the delicate ink lines that define the figures' hair and garments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/thirty-six-views-of-yedo-asakusa-kinriusan-utagawa-hiroshige-ii\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eThirty-six Views of Yedo: Asakusa Kinriusan - Utagawa Hiroshige II — Utagawa Hiroshige II\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/asakusa-imado-utagawa-kuniyoshi\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eAsakusa Imado - Utagawa Kuniyoshi — Utagawa Kuniyoshi\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kitagawa Utamaro","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58804080607567,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58804230750543,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58804230783311,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58804230816079,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58804230848847,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58804230881615,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58804230914383,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58804230947151,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58804230979919,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58804231012687,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58804231045455,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58804231078223,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Stretching-Cloth_Poster_CompositorV1_1789639938282.jpg?v=1789640640","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/stretching-cloth-kitagawa-utamaro","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}