The Kōya no Tamagawa, Province of Kii - Utamaro II

A classic ukiyo-e woodblock print by Utamaro II, depicting two women travelling through the Kōya River region in Kii Province.

This woodblock print by Utamaro II depicts a scene from the series 'Furyū Mutamagawa' (Fashionable Six Jewel Rivers). The work features two women travelling through the mountainous terrain of the Kii Province, specifically near the Kōya River. The artist employs the traditional ukiyo-e style, balancing the figures of the women with the stylised representation of the natural environment.

The composition is divided between the foreground, where the two figures stand, and the background, which presents a simplified view of the river and distant hills. The women are dressed in patterned kimonos, their postures suggesting a pause in their journey. One figure holds a staff and looks towards the distance, while the other, partially shielded by a hat, gazes downwards. The use of line is precise, defining the folds of their garments and the contours of the landscape with clarity.

Utamaro II, who succeeded the original Kitagawa Utamaro, maintained the focus on bijin-ga, or pictures of beautiful women, while incorporating elements of travel and poetic association common in the Edo period. The print includes calligraphic text at the top, which provides context for the location and adds to the aesthetic balance of the composition. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft ochres, muted greens, and earthy tones to evoke the atmosphere of the region. This print serves as an example of the later period of ukiyo-e, where the focus shifted towards narrative scenes and regional depictions. The work is printed on paper, showing the characteristic texture and ink absorption of woodblock printing techniques from the early 19th century.