{"product_id":"two-actors-from-the-series-musical-program-of-true-love-kitagawa-utamaro","title":"Two actors, from the series Musical Program of True Love - Kitagawa Utamaro","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro depicting two figures in a quiet moment of preparation, showcasing the artist's mastery of line and composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro belongs to the series Musical Program of True Love (Ongyoku hiyoku no bangumi), produced during the mid-1790s. Utamaro was a master of the ukiyo-e genre, particularly known for his ability to capture the psychological nuances of his subjects. In this composition, he depicts two figures engaged in a quiet moment of preparation. The seated figure, likely an actor in a female role, attends to their appearance before a mirror, while the standing figure leans over, observing the process with a gentle, attentive posture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUtamaro employs a refined line quality that defines the contours of the figures and the folds of their garments with economy and grace. The composition is balanced, using the mirror and the dressing box to anchor the scene within a domestic space. The muted colour palette, characteristic of many prints from this period, allows the focus to remain on the interaction between the two individuals. The artist avoids excessive ornamentation, choosing instead to emphasise the subtle expressions and the physical proximity of the pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a practitioner of the ukiyo-e style, Utamaro often explored themes related to the floating world of Edo-period Japan. His work frequently documented the lives of actors, courtesans, and commoners. This print provides a glimpse into the private sphere, removed from the public spectacle of the theatre. The technical execution demonstrates the precision of the woodblock printing process, where each line and area of colour was carefully carved and applied to the paper. The work remains a clear example of Utamaro's approach to portraiture, where the human element takes precedence over decorative excess. It offers a view into the aesthetic sensibilities of late eighteenth-century Japan, reflecting the period's interest in personal grooming and the intimate rituals of daily life.\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=\"\/sv\/products\/the-love-letter-suzuki-harunobu\" 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;\"\u003eThe Love Letter by Suzuki Harunobu\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/sv\/products\/mrs-to-isoda-koryusai\" 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;\"\u003eMrs. Tō by Isoda Koryūsai\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/sv\/collections\/kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#2a555a;border:1px solid #2a555a;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#ffffff;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eKitagawa Utamaro prints →\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":59092287455567,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59092290208079,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":59092290240847,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59092290273615,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59092290306383,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59092290339151,"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":59092290371919,"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":59092290404687,"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":59092290437455,"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":59092290470223,"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":59092290502991,"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":59092290535759,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Two-actors-from-the-series-Musical-Program-of-True-Love_Poster_CompositorV1_1791762562066.jpg?v=1791767056","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/sv\/products\/two-actors-from-the-series-musical-program-of-true-love-kitagawa-utamaro","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}