Utamaro, Kitagawa (1753–1806)

Japanese colour-print artist of the ukiyo-e school. He is known for his muted colour prints of women engaged in everyday activities, including informal studies of prostitutes.

Utamaro was the first Japanese artist to become well known in Europe, many of his prints being sent there during his lifetime by Dutch merchants resident in Nagasaki. His style is distinctive: his subject is often seen close up, sometimes from unusual angles or viewpoints, and he made use of sensuous lines and highly decorative textiles.