Japanese print, The comb, UTAMARO 2

A typical Utamaro print often features a vertical composition and a close-up of a woman, focusing on her face and hands, which convey a great deal of expressiveness. The hair is delicately arranged in sophisticated chignons, adorned with combs and hairpins that add texture and detail to the piece. Facial expressions, though subtle, convey emotional depth. Half-closed eyes, a lowered or pensive gaze, slightly parted lips… every detail seems to reflect a rich inner life, a moment of reverie or contemplation, which adds a human dimension to these idealized figures.

Utamaro’s use of color is also remarkable. He favors soft and refined tones such as shades of pink, ochre, gray, and blue, without excessive saturation, allowing each print to maintain a subtle elegance. In the background, the decor is often minimalist, with elements like screens or stylized floral motifs, placing the central focus on the female figure and enhancing the feeling of intimacy.

Utamaro’s prints are not only aesthetic representations; they also offer a valuable glimpse into the culture of the Edo period, particularly the beauty ideals, fashion trends, and popular accessories in the pleasure quarters. They also showcase the diversity of expressions and roles of women in Japanese society at the time, notably geishas, courtesans, and common women.