Language Notes
Text: English, Japanese (translation)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The renowned woodblock prints of ukiyo-e artist Utamaro are some of the most recognized images in the world. His models are drawn from a world of teahouse women and courtesans whose fame and popularity could be compared to modern-day movie actresses.

Unlike his predecessors, Utamaro developed techniques that enabled him to capture subtle moods and differences of character. His genius lay in his rebellion against the standard depiction of expressionless beauties with little individuality. He sought the inner personality and went to great extremes to find it, frequenting the pleasure quarters with great regularity and drawing his subjects from all levels of society--from celebrated courtesans to lowly kashi or prostitutes.

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