Pair of Japanese woodblock prints. "Woman Serving Tea" by Kitagawa Utamaro; "Untitled" by Kikugawa Hiteyama.

Frame: 21 7/8 x 16 5/8 in
Sight: 15 1/4 x 10 1/8 in.
#2912

Artist Biographies:
Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753–1806) was a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. Renowned for his bijin ōkubi-e ("large-headed pictures of beautiful women"), Utamaro captured the elegance and grace of courtesans and geishas with an unmatched sensitivity to feminine beauty and emotion. His works, characterized by delicate lines and subtle color gradations, profoundly influenced the development of ukiyo-e art. Utamaro's keen observations of nature and everyday life also led to exquisite depictions of insects and birds. Despite facing censorship and imprisonment for his politically sensitive works, Utamaro's legacy endures as one of the most celebrated artists of his time.

Kikugawa Hiteyama was an influential Japanese ukiyo-e artist active in the early 19th century. He is best known for his contributions to the genre of *bijin-ga*, which depicts beautiful women. Hiteyama's works often showcased elegant and sophisticated women, capturing the fashion and beauty standards of the Edo period. His style was characterized by graceful lines, vibrant colors, and an emphasis on delicate, expressive faces. Although not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Hiteyama's art remains appreciated for its refinement and the way it reflects the cultural aesthetics of his time.