UTAMARO 喜多川歌麿 虫籠を持つ女 Insect Cage Ukiyo-e Reproduction | Edo Bijin-ga Japanese Art Print

About the Artwork:
This elegant ukiyo-e print is a reproduction of “Woman with an Insect Cage” (虫籠を持つ女), a celebrated work by Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806), the Edo-period master known for his refined portrayals of women (bijin-ga).

The composition shows a woman holding a small insect cage (mushikago), her expression calm and introspective. Behind her, a vibrant geometric background enhances the intimate and poetic atmosphere. The insect cage — often used to keep fireflies or crickets — symbolizes fleeting beauty, the passage of time, and the delicate emotions of Edo life.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
Utamaro’s bijin-ga works represent the pinnacle of Edo portraiture, blending technical mastery with psychological depth. This print captures not only external beauty but also the emotion of a transient moment, reflecting the Japanese concept of mono no aware — the sensitivity to impermanence.

This reproduction was issued by The Yomiuri Shimbun in collaboration with the Musée Guimet (Paris), one of the world’s foremost institutions for Asian art. The reverse side provides bilingual historical notes, making it both a collectible and an educational piece.

Why It’s Special:

• Faithful museum-authorized reproduction of Utamaro’s Insect Cage

• From the Musée Guimet collection

• Printed on fine archival paper with historical commentary

• Perfect for collectors and admirers of Edo-period beauty and symbolism

• Represents the essence of ukiyo-e elegance and emotional depth

A masterpiece of subtlety and grace — Woman with an Insect Cage captures the delicate balance of beauty and impermanence that defines classical Japanese art.