UTAMARO 喜多川歌麿 髪かきあげる女 Beauty Holding a Comb Ukiyo-e Reproduction | Edo Bijin-ga Japanese Art Print

About the Artwork:
This exquisite ukiyo-e reproduction features “Beauty Holding a Comb” (髪かきあげる女), an iconic portrait by Kitagawa Utamaro (1753–1806), the undisputed master of bijin-ga (portraits of beautiful women) during the Edo period.

The woman is shown in a private, tender moment as she adjusts her hair and holds a comb, her delicate profile set against a richly patterned floral background. The refined expression and elegant posture embody Utamaro’s gift for capturing not only physical beauty but also emotion and intimacy — a rare quality that made his art timeless.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
Utamaro’s bijin-ga revolutionized Japanese portraiture by introducing psychological realism and subtle individuality into his depictions of women. His influence later extended to Western Impressionist painters, inspiring the Japonisme movement in 19th-century Europe.

This reproduction was published by The Yomiuri Shimbun in collaboration with The Art Institute of Chicago, which preserves the original print in its permanent collection. The reverse side includes bilingual commentary and publication details, making it both a collectible and an educational reference piece.

Why It’s Special:

• Faithful museum-authorized reproduction of a classic Utamaro print

• From the Art Institute of Chicago collection

• Includes bilingual historical notes on the reverse

• Printed on archival-quality paper

• A rare opportunity to own an iconic image of Japanese feminine grace

An artwork that exudes quiet sophistication — Beauty Holding a Comb is one of Utamaro’s most intimate portrayals of Edo-era refinement and elegance.