Born in Edo period, and studied painting under Sekien Toriyama. Utamaro, in beginning, mostly painted actor's portraits, flower and birds, and began to work on Bijin-ga (women portraits) especially with their customs. But these did not succeed much, so he began to produce pictures of the well-known beautiful ladies in Edo. And also the popular courtesans of the Yoshiwara gay quarters.
With its unique and skilful technique of realism, Utamaro¡Çs elegant style of painting gained great popularity. Portraits in figure above the chest called "Ohkubi-e¡É or ¡Èbig-head pictures" ware one of the new styles he created. Since his reputation swept all over the Edo, many followers imitated the style. This is why most of his prints have his signature on it, to distinguish his prints from imitations.
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