Artwork Page for Net Fishing at Night

Details / Information for Net Fishing at Night

Net Fishing at Night

夜の四手綱

c. 1800

Kitagawa Utamaro 喜多川 歌麿

(Japanese, c. 1754–1806)
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Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
One of a triptych of color woodblock prints
Measurements
Sheet: 38.4 x 25.4 cm (15 1/8 x 10 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wade 1916.1116.c
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Pleasure-boating in the evening on the Sumida River to escape the summer’s heat was about as popular as viewing cherry blossoms in spring for Edo townspeople. The river also led the way to the Yoshiwara, the licensed brothel district. A boating party with courtesans and gentlemen jostles up next to a fishing boat. Utamaro enjoyed portraying a scene through the design of a fishing or mosquito net. The different colors of the net suggest these impressions may be from two different series.
A color woodblock print depicts figures on a boat beneath a dark sky and crescent moon. To the left, a large red net suspended from bamboo poles dominates the foreground. In the center, a figure pulls a rope while a woman crouches beside a basket of fish. To the right, another woman stands wearing a pink floral kimono. Graphic patterns adorn the robes, and fine lines define the waves. Japanese calligraphy marks the upper right.

Net Fishing at Night

c. 1800

Kitagawa Utamaro

(Japanese, c. 1754–1806)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

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