Kitagawa Utamaro: Ukiyo-e Bijin-ga Artist
When discussing beauties in ukiyo-e, it is impossible to overlook Kitagawa Utamaro. He brought about a revolution in the genre. Until then, it was common to depict the entire body in bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), but Kitagawa Utamaro focused on bust portraits.
![The three most beautiful women of Kansei period by Kitagawa Utamaro](https://shoga.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/the-three-most-beautiful-women-of-Kansei-period-485x710.jpg)
Of course, the bust style existed before, particularly in yakusha-e (actor prints). However, it was Kitagawa Utamaro who brought this style into bijin-ga and popularized it. His works, known as “Ōkubi-e” (large-head pictures), became his trademark.
!["Ten physiognomic types of women" by Kitagawa Utamaro](https://shoga.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ten-physiognomic-types-of-women-453x710.jpg)
By focusing on the bust, he was able to close up on facial expressions and emotions. This allowed for a wide range of expressions, including sensuality, and his bijin-ga captivated audiences, becoming incredibly popular.
![Young Lady Blowing on a Poppin by Kitagawa Utamaro](https://shoga.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/88eaf06963f4a558633f4a5be85dc73c-488x710.jpg)
Kitagawa Utamaro’s bijin-ga was loved by many and came to be recognized as a representative style of beauty in ukiyo-e.