Lesson on Hatred (Nikuburi)

late 18th century - ca. 1806

Utamaro, famous for his glamorous portraits of beauties, serves up a sharp dose of satire here. A young woman with a towering, lacquer-black hairstyle looks serenely away, seemingly ignoring the balding, stubbly man nuzzling uncomfortably close to her back. The floating text bubbles label this a 'Lesson' and a 'Parent's Mirror,' part of a moralizing series warning against bad behavior—specifically 'hatred' or resentment in relationships. It’s a funny, slightly grotesque look at the transactional world of the pleasure quarters, contrasting ideal beauty with awkward reality.

Technique: Woodblock print
Material: Ink and color on paper

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