Hideyoshi and his wives 

Kitagawa Utamaro's "Hideyoshi and his wives," is a woodblock print of dynamic composition and pastel colors. This artwork blends surface patterns with spatial depth, typical of Japanese prints. Utamaro employs distinct planes to structure the composition, layering figures and objects to create a sense of depth. Each figure is adorned with intricate patterns, which flatten the image while offering rich detail. The placement of the figures—Hideyoshi centrally positioned among his wives—highlights social hierarchy and domestic intimacy. The linear quality is controlled, giving way to fields of color that define shapes and forms. Color functions semiotically, where clothing patterns and colors denote status and personality. The backdrop is a patterned screen and blossoming tree that serve to frame the scene. Utamaro destabilizes traditional portraiture by emphasizing decorative elements which reflect the cultural values of his time.