Long-tailed tit and white-eye c. 1796

Kitagawa Utamaro’s woodblock print, "Long-tailed tit and white-eye", showcases his interest in the natural world, reflecting the broader Edo period interest in the floating world or ‘ukiyo’. Utamaro, celebrated for his portraits of women, also captured the delicate beauty of birds and flowers. This print invites us to consider the symbolic meanings embedded in nature, engaging with cultural expressions of beauty and refinement. Birds, like the long-tailed tit, often symbolized joy and freedom in Japanese art. Notice how the artist's work exists within the social structures of his time. As ukiyo-e prints became increasingly popular among the merchant class, artists like Utamaro captured the interests and aspirations of this emerging audience. The use of natural imagery provided an alternative to the more traditional, aristocratic themes. Here, we encounter the natural world as a site of contemplation and emotional connection, mirroring the intimate relationship between humans and nature. It’s a reflection of how the artist felt, and perhaps how we also feel.