Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753 – 31 October 1806) was a highly regarded Japanese artist known for his exquisite ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings. His most celebrated works are the bijin okubi-e, or “large-headed pictures of beautiful women,” created during the 1790s. Utamaro’s portraits featured elongated features and exaggerated beauty, capturing the essence of Edo-period aesthetics. He produced over 2000 known prints, achieving fame throughout Japan in his lifetime. However, in 1804, he faced arrest and manacles for creating illegal prints depicting the 16th-century military ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Utamaro’s influence extended beyond Japan; his work reached Europe in the mid-nineteenth century, particularly finding acclaim in France. European Impressionists admired his use of partial views, emphasis on light and shade, and delicate portrayals of women, making him a pivotal figure in art history.