Details

In Ito Shinsui's mesmerizing woodblock print, a woman draped in a delicate blue kimono sits gracefully, holding a fan in her delicate hand. Her eyes, slightly downcast, reflect a contemplative demeanor, as if lost in the depths of her own thoughts. The viewer is captivated by a vision of unparalleled beauty, both in design and execution. Shinsui's masterful use of bokashi, evident in the subtle color gradations, imbues the composition with a sense of softness and depth. The rich hues of the woman's attire contrast beautifully with the subdued gray tones of the background, adding texture and dimension to the scene. As the viewer gazes upon this exquisite portrayal, they are irresistibly drawn to linger, immersed in the timeless elegance and tranquility captured within the print.

Connoisseur's Note

This print is a rare pre-earthquake impression, showcasing the highest level of craftsmanship from Watanabe's workshop. Pay close attention to the skillful bokashi on the blue kimono of the figure and the fan as well as the circular pattern in the background, produced by the barren during the printing process. The razor-sharp impression, coupled with these printing embellishments, exemplifies the pinnacle of print production in 20th-century Japan.

As with all pre-earthquake prints, this print is among the rarest works in shin hanga, as the earthquake destroyed Watanabe’s studio along with the original blocks and unsold inventory. Only prints sold before the earthquake and removed from Tokyo, as most of the city was destroyed by the ensuing fires, survived. Further bolstering the desirability of this work is its near-pristine condition—this print was kept together in archival folders, never framed or displayed for extended periods.