Details

Ito Shinsui (1898–1972) was a prominent Japanese painter and printmaker, known for his significant contributions to the Shin Hanga movement. His versatility as an artist allowed him to create both landscapes and portraits with equal skill, producing works in various media, including woodblock prints and paintings. Shinsui's refined technique and his sensitivity to the beauty of traditional Japanese subjects, such as women in elegant kimonos and serene landscapes, earned him widespread recognition. His art was deeply influenced by both the Western Impressionist style and traditional Japanese Nihon-ga, allowing him to blend these two worlds in a way that was both innovative and culturally significant.

 This scroll painting, depicting village rooftops blanketed in snow, is an exemplary example of Shinsui’s mastery in integrating traditional subjects with a modern Western perspective. The scene, while focusing on a common Japanese motif—winter in the countryside—shows Shinsui’s attention to detail in capturing the delicate balance between the natural world and human habitation. The use of soft tones and the atmospheric quality of snow, gently falling over rooftops and trees, demonstrates Shinsui's keen eye for light and texture, influenced by Western techniques of shading and atmospheric perspective. Notably, the inclusion of a telephone pole in the composition places the work at a very specific moment in Japan's history, signaling the transition from the traditional to the modern. This subtle but significant element, juxtaposed with the timeless snow-covered rooftops, reflects the changes occurring in Japan during the early 20th century, when modern technology began to weave into everyday life. This work also reflects the broader Nihon-ga movement of the time, which sought to merge Japanese aesthetic traditions with Western methods, such as the use of perspective and the depiction of light, creating a sophisticated synthesis of the two. Shinsui’s delicate brushwork and use of space highlight his ability to evoke both the serenity of a traditional Japanese landscape and the depth of perspective found in Western art.

Connoisseur's Note

This rare original scroll painting by Ito Shinsui, produced in March of 1920, captures a significant moment in Japan’s history, blending traditional landscape themes with modern elements. The artwork is in excellent condition, with its delicate brushwork and soft tones remaining vibrant and fresh. The inclusion of the telephone pole subtly nods to the changing times in Japan, placing this piece in the early 20th century as the country was transitioning into the modern era. Signed on the left, the painting comes accompanied by a signed and sealed wooden storage box. As a rare original piece, this painting offers both historical and artistic importance, showcasing Shinsui’s skill in capturing the delicate balance between the past and the present.