<b>YOUNG GIRL AND IRIS</b>Okiie Hashimoto1952$2,800</em>

Details

Most known for his views of castles and rock gardens, Okiie Hashimoto, was also an accomplished portrait artist and created several iconic designs in this vein. Young Girl and Iris is among the artist's most recognizable works. The bold composition features a young girl seated in a field of irises at the peak of their bloom. The composition is a sophisticated study of line and pattern. The background’s repeating irises have a sense of rhythm and recall Japanese textiles patterns. The girl’s blouse with vertical navy-blue lines echoes the flower’s long gray stems and animates the seated figure with the gesture of breath. A quick consideration of this design yields an astonishment at the carving prowess of the artist. Although the scene is busy with a riot of lines and shapes, the composition works as a harmonious whole with a vibrancy only Hashimoto could provide.

Connoisseur's Note

This design was exceedingly successful for Hashimoto, and many impressions were executed to fulfill the demand. This print is among the artist's earliest printings as evidenced by the early round artist’s seal and the embossed writing at the bottom right. This impression showcases bright and vivid colors, an outstanding example of this icon of Sosaku Hanga.