Details

Hashiguchi Goyo was enamored by Ukiyo-e and by the bijin-ga of Utamaro. Goyo saw Utamaro as the artistic height of Ukiyo-e, exemplifying the depiction of femineity through his graceful and sophisticated figures. Goyo also studied the intricate printing effects in Utamaro designs and sought to replicate their delicate and sensual qualities.

This striking design is one of the works Goyo self-produced in his studio. Known by the title, “Woman Holding Lipstick, 1920,” the work features a well-coiffed woman in a stunning Kimono making final adjustments to her makeup. The woman’s appearance has an air of youthful beauty with a subtle sophistication. The background has a fine layer of solid silver mica, printed to the edge of the figure’s contours, that serves to amplify the colors of the design and move the figure forward toward the viewer. The application of mica has been expertly applied with a soft and thin layer that invokes Utamaro’s iconic “big head” portraits with silver backgrounds.

Connoisseur's Note

This work is an early printing executed under the strict supervision of the artist. Later impressions done with the original blocks circa 1950s by the Goyo Institute have slight variations in color and a thicker application of mica. Often these posthumous impressions are offered as early originals without much contention by the untrained eye.