Comments - Intriguing set of three pictorial envelopes depicting beauties. These charming woodblocks were produced by Osaka Mainichi Publishing Company for their magazine called "Japan Today and Tomorrow." The envelopes could actually be used for mailing with the address written on the reverse, or kept as a collectible. The first envelope depicts a matron around age 25, her hair arranged in the "marumage" style worn by married women. Her violet kimono is patterned with reeds and water, tied with a green peacock feather obi. The second design features a young girl of today (1931) wearing a European hairstyle. Her pink kimono is bordered with yellow poppies and has long sleeves indicating her unmarried status. The third print shows a luxuriously dressed young maiko or apprentice geisha in Kyoto. Her blue kimono features the Kamo River with plovers in flight above it and baskets filled with gravel called jakago holding the shore in place. Her white obi is embroidered with fans, and the style of leaving both ends hanging is specific to maiko in Kyoto. The artist, Hirano Hakuho, was known for his shin hanga beauty portraits. A fascinating look at fashions in 1930s Japan in a wonderful and unusual format. Set includes the three envelopes with the accompanying text panel.

Artist - Hirano Hakuho (1879 - 1957)

Image Size - Each envelope 6" x 2 3/8"

Condition - With excellent detail color and detail as shown. Faint indents across corners from original mounting, slight soiling. Text panel on thin glossy paper, toned and creases. Please see photos for details. Good condition overall.