Grinning Beauty

by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Current Status

Grinning Beauty by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Original Kunichika (1835 - 1900) Japanese Woodblock Print
Grinning Beauty

Series; Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies, 1869

Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies - Attractive half-length portrait from Kunichika's early beauty series "Thirty-two Fashionable Physiognomies." The number thirty-two in the title is a playful reference to the thirty-two notable features of Buddha. Each design shows a contemporary beauty in a scene from daily life, reading, enjoying a boat ride, or relaxing. These images are beautifully detailed with extremely fine line work in the hair and soft bokashi shading in the background. Some feature deluxe publishing techniques such as embossing or burnishing. A rarely seen Kunichika bijin series from early in his career.

Grinning Beauty - Handsome portrait of a beauty grinning happily, her blackened teeth indicating her married status. She rests one hand on the wooden post of a lantern, a small plaque with writing on it in her other hand. She wears a blue checked kimono with a burnished black collar over a tied-dyed red under robe with a patchwork collar, her hair arranged in a smooth bun with a few simply hairpins. Lovely detail and rich color in this handsome design, the background nicely shaded form deep blue to white to green.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 9 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Wormholes, tiny losses at corners, repaired. Slight soiling and ink offsetting, a few light creases. Please see photos for details.

Grinning Beauty by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)
Grinning Beauty by Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

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