Ito Shinsui - Born in Tokyo, Ito Shinsui studied Japanese painting and began designing woodblock prints for the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo in 1916, with whom he collaborated until 1960. He is best known for his lovely shin-hanga images of beautiful women. These elegant and refined beauties are drawn with graceful line work and softly colored backgrounds. Recognized for his artistic achievements, the Japanese government declared Shinsui an "Intangible Cultural Property" in 1952, and he received the "Order of the Rising Sun" in 1970. His works are a wonderful choice to collect or display.

Comments - Lovely shin hanga portrait of a beauty looking into a mirror and smoothing her hairstyle during the interval or intermission of a show, her cheek subtly flushed with pink. She wears a plum colored kimono patterned with leaves and shapes, with an iris on the flowing sleeve, tied with a green and white striped obi. Her hair is softly pulled back into a large bun, adorned with a cluster of tiny blue flowers and colorful ribbons. A classic beauty portrait, beautifully drawn and colored, and enhanced by a shimmering white mica background.

Publisher - Isetatsu, later edition from original blocks

Artist - Ito Shinsui (1898 - 1972)

Image Size - 13" x 8 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Faint toning along top edge in margin. Please see photos for details. Very nice overall.