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 portrait of a beauty under an umbrella in the rain, a pensive expression on her face as she looks over her shoulder. She wears a gray outer robe over a striped kimono trimmed with black, and an under robe with a plum colored collar. The hair is delicately shaded around the face, giving it a soft appearance, and the slanting raindrops are faintly embossed. A charming design with a muted color palette suiting the subject.
Publisher - Isetatsu, later edition
Artist - Ito Shinsui (1898 - 1972)
Image Size - 13" x 11 1/4" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Light crease at edge, small indent in margin. Please see photos for details. Otherwise excellent condition.