Comments - Lovely portrait of a beauty practicing ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. She kneels beside a vase holding a large white peony blossom and leaves, a pair of scissors in one hand and a stem with a partially opened bud in the other, quietly contemplating the design. She wears a pale green kimono patterned with fans featuring flowers and leaves and tie-dyed patches n rose and periwinkle blue, tied with geometric print obi with oversize leaves. The niche behind her holds a hanging scroll. A beautiful image, nicely composed, with soft color and fine bokashi shading. A handsome first edition print and an unusual beauty subject for Shiro, who is best known for his shin-hanga landscapes.

Signed - Shiro, with red artist's seal
Publisher - Watanabe, "C" seal, in use 1929 - 1942

Artist - Shiro Kasamatsu (1898 - 1991)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Very slight paper remnants on reverse at top corners from previous mounting. Drying hole in top left corner. Faint toning, a couple light creases and small marks. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.