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.

Fuji Arts’ special acquisition from Momose - This print is from a beautiful group of limited edition prints recently acquired from the archives of the publisher, The Momose Print Company of Tokyo. We purchased the entire balance of the publisher’s limited-edition inventory of all designs. They are only available on the secondary market and have become increasingly difficult to find. The prints were originally offered in a shin-hanga limited edition promotion from Momose. The Shinsui and Kaburagi beauties were sold for 280,000 yen each (approx. $2,750).

Comments - Beautiful shin hanga portrait of a beauty making her way through a spring snow, her head sheltered under a large umbrella. She wears a deep red kimono with a patterned of fans delicately outlined in gold mica, tied with an intricately navy and rust colored obi. The green trim of the robe features gold mica cherry blossoms, with a pale gray color detailed with an incredibly intricate white pattern. Her hair is pulled back into a large bun adorned with hairpins, a comb, and several ribbons. The hairpins and edge of the comb are also treated with gold mica. An exquisitely printed design. Published by Momose in the 1960s as part of a small group of woodblock designs based on Shinsui's paintings. An absolutely lovely design to collect or display.

Artist - Ito Shinsui (1898 - 1972)

Image Size - 15 1/4" x 16 1/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Please note, due to the size, this print may be shipped rolled.