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, large format portrait of a seated beauty, smiling slightly as she looks to the side. Her light aqua kimono is patterned with blossoms, with peach and white maple leaves over the shoulder, tied with a bold geometric print obi tied with a yellow cord. Her hair is pulled back into a sleek bun adorned with a red lacquer comb, a floral ornament, and a hairpin with dangling strands of beads ending in tiny plovers in flight. The first time we've seen this beautiful design.
Publisher - Watanabe, with circular seal withing image at lower left
Artist - Ito Shinsui (1898 - 1972)
Image Size - 18" x 13 5/8" + margins as shown
Condition - Excellent color and detail. Drying holes at top corners. Wrinkle at top edge.
