Details

In this striking design, which is a bit out of character for Shinsui, the artist gives us a glimpse of an actress in her backstage dressing room. This beauty is shown carefully applying makeup as she gazes into a mirror while gently patting her chin with a soft brush. Her hair is pulled up beneath a cap. Her black kimono showcases a bold pattern of geometric blocks and stripes. The collar of her robe slips down to reveal her neck, an area of erotic interest in Japan. The diagonal division across the surface of the mirror, the angular shapes above, and the vertical frame at the left advance the geometric quality of the kimono pattern, creating a bold and dramatic backdrop.

Connoisseur's Note

Ito Shinsui's post-war bijin-ga is a sweet spot of value for collectors, as they are priced significantly less than his pre-war prints and in stark contrast to the small fortunes his pre-earthquake designs demand. Given the larger scale, these postwar designs show quite well in a contemporary setting and often contain more deluxe printing effects, such as is the case with this design.