Details

In this design, Shinui presents us with a stunning view of a fashionable bijin-ga of the 1950s. Shown with short trendy hair, this bijin-ga’s hairdo recalls the short bob-like Moga hairstyle of the 1930s. The background is presented in varying shades of green, suggesting the grounds of a well-manicured garden. The woman’s fashionable kimono has a strong mid-century quality and advances the color theme further with lighter verdant tones. The strikingly modern characteristic of the design certainly stands out in Shinsui’s oeuvre.

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.