Evening Make-Up
夕化粧
by Ito Shinsui
- Date:
- 1930
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
Typical Price
An elegant evening grooming scene that showcases Shinsui's sensitivity to lamplight and shadow. Pre-earthquake Watanabe editions command $4,000-$12,000, while post-earthquake recuts range from $1,500-$4,500. The warm tonal palette and intimate domestic setting make this a particularly appealing example of Shinsui's bijin-ga artistry.
Description
A geisha applies evening cosmetics before a lacquered mirror, preparing for the night''s entertainments. The warm light of an unseen lamp illuminates her face and the rich fabrics of her partially donned kimono. The scene captures the ritual of transformation that lies at the heart of the geisha tradition.
