Ito Shinsui (1898-1972)
Rouge (Kuchibeni), from the series The First Collection of Modern Beauties (Gendai bijin shu dai isshu), 1929
Woodblock print, with mica applied to the mirror and obi
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo (circular Watanabe seal at lower right)
Published by Watanabe Shozaburo (circular Watanabe seal at lower right)
Vertical dai oban:
42.9 x 27.6 cm. (16 ⅞ x 10 ⅞ in.)
42.9 x 27.6 cm. (16 ⅞ x 10 ⅞ in.)
Signed and dated at upper right 'Showa 4 [1929], 5th month, by Shinsui' (Showa yonnen gogatsu Shinsui ga), and with artist's seal 'Shinsui'
Also with limited edition seal to verso 'Nihyakugoju mai zeppan, dai nihyaku roku ban' (250 limited edition, number 206), and publisher's rectangular seal 'Watanabe' beneath
Also with limited edition seal to verso 'Nihyakugoju mai zeppan, dai nihyaku roku ban' (250 limited edition, number 206), and publisher's rectangular seal 'Watanabe' beneath
£ 3,600.00
A beauty sits on a cushion in front of a mirror stand (kyodai), applying make-up. Various brushes and a covered pot lie on top of the drawers beneath the mirror....
A beauty sits on a cushion in front of a mirror stand (kyodai), applying make-up. Various brushes and a covered pot lie on top of the drawers beneath the mirror. The beauty holds a small porcelain dish containing rouge in her hand into which she dabs her finger before applying it to her lips.
This series 'First Collection of Modern Beauties' was announced by the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo in 1929 and comprised twelve designs in total. Editions were limited to two hundred and fifty, with Watanabe allocating two hundred of these to his subscribers and fifty to be sold individually at his shop. When the final design was complete in July 1931, Shinsui began work on a further series on the same theme titled 'Second Collection of Modern Beauties' (Gendai bijin shu dai ni shu) in August of the same year.
This series 'First Collection of Modern Beauties' was announced by the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo in 1929 and comprised twelve designs in total. Editions were limited to two hundred and fifty, with Watanabe allocating two hundred of these to his subscribers and fifty to be sold individually at his shop. When the final design was complete in July 1931, Shinsui began work on a further series on the same theme titled 'Second Collection of Modern Beauties' (Gendai bijin shu dai ni shu) in August of the same year.