Kōnu Genzou from Kyoto in Japan, 1880, Paper

Details

Description

This is an original antique lithograph of a Japanese woman, likely from the Meiji period (1868-1912), as suggested by the … Read more This is an original antique lithograph of a Japanese woman, likely from the Meiji period (1868-1912), as suggested by the style of the kimono and hair accessories. The print shows a detailed portrait of a young woman with delicate facial features, dressed in a traditional 'furisode' kimono, which is a long-sleeved kimono worn by young, unmarried women. The woman is adorned with an elaborate hairstyle, accessorized with decorative flowers and a hairpin (kanzashi), indicating her elevated social status or ceremonial importance. Her kimono features soft pastel colors, primarily in shades of purple and pink, contrasted with a darker obi (sash) tied around her waist. The lithograph has a decorative oval frame, surrounded by floral motifs in the background. The condition of the print shows signs of age with some yellowing and wear along the edges, which is common for antique prints. The Japanese characters at the bottom likely reference the name of the woman, the artist, or the publishing house. This piece is an example of the high-quality lithographic techniques used in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to produce portraits that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western printing methods. This lithograph would have likely been produced for the domestic or international market as part of a series illustrating Japanese beauty and culture. See less