Japanese Large Woodblock Print It Looks Like Snow by Ito Shinsui

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A Japanese Woodblock print by Itō Shinsui (1898-1972) entitled It Looks Like Snow (commonly known as Snow is Coming; Japanese … Read more A Japanese Woodblock print by Itō Shinsui (1898-1972) entitled It Looks Like Snow (commonly known as Snow is Coming; Japanese title Yuki mo yo hi) Catalogue number IS139. The print was created in Taisho 15th year (1926) as part of the Modern Beauty Series. It is in a large format of Dai Oban and originally published by Isetatsu. This print is a later version printed from the original woodblock of Isetatsu. Pencil number mark lower corner verso. Image size is 13"h x 8.5"w.
The print depicts a beauty dressed in green winter kimono with Ermine fur collar showcasing subtle swirling patterns embossed in the print. With delicate makeup and a rather modern coiffure, she looks down pensively as if waiting for the snowflakes to fall from the grey sky. The composition that leaves a large empty space around her as well as only showing her side profile broke away from the traditional Bijin-ga (Beauty Print) and was more akin to western portrait, despite the mood the image evoked remains oriental. The work is dated Taisho 15th year spring and signed Shinsui with artist's red ink seal in plate on top right. See less