Japanese Lithograph, 1931, published by Kisen-do

SIZE IN INCHES: 9.75 x 14.5 inches

COMMENTS: This Ito Shinsui lithograph is from a set titled Takasago-zome Yoku-i Bijin Hyaku Shi ("One Hundred Beauties in Takasago-zome Light Kimono"). The series was published in 1931 by Kisen-do. The series was commissioned to advertise a company that produced ladies garments dyed using the "Takasago-zome" process, an ancient textile dying method from 17th century famous for its vivid dark blue colors which did not fade easily.

ITO SHINSUI (1898-1972) was born "Hajime" at Fukugawa in downtown Tokyo on February 4, 1898. His family initially enjoyed the economic benefits of the Sino-Japanese War boom, but while he was in elementary school, their fortunes changed and Shinsui had to leave school to work, first at a sign shop and then as a factory hand at the Tokyo Printing Company. Sjhinsui's talent in drawing and painting led him to an apprenticeship in the design section of the company in 1911, and through its senior staff he was introduced to Kaburagi Kiyokata (1878-1972), a genre artist known particularly for his images of beautiful women. Kiyokata is credited with elevating the traditional ukiyo-e genre to a legitimate category of modern nihonga painting. On taking the aspiring young painter (Hajime) under his wing, Kiyokata have him the art name Shinsui.

SHINSUI LITHOGRAPHS. The Ito Shinsui lithographs that you will see most, are from a set titled Takasago-zome Yoku-i Bijin Hyaku Shi ("One Hundred Beauties in Takasago-zome Light Kimono"). They were published in 1931 by Kisen-do. The series was commissioned as advertisement prints by a company that produced ladies garments which were dyed using the "Takasago-zome" process.

VG, minor flaws as shown