Paintings: Pre 1920

 Taisho bijin

Click on the picture for detailed images

PRICE : $11,000  

ARTIST :
Due to losses the seal remains unread.

AGE :
circa 1920

SIZE :
The painting measures 66 by 26 inches. The frame measures 74.5 by 32 inches.

DESCRIPTION :
A painting on a grand scale of a beautiful lady or bijin from the Taisho period, circa 1920. She is substantial in both body and soul, projecting a modern and distinctly individual persona. The painting conjoins tradition and modernity by pairing a Western hairstyle with a kimono, conveying the woman's familiarity with both cultural traditions though one is left feeling somewhat unsure as to the compatibility of the two. She appears to be looking toward the past with a sense of nostaligia, even as she is haltingly moving forward.

TECHNIQUE :
Ink, pigments and gofun on silk.

CONDITION :
The painting is framed and is presently in its original state. It can certainly be hung as is, although we recommend that she be re-framed using the existing brocade and likely a more prominent brown lacquered frame. Restoration of the painting would include a slight lightening of the silk in the open fields and the touching-up of her face and the peony. The small white spots on her hair would also be removed. Please contact me for further details.