Goyo completed only 14 woodblock print designs before his death in 1921, making every genuine impression extraordinarily rare. His bijin-ga are among the most refined of the entire shin-hanga movement. "Woman at the Bath" achieved $40,075 at Bonhams New York in 2020; Sotheby's estimates of $15,000–$25,000 are typical for top examples.
A woman applies white face powder before a mirror, her reflection partially visible. The meticulous rendering of the cosmetic ritual and the woman''s concentrated expression create a portrait of feminine self-creation. The contrast between the partly powdered and natural skin demonstrates the artistry involved in the traditional Japanese ideal of beauty.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Woman Applying Powder (化粧の女) was created by Hashiguchi Goyo (橋口五葉) in 1918.
Woman Applying Powder was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1918).
Woman Applying Powder depicts figures, bijin-ga, and portraits.
