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 filling a basin at the sink — one of the preparatory bathing subjects from Goyo's July 1920 series, the figure engaged in the act of drawing water before beginning her toilet. The composition is entirely functional in its subject: a woman performing a necessary task, her concentration directed toward the basin rather than toward any consciousness of being observed. Goyo's interest in these unguarded, purposeful moments distinguishes his bijin-ga from the posed, display-oriented compositions of the ukiyo-e tradition.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Woman Filling Basin at the Sink was created by Hashiguchi Goyo (橋口五葉) in 1920 (Taishō 9), 7th month.
Woman Filling Basin at the Sink was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1920 (Taishō 9), 7th month).
Woman Filling Basin at the Sink depicts figures, bijin-ga, and interiors.
Woman Filling Basin at the Sink measures 55.3 × 41.8 cm (Oban format).
