Eyebrow Pencil
眉墨
by Ito Shinsui
- Date:
- 1928
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
Typical Price
The delicate act of penciling eyebrows becomes a study in feminine concentration and poise. Early editions bring $3,000-$10,000, with later Watanabe printings at $1,200-$3,500. Toilette subjects form a distinctive subcategory within Shinsui's bijin-ga, consistently attracting collectors drawn to moments of private ritual.
Description
A woman carefully draws her eyebrows using a traditional cosmetic pencil, concentrating intently on her reflection. The print captures the meticulous artistry of traditional Japanese makeup, in which the shaping of eyebrows was considered one of the most important elements. The woman''s focused expression and steady hand create a portrait of quiet, purposeful beauty.
