Shinsui is Japan's preeminent shin-hanga bijin-ga master. His "Modern Beauties" and related series remain in strong demand, with provenance from notable collections (Freddie Mercury's collection appeared at Sotheby's 2023) adding premium value.
Hair (kami)—rendered as both title and subject in this Showa-period print dated 1953—takes as its focus the elaborate coiffure that was one of the most formally demanding elements of [bijin-ga](/glossary/bijin-ga) composition. Shinsui's print organizes itself around the woman's hair: its arrangement, the ornaments that punctuate it, and the way it frames and defines the face beneath. The single-character title, simple as a haiku keyword, directs attention with absolute economy to the subject's essential feature.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Hair (Kami), Shôwa period, dated 1953 was created by Ito Shinsui (伊東深水).
Hair (Kami), Shôwa period, dated 1953 was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Hair (Kami), Shôwa period, dated 1953 depicts figures, bijin-ga, and portraits.
