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.
A woman holds a hand mirror (hand-kagami or kozukai-kagami)—the portable rounded mirror used for close-up grooming—the mica-enhanced background of this January 1931 print creating a luminous foil for the polished metal disc and the woman's features reflected in it. The hand mirror allowed Shinsui to create a doubled image—the woman's face and its reflection—within a single composition, adding a self-reflexive layer to the [bijin-ga](/glossary/bijin-ga) format. The mica application, characteristic of his most refined prints, gives the surface a jewel-like quality.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Hand Mirror was created by Ito Shinsui (伊東深水) in January 1931.
Hand Mirror was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (January 1931).
Hand Mirror depicts figures, bijin-ga, and interiors.
Hand Mirror measures 41.3 × 26.2 cm (Oban format).
