Maiko (1)
by Ito Shinsui
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
by Ito Shinsui
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 maiko—an apprentice geisha undergoing training in Kyoto's geisha districts—appears in full performance regalia, her distinctive red collar, elaborate Shimada hairstyle adorned with kanzashi hair ornaments, and trailing kimono identifying her status and city immediately. Shinsui produced multiple prints of maiko subjects, drawn to the exquisite formal complexity of their dress and the combination of youth and sophisticated performance skill. This first in the numbered series establishes the subject's visual terms clearly.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Maiko (1) was created by Ito Shinsui (伊東深水).
Maiko (1) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Maiko (1) depicts bijin-ga.
