Woman Reading a Letter
文読む女
by Ito Shinsui
- Date:
- 1920
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
Typical Price
A quiet moment of reading a letter gives this composition a narrative intimacy uncommon even in Shinsui's emotionally nuanced work. Early Watanabe editions bring $3,000-$9,000, while post-earthquake printings range from $1,200-$3,500. The downcast gaze and gentle hand gesture convey a psychological depth that elevates this beyond typical bijin-ga.
Description
A young woman holds a letter, her expression suggesting deep absorption in its contents. The stillness of her pose and the downward cast of her eyes create an atmosphere of private reverie that invites the viewer to wonder about the letter''s contents and the feelings they evoke. The subtle play of emotion across her features demonstrates Shinsui''s gift for psychological portraiture.
