Hagoromo (B) - 飛天 (B)

A variant within Kawano's Hagoromo series, this print continues his exploration of the tennyo or flying celestial figure (飛天, hiten) drawn from Buddhist iconography. The B designation within the series typically signals a distinct composition or a different color scheme from the A variant — Kawano produced multiple versions of popular subjects to serve the active postwar export market, often varying block inking to test chromatic effects. The figure is likely depicted in a dynamic, airborne pose with the hagoromo feathered robe billowing around the form, the drapery providing Kawano an opportunity for fluid gouge work across the woodblock surface. Bold color areas printed without gradation are consistent with [sosaku-hanga](/glossary/sosaku-hanga) aesthetics, distinguishing this from the more atmospheric [bokashi](/glossary/bokashi) shading typical of [shin-hanga](/glossary/shin-hanga) celestial imagery.