Bijin in an Azalea Garden — つつじ庭にあそぶ美人
by Kawase Hasui
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- Japanese Art Open Database
by Kawase Hasui
A fourth distinct impression of Hasui's azalea garden [bijin-ga](/glossary/bijin-ga), differing from companion states in color calibration or paper batch. The figure's kimono—its specific pattern a key variable across states—would have been printed from dedicated color blocks, with each passing through the printer's hands for precise [baren](/glossary/baren) application over moistened [washi](/glossary/washi). The surrounding azalea blossoms, rendered in overlapping pinks, reds, and whites, demonstrate the technical complexity of this design: a typical impression required upward of a dozen separate block impressions to achieve the full tonal range of the flowers. The print's title (つつじ庭にあそぶ美人, Bijin Playing in the Azalea Garden) indicates the woman is depicted in leisurely enjoyment of the seasonal garden, a conventional bijin-ga premise linking femininity with cultivated natural beauty.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Bijin in an Azalea Garden — つつじ庭にあそぶ美人 was created by Kawase Hasui (川瀬巴水).
Bijin in an Azalea Garden — つつじ庭にあそぶ美人 depicts bijin-ga and gardens.
