Young Bijin in Kimono

A young woman in kimono, identified as a bijin (beautiful woman) in the title, stands as one of Takasawa's more direct expressions of his core subject matter — youth, beauty, and Japanese dress combined in a composition of quiet pleasure. The kimono serves as both costume and context, its pattern and color telling the viewer as much about the wearer's status and personality as her expression. This print exemplifies the accessible warmth of Takasawa's bijin-ga approach.