This is among Kotondo's most celebrated compositions. Kotondo created only 21 bijin-ga designs (1927–1933), and the original woodblocks were destroyed before WWII, making any original period impression extraordinarily rare. "Kamisuki (Hair Combing)" set the artist record at $72,500 at Christie's New York in 2019.
A woman''s face and shoulders emerge from a cascade of jet-black hair that fills much of the composition. The extraordinary density and luster of the hair, rendered in deep, rich sumi ink, creates a dramatic contrast with the luminous pallor of the woman''s face. The print celebrates the traditional Japanese ideal of glossy, abundant black hair as the crowning element of feminine beauty.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Black Hair (黒髪) was created by Torii Kotondo (鳥居言人) in 1930.
Black Hair was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1930).
Black Hair depicts bijin-ga and portraits.
