Fragrance of the Hot Springs (Yu no ka)
- Date:
- 1930
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Edition:
- Published by Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
- Scholten Japanese Art
Kotondo is best known for bijin-ga, but his complete oeuvre includes actor prints and other figure subjects. His small corpus of only 21 designs ensures that all authenticated period impressions carry collector interest and scarcity premiums.
A woman emerges from or stands within the steam of a hot spring, the warmth rising around her in soft, undulating waves of bokashi. Yu no Ka — the fragrance of the hot spring — is among Kotondo's most celebrated subjects, the title directing attention not only to the visual atmosphere of steam but to its characteristic mineral scent. The composition places the body within an enveloping warmth, skin and steam merging at the edges. This print is counted among Kotondo's most significant and rare original designs.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Fragrance of the Hot Springs (Yu no ka) was created by Torii Kotondo (鳥居言人) in 1930.
Fragrance of the Hot Springs (Yu no ka) uses Bokashi, on woodblock print.
Fragrance of the Hot Springs (Yu no ka) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1930).
