Napping
- Date:
- February 1933
- Medium:
- Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
- Format:
- Oban
- Dimensions:
- 40.6 × 25.6 cm
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
Kotondo's bijin-ga are prized for their psychologically intimate portrayals of modern Tokyo women. With only 21 designs and original woodblocks destroyed, all genuine 1930s impressions are scarce. Sotheby's estimated "Summer Geisha" at $8,000–$12,000 in 2023.
A woman dozes in the light afternoon sleep called utatane — not a planned rest but a drowsiness that overtakes her as she sits. This February 1933 print renders the figure in a state of relaxed vulnerability, her body settling naturally into sleep without the composed arrangement of deliberate rest. The print is among Kotondo's final original bijin-ga designs before his output effectively ceased, and represents the mature expression of his abiding interest in women caught in unguarded, private moments.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Napping was created by Torii Kotondo (鳥居言人) in February 1933.
Napping was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (February 1933).
Napping depicts figures and bijin-ga.
Napping measures 40.6 × 25.6 cm (Oban format).
