Rouge
口紅
- Date:
- 1929
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
Typical Price
Depicting a woman applying lip color, "Rouge" (Beni) captures a moment of self-adornment with remarkable intimacy. The subtle blush of color on the lips demanded precise, controlled printing. All of Kotondo's designs were produced between 1927 and 1933. Lifetime editions range from $4,000-$12,000, while posthumous reprints sell for $2,000-$4,000.
Description
A woman applies crimson rouge to her lips using a small brush, her eyes focused on her reflection with intense concentration. The vivid red of the rouge provides a striking accent against the pale tones of her face and the muted colors of her kimono. The precision of her gesture and the delicacy of the moment create a compelling study of beauty as performance.
