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 bijin applies rouge to her lips, her gaze directed toward a hand mirror held just out of frame. Kotondo enriches the surface with mica powder, creating a subtle shimmer that catches the light and gives the background a silvery, atmospheric depth. The act of applying lip rouge — so intimate and self-directed — exemplifies Kotondo's recurring interest in women absorbed in private beauty rituals, observed by the viewer without self-consciousness.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Rouge- lipstick — くち紅 was created by Torii Kotondo (鳥居言人) in 1932.
Rouge- lipstick — くち紅 uses Bokashi, on woodblock print.
Rouge- lipstick — くち紅 was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1932).
Rouge- lipstick — くち紅 depicts bijin-ga, daily life, and portraits.
