雪
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 stands amid gently falling snow, her dark kimono and elaborate hairstyle contrasting with the white flakes drifting around her. The cold has brought a flush to her cheeks, adding warmth to her luminous complexion. The snow settles on her shoulders and the folds of her garment, creating delicate white accents against the dark fabric.
Woodblock print
c. 1832/38
Color woodblock print; oban
Yuki no Miyajima
1929
Color woodblock print; oban
1932
Woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Snow (雪) was created by Torii Kotondo (鳥居言人) in 1929.
Snow was published by Watanabe Shozaburo (1929).
Snow depicts snow scenes.
Snow measures 41.1 × 26.4 cm (Oban format).
