$1,000–$10,000. Common subjects: $1,000–$3,000. Key value factors: Yamakawa's limited output and early death at 46 make his prints relatively scarce. Quality bijin-ga command steady prices.
Maihime, or Dancing Girl, depicts a young performer engaged in one of the traditional Japanese dance forms, likely nihon buyo or a festival dance. The maihime subject connects to a long artistic tradition stretching back to ukiyo-e masters who documented the entertainment districts where dance was a central social art. Unlike the professional geisha, a maihime could be any young woman trained in dance as part of her cultural education.
Shuho's oban woodblock print captures the dancer in motion, rendering the flowing lines of her garments and the controlled grace of her posture. The tags noting both children and music suggest this may be a young dancer, perhaps a maiko or apprentice performer, accompanied by musical instruments. Shuho brings his portrait specialist's eye to the figure's face and hands, where the concentration required by formal dance creates an expression quite different from the relaxed countenances of his resting bijin.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Maihime (Dancing Girl) was created by Yamakawa Shuho (山川秀峰).
Maihime (Dancing Girl) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Maihime (Dancing Girl) depicts music, children, and daily life.
