Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Woman After a Bath" by Goyō Hashiguchi captures a serene and intimate moment in the daily life of a Japanese woman. The print features a young woman seated on the floor, her upper body bare while she is in the process of drying herself with a cloth after a bath. Her skin is rendered in a smooth, pale tone, contrasting with the rich details of her dark coiffed hair, which is elegantly tied up.

The composition is delicate and refined, with minimal background elements to keep the focus on the figure. The woman’s slightly downward gaze and the careful flow of the garment and towel convey a sense of tranquility and introspection. The subtle use of shading, particularly in the folds of fabric and the gentle shadows on her body, showcases Goyō's mastery in woodblock printing.

The color palette is restrained, using mainly naturalistic hues that enhance the softness and purity of the subject. There's an emphasis on the textures—the smoothness of the woman’s skin, the soft crumple of the towel, and the sleekness of her hair—all meticulously depicted to highlight the fleeting beauty of the moment.

Artist and Historical Context:
Goyō Hashiguchi (1880–1921) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist and woodblock printmaker. His career, though brief, profoundly impacted the shin-hanga movement, which sought to revive and modernize traditional ukiyo-e prints by combining Japanese artistic techniques with influences from Western art.

"Woman After a Bath" is one of Goyō's most celebrated works, exemplifying his skill in blending meticulous detail with elegant composition. Created in 1920, this print falls within the period when he was producing some of his most iconic works. Unfortunately, his career was cut short when he passed away in 1921 at the young age of 41. Despite this, his contributions notably shifted the aesthetic trends in early 20th-century Japanese art.

Significance and Where the Original is Found:
The original print of "Woman After a Bath" is part of various museum collections around the world, including prominent institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Tokyo National Museum. These prints are highly regarded for their technical excellence and the emotional depth of their subjects, capturing the quiet moments of everyday life with poignant beauty.

Goyō's work is an exemplary representation of the shin-hanga movement, focusing on bijin-ga (images of beautiful women), which was a popular genre. His prints are painstakingly detailed and showcase his exceptional skill in line work and composition, making his works timeless treasures.

Noteworthy Details:
- Technique: Goyō’s use of the woodblock print technique is exceptionally sophisticated. He utilized a blend of soft lines and meticulous color application to achieve a serene and realistic portrayal of his subjects.

- Expression: The subtlety in the woman’s expression and posture in "Woman After a Bath" reflects a deep contemplation, characteristic of Goyō's ability to infuse his figures with a sense of inner life.

- Legacy: While his life was brief, Goyō’s legacy endures through his stunning prints, which continue to captivate audiences with their elegance and introspective beauty. His works are studied and celebrated for their technical mastery and emotional resonance in capturing the serene, intimate moments of Japanese life.

In conclusion, "Woman After a Bath" is not merely a depiction of a routine activity but a profound exploration of beauty, simplicity, and the quiet grace of everyday life as seen through the eyes of one of Japan's most gifted printmakers.