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 Applying Powder" is a captivating shin-hanga woodblock print by the celebrated Japanese artist Goyo Hashiguchi, created in 1918. This exquisite piece captures a serene and intimate moment, reflecting the artist's masterful skill in rendering beauty and grace through his intricate woodblock printing techniques.

Subject and Composition:
The painting depicts a young woman in an indoor setting, engrossed in the act of applying powder to her face. Her pose is delicate yet purposeful, showcasing her slender neck and the soft, expressive lines of her face and hands. She sits gracefully with her head slightly tilted to one side, eyes focused on her task, exuding a sense of quiet concentration and tranquility.

Detail and Technique:
Hashiguchi’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the woman's kimono, which is adorned with subtle patterns that speak volumes about the texture and material. The soft, flowing lines of the garment contrast beautifully with the detailed pattern, emphasizing the traditional Japanese aesthetic of elegance and simplicity.

The background of the print is unadorned and muted, drawing the viewer's attention squarely to the subject. This compositional choice highlights the woman's serene beauty and the careful, almost meditative nature of her actions.

Color Palette and Light:
The color palette is composed of soft, muted tones that enhance the peaceful mood of the scene. The delicate variations of whites and pastels give the depiction of the powder and the woman's skin a smooth, almost ethereal quality. The harmonious blending of colors, coupled with the subtle gradations of shadow and light, creates a realistic yet idealized image.

Context and Artistic Movement:
Goyo Hashiguchi (1880–1921) was a prominent figure in the shin-hanga (new prints) movement, which sought to revive and modernize traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Emerging in the early 20th century, this movement emphasized delicate and refined portrayals of subjects, particularly bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women).

During his career, Hashiguchi became renowned for his portraits of women, capturing the essence of femininity with an unparalleled sensitivity and technical prowess. "Woman Applying Powder" stands as an exemplary piece within this genre, showcasing the artist's dedication to capturing the subtleties of human expression and the elegance of his subjects.

Museum and Collection:
The original woodblock print is part of the collection of several prestigious museums and galleries worldwide due to Hashiguchi’s renown. Notably, it can be found in institutions dedicated to Japanese art and culture, such as the Tokyo National Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. These collections often highlight Hashiguchi's pivotal role in the shin-hanga movement and his contribution to the preservation and evolution of traditional Japanese artistic practices.

Noteworthy Details:
Hashiguchi’s prints are highly sought after, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and timeless beauty. "Woman Applying Powder" exemplifies his innovative approach to woodblock printing, combining traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. The piece captures not only the physical beauty of the subject but also evokes a deeper emotional resonance, inviting viewers to contemplate the quiet moments of introspection and self-care.

In summary, "Woman Applying Powder" by Goyo Hashiguchi is a masterful work that epitomizes the shin-hanga movement through its delicate beauty, meticulous detail, and serene composition, celebrating the timeless elegance of the Japanese aesthetic.