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

Goyo Hashiguchi’s work “Woman Holding a Hand Towel” from 1921 is a masterful example of shin-hanga—a 20th-century movement within Japanese woodblock printing that sought to revitalize the art form by blending traditional techniques with modern, often Western-influenced, aesthetics.

Visual Analysis:

In this exquisite print, a young Japanese woman, dressed in a simple yet elegantly patterned kimono, is depicted in a moment of serene contemplation. She holds a diminutive hand towel, meticulously detailed, adding an intimate and personal touch to the scene. The contours of her face and the slight tilt of her head suggest a moment frozen in time, inviting the viewer into her world.

The color palette is subtle and refined, dominated by soft pastels and earth tones that harmonize to create a tranquil atmosphere. The woman’s kimono features delicate floral patterns and intricate designs, showcasing Goyo’s adeptness in capturing the nuances of traditional Japanese clothing. The background is minimalistic, drawing focus directly to the woman and her contemplative pose.

Goyo's distinctive use of delicate lines and attention to detail is observable in the rendering of the fabric’s texture and the soft gradations of color on the woman’s skin. The hand towel, a seemingly mundane object, is treated with as much care and precision as the rest of the composition, highlighting Goyo’s ability to elevate everyday moments to the level of fine art.

Information About the Artist and Work:

Goyo Hashiguchi (1880–1921), born Hashiguchi Kiyoshi, was a significant figure in the shin-hanga movement, which sought to revive the traditional ukiyo-e style with contemporary techniques and a fresh perspective. Trained as a painter and illustrator, Goyo combined these skills to produce woodblock prints characterized by their exceptional craftsmanship and delicate beauty.

“Woman Holding a Hand Towel” is one of Goyo’s last works; he tragically passed away in the same year at the relatively young age of 41. This print reflects a culmination of his artistic journey, embodying the peace and elegance that defined much of his work. The sensitivity with which he portrayed women—often capturing them in quiet, introspective moments—has been lauded for its grace and subtle emotional depth.

Current Location and Exhibition:

“Woman Holding a Hand Towel” is held in various collections around the world, including the Tokyo National Museum. The print has been exhibited internationally, reflecting Goyo’s enduring influence and the timeless appeal of his work.

Artistic Significance:

The print is emblematic of the shin-hanga movement’s ethos—merging traditional Japanese woodblock techniques with modern sensibilities. Goyo’s ability to imbue his subjects with a sense of quiet dignity and ethereal beauty has positioned him as a key figure in early 20th-century Japanese art. His prints, including “Woman Holding a Hand Towel,” are lauded for their technical precision, aesthetic elegance, and the gentle yet profound humanity of their subjects.

In summary, “Woman Holding a Hand Towel” not only represents the pinnacle of Goyo Hashiguchi’s artistic career but also serves as an enduring example of the aesthetic principles that underpin the shin-hanga movement. Its delicate beauty and emotional resonance continue to captivate audiences, securing its place in the pantheon of Japanese art.