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 in Summer Clothing" is a masterwork created by Goyo Hashiguchi in 1920, excellently capturing the grace and poise characteristic of Japanese bijin-ga, a genre focusing on the beauty of women. This woodblock print depicts a serene, introspective woman dressed in a light, airy summer kimono, signifying both elegance and an embodiment of seasonal aesthetics in traditional Japanese culture.

Description of the Painting:
In this artwork, the woman is portrayed in a three-quarter profile, exuding an aura of quiet contemplation. Her kimono is adorned with delicate floral patterns, rendered with meticulous detail and soft coloration that convey a sense of lightness appropriate for summer attire. She holds a small fan in her hands, an accessory symbolizing both function and grace during the hot summer months. The subtle yet deliberate use of color, with predominantly soft pastels and occasional darker shades, enhances the gentle and contemplative mood of the piece. Her hair, carefully styled in the traditional nihongami fashion, further ties her to the cultural aesthetic of the time.

The background of the artwork is kept simple and unobtrusive, directing all attention to the subject. This minimalist approach highlights the woman's tranquil elegance and the artist's skill in focusing on essential details without overwhelming the viewer with extraneous elements.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:
Goyo Hashiguchi (1880-1921), a revered figure in the shin-hanga (new prints) movement, revitalized traditional ukiyo-e techniques by infusing them with modern sensibilities. His works are celebrated for their exquisite detail, technical precision, and sensitivity to the beauty of the human form.

The original work of "Woman in Summer Clothing" can be found in various museum collections, given the spread of Hashiguchi's works across institutions dedicated to ukiyo-e and Japanese art. One notable location where his prints are displayed is the Tokyo National Museum, which often exhibits pieces from esteemed woodblock print artists including Hashiguchi.

This print exemplifies Hashiguchi's unique ability to convey the ephemeral beauty and grace of women through woodblock printing, a craft demanding painstaking effort and precision. Throughout his career, Hashiguchi produced a modest but highly regarded body of work, often focusing on elegant female portraits and scenes of domestic life that encapsulate both the physical beauty and inner serenity of his subjects.

Reflecting the broader artistic movements of the early 20th century in Japan, Goyo's works bridge the traditional and the modern, blending classical ukiyo-e aesthetics with the more naturalistic and individualized approach of shin-hanga. His portrayals are lauded for their academic rigor, emotional depth, and the harmonious balance between simplicity and detail.

In "Woman in Summer Clothing," Goyo Hashiguchi's legacy as a master woodblock print artist is impeccably encapsulated. The piece stands as a testament to his ability to capture both the transient beauty of a moment and the enduring grace of the human form, making it not only a cherished artwork within his oeuvre but also an important piece in the history of Japanese printmaking.