KIMONOS ON MONDAY: Japanese Beauty in Kimono — The Art of Shinsui Itō

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“After Washing Her Hair” by Shinsui Itō

While washing her hair …

Shinsui Itō: Japanese women in kimono. Which is your favorite color?

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Shinsui Itō, in Japanese 伊東 深水 (1898-1972), was one of the great Japanese artists of the twentieth century. Arguably, traditional Japanese art entered into a decline after the introduction of photography, and the introduction of western artistic styles.  Under the name of Shinsui Itō, (his real name was Hajime Itō, in Japanese: 伊東 一), he continued to use the “old” style of Japanese woodblock print painting.

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I like his work, because he often depicted Japanese women in a peaceful, yet sensuous manner. His depictions of beautiful Japanese women in kimono are the subject of my post today. Ahem … what a peaceful moment …

From the “Japanese Beauties” collection series 1929-1931

The Japanese government has declared his artwork to be a “national treasure”.

“Before The Mirror” by Shinsui Itō

Shinsui Itō: One of the great names of the Shin-hanga art movement!

 

 

KIMONOS ON MONDAY (Week #28): The artwork of Rieko Morita

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Rieko Morita (Morita Rieko) is a Japanese painter from Kobe, Japan.  Although most of her art is not kimono-themed, all of it is interesting. I especially like the “panel art” that she does, and would love to have one of these in my office.*

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The following is from her official website: “A Japanese artist renowned for her remarkable precise description technique of Maiko, symbol of Kyoto’s traditional culture, and other objects such as seasonal flowers and exotic women. Rieko draws keen attention at the present Japan art world as a leading artist of the Japanese painting of the next generation.”

Visit her official web site linked here.

http://www.morita-rieko.com/english/profile/index.html

This YouTube video is a slide show of some of her other (non-kimono) art.

*How many hints do I have to drop!

 

 

KIMONOS ON MONDAY (Week #25): The art prints of Haruyo Morita

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This week, I want to share some of the art prints available from Japanese artist Haruto Morita.  She creates beautiful images, many of which feature lovely Japanese women in kimono!

She is originally from Kita-Katsushika County, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

Morita-san now lives in on the New South Wales coast at Korora, in Australia: “where the light and climate are perfect for her work.” (from her web bio page).

Also from her web page bio: “Her work can best be described as a contemporary representation of the traditional Ukiyo-e, and ranging from the Heian to Edo and Meiji periods.”

Her web site is linked here.

… or this way http://www.haruyomorita.com.au/

Please enjoy this small slide show of some of work.  Better yet, visit her website and order a print!

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You can also purchase screensavers, jigsaw puzzles and other items derived from her art.

Hint-Hint: If you were wondering what I wanted for Christmas …