Kasumi Teshigawara arranging chrysanthemums

Catalog note / 解説

This is an absolutely stunning original woodblock print by noted shin hanga printmaker Ito Shinsui. It is one of a series of prints based on his paintings and produced by Momose publisher; Shinsui contracted for these prints shortly before his death, but this image is, I believe, the only one of the set that is an actual lifetime image (i.e., completed before his death). The carver is Okura; the printer is Nakajo. Both of these skilled craftsmen had been employed by the Adachi publishing house, and their work is impeccable. The printing quality is easily the equal of any of Shinsui's earlier prints. It is quite large, about 21 x 15 plus full margins. Bears the publisher, carver and printer…