Shōen Uemura (1875–1949) was a leading Japanese-style painter of the modern era, born in Kyoto. She made the portrayal of women the central theme of her life’s work and, drawing inspiration from Edo-period customs, classical literature, Noh theatre and Noh songs, created paintings of beautiful women characterised by elegance and tranquillity. Shōen’s distinctive style lies not only in the beauty of her subjects’ outward appearance, but also in the way she subtly conveys their inner selves and emotions through restrained expression. In 1948, she became the first woman to be awarded the Order of Culture.

When viewing Shōen’s works, one notices that even the figures’ postures, gazes and the movements of their fingertips are depicted with a quiet sense of tension. Whilst one’s gaze is inevitably drawn to the splendid kimonos and hairstyles, one senses that the true charm lies in the dignified spirit that lies beneath. To me, Shōen’s portraits of beautiful women are not merely depictions of beautiful women, but works that reflect a person’s dignity and inner strength within a single painting.