Ito Shinsui (1898–1972), born in Fukagawa, Tokyo, was a Japanese-style painter regarded as a leading figure in the genre of ‘bijinga’ (portraits of beautiful women) in modern Japan. He studied under Kaburagi Seihō from a young age, learning the tradition of bijinga that originated in Edo-period ukiyo-e, whilst depicting women living through the Taishō and Shōwa periods with his own unique sensibility. Focusing primarily on women in kimono, he meticulously captured even the most casual everyday gestures and the atmosphere of the seasons, establishing a style of portraiture characterised by elegance and a sense of purity. He also produced outstanding works in the field of Shin-hanga (New Prints) and, after the war, was particularly active in the Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition). In 1958, he was elected a member of the Japan Art Academy.

Shinsui Ito’s works possess a charm that lies not only in the glamorous depiction of female beauty, but also in his ability to capture the quiet expressions and fleeting gestures that a woman might inadvertently reveal. Although the patterns of the kimonos, hairstyles and even the fingertips are rendered with great delicacy, the details do not overpower the composition, leaving a gentle resonance across the entire canvas. To me, Shinsui’s portraits of beautiful women seem to beautifully capture not only the figures themselves but also the very atmosphere of the Taishō and Shōwa eras. I believe their great appeal lies in the beauty of their refined lines and a sentiment that evokes a sense of nostalgia.