Ryohei Koiso (1903–1988) was born in Kobe and was a leading figure in the Western-style art scene of the Shōwa period. He studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and deepened his understanding of Western painting through his experiences in Europe. He excelled particularly in depictions of women and group portraits, and, building on a solid foundation of drawing, produced numerous figure paintings characterised by subdued colour tones and elegant composition.

In his works, it is the naturalness of the figures’ posture and the movement of their hands—rather than their facial features—that leaves the strongest impression. Rather than adorning his figures with ostentatious embellishments, he creates a sense of quiet dignity by carefully arranging their posture and the space between them. A gentle regard for humanity can be sensed within his refined compositions.