- Ayame Yukata (Iris Summer Kimono) -

The beautiful woodblock print "Ayame Yukata" (Iris Summer Kimono) is by Kotondo Torii (1900–1976). It depicts a graceful young woman preparing herself while wearing a summer yukata adorned with an elegant iris design. Her softly flushed cheeks and faintly pink toes suggest she has just stepped out of the bath, lending the scene a fresh, intimate atmosphere. The exquisite bokashi (gradation) shading and remarkably delicate carving—particularly in the individually rendered strands of hair—beautifully demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship of traditional Japanese woodblock printing.

This design belongs to Torii's celebrated series Twelve Aspects of Women, originally published in 1932. Considered one of the masterpieces of the artist's career, the series is admired for its refined beauty, elegant compositions, and subtle portrayal of feminine grace. Kotondo Torii's bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) are among the most highly regarded works of the Shin Hanga movement, and authorized later editions such as this are prized by collectors for their outstanding quality and faithful reproduction of the original design. The present impression is a later Shōwa-period edition.

Published by Ishu Kanko Kai in a limited edition of only 100 impressions, this print is printed on fine handmade Japanese washi paper bearing the "Sanso" watermark. It was carved by Shigeru Koike and printed by Yoshiaki Watanabe. The print bears the Torii approval seal, indicating that this is an officially authorized edition, together with the publisher's distinctive red moneybag seal inscribed with the character "Ishu," denoting Ishu Kanko Kai's publication rights. The limited-edition seal appears below the publisher's cartouche.

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