Japanese Sashi-E Woodblock Print by Kogyo Tsukioka: Bijin and Make-up

A small mirror in one hand, a brush in the other, and her full attention elsewhere entirely.

This sashi-e woodblock print, Bijin and Make-Up, is by Kogyo Tsukioka (1869-1927), from Japan, ca. 1910, in ink on paper. Sashi-e were illustrations made for books and magazines, and the bijin, or beautiful woman, was one of the most popular subjects in Japanese prints. A seated woman in a deep plum kimono looks down at a black mirror case, a tiny brush raised to her face. Her hair is dressed high with an ornament, and a blue patterned obi shows at her back. The artist's signature and red seal sit at upper right. It is 5.3 inches wide and 8.3 high.

Some things are not to be rushed.