ARTISTS / ARTWORKS

WORK OF THE MONTH

Terasaki Kogyo “Beauty”

Color on silk, with a box signed and sealed by Kurata Shoto
166×83cm 251×107cm

Terasaki Kogyo, born in Akita, was a Japanese painter active during the Meiji and Taisho periods. His unique style, skillfully incorporating Western realism into classical techniques, made him one of the leading artists of his time.

His dignified portraits of bijin-ga (beautiful women), in particular, are said to have influenced other bijin-ga painters, such as Kaburaki Kiyokata. This work is truly magnificent, showcasing a masterful fusion of the lightness of the clothing, expressed through exquisite coloring, and intricate decorative details. The woman's expression conveys a human warmth that transcends mere ideal beauty.

This work possesses both elegance and grace, reminiscent of Terasaki's "Senshibanko" ("A Thousand Shades of Purple, Ten Thousand Shades of Red"), which is considered one of the pinnacles of Meiji-period bijin-ga painting.

SEARCH BY CATEGORY

SEARCH BY ARTIST

SEARCH BY ALPHABETICAL ORDER