Goyō Hashiguchi (橋口五葉) — Woman Powdering Her Neck (1918)

Considered one of the masterpieces of the Taishō-era shin-hanga movement, this print captures a woman in an intimate, graceful moment, viewed from behind as she applies face powder to the nape of her neck. Goyō’s refined linework, delicate color gradations, and masterful use of mica lend a soft, luminous atmosphere that heightens the sense of quiet elegance. First published in 1918 (Taishō 7), the design exemplifies Goyō’s synthesis of classical ukiyo-e bijin portraiture with modern realism and compositional clarity.

Goyō’s woodblock prints were produced in limited numbers due to his untimely death in 1921, and early impressions are especially prized by collectors. This example presents with fine impression and color, slight toning, and otherwise excellent preservation.

Details

• Artist: Goyō Hashiguchi (1880–1921, Kagoshima)

• Title/Subject: Woman Powdering Her Neck

• Title (JP): 化粧の女

• Medium: Japanese woodblock print, ōban format; mica background

• Date: 1918 (Taishō 7)

• Dimensions: 21.75 × 17.25 in

• Signature/Seals: printed “Goyō ga”

• Condition: Fine impression and color; slight toning; otherwise excellent

Item Label

Woman Powdering Her Neck
化粧の女

Goyō Hashiguchi (橋口五葉), 1918
Japanese woodblock print, ōban format; mica background
Dimensions: 21.75 × 17.25 in

Museum Card

Woman Powdering Her Neck
化粧の女

Goyō Hashiguchi (橋口五葉), Japan, 1918
Japanese woodblock print, ōban format; mica background
Dimensions: 21.75 × 17.25 in

A quintessential Taishō shin-hanga beauty portrait: a bijin seen from behind, gently dusting powder on the nape of her neck. Goyō’s exquisite line, subtle color gradations, and shimmering mica create a tender luminosity that marries classical ukiyo-e elegance with modern realism.