Applying Powder

Artist Torii Kotondo Japanese, 1900 - 1976

Place of OriginJapan

Date1929

PeriodShowa period (1926-1989)

CultureJapanese

MaterialsInk, colors and gold on paper

DimensionsImage: H. 17 3/4 in × W. 11 1/4 in (45.1 cm × 28.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Hugh M. Williamson

Object number1990.8.3

DepartmentJapanese Art

ClassificationsPrints And Drawings

On View

Not on view

InscribedShowa 4-nen Rokugatsu; Kesho; Sakai Kawaguchi gohan; Gaikoku yuki 200 mai kagiri zeppan dai 108 go.

MarkingsKotondo ga Sealed: Kotondo

Text Entries

Object Label

A woman quietly applies powder to her bare shoulder. The exposed flesh of her face and shoulder stands out strikingly against the dark indigo blue background. Kotondo was inspired by Woman at her Toilet by Hashiguchi Goyo. Acknowledging Goyo’s print, Kotondo took the subject of a woman powdering herself and dressed her in a similar red and white undergarment with a kanoko shibori (“fawn-spot” dyed) pattern and floral collar.