Five Possibly 1922

Yoshikawa Kanpo made “Five” at an unknown date, using ink and color on paper. Look at her serene expression! I imagine Yoshikawa carefully carving the woodblocks, layering colors to achieve that luminous blue in her kimono, and the subtle gradations of the grey background. He must have thought about the contrast with the stark white floral motifs that adorn her clothes. She reminds me of the women depicted by Utamaro, with her elongated features, and that graceful pose. It's as if Yoshikawa is not just painting a portrait but capturing a fleeting moment, an unspoken feeling. You can almost feel the weight of her elaborate hairstyle, the texture of the silk, and the quiet dignity of her presence. Painters, whether they are using woodblocks or brushes, are always in dialogue with one another and with the past. I'm sure that Yoshikawa would agree.