Misty Spring 1933

Torii Kotondo made this print, Misty Spring, using woodblocks in the early to mid 20th century. It's incredible how he uses these flat planes of colour and line to create a feeling of volume. The kimono she wears is decorated with these beautiful, delicate flowers in such a rich purple. And those teeny tiny white blossoms scattered around - they make me think about how something so small can totally transform a space. It's like the way a single brushstroke can change a painting. I love how Kotondo doesn’t fuss too much with the details. He gets the essential forms down, and then trusts the viewer to fill in the rest. It makes me think of Utamaro, with his focus on female beauty, but Kotondo brings his own touch. It's like they’re having a conversation across time.