Make-up 1918

This print called 'Make-up' was made by Goyo Hashiguchi, sometime around the early 20th century. Look at the soft blush of color on the woman’s face, the pale lilac background, and the decorative pattern on the kimono. I wonder how the artist decided on these very specific hues. It's like a dance of color. I can imagine Hashiguchi, carefully carving the woodblocks for each color layer, feeling the weight of the knife in his hand, considering how much pressure to apply. Each line, each curve, is so intentional, so considered. The pressure of making a perfect mark must have been intense! The way the woman delicately applies makeup to her face makes me think about how we present ourselves to the world, and the rituals we perform to enhance our appearance. Perhaps Hashiguchi was also thinking about these things. Artists keep each other going. We are all in conversation.